** This thread discusses the Content article:
Chuckwagon Dinner in Jackson Hole, WY **
On our journey westward we thought it only fitting that the boys experience riding in a covered wagon. After all, it was the first RV, and in the spirit of discovery, we'd like to do a few miles as they did, or at least as close to it as we can get. Unfortunately, our pocketbook won't allow us a really authentic experience, although they are available. You can spend a week on the Oregon Trail in a wagon train or on horseback, but for a family of four it's really expensive. So, we settled for a chuckwagon dinner with the Bar-T-5 Ranch in Jackson Hole, WY. Turns out we didn't have to settle much. The kids had a blast, we had a great dinner, and were back in our comfortable beds that night instead of sleeping on the ground under the wagon.
When we started off in our wagon toward the place where we'd be eating
chicken or roast beef, corn on the cob, rolls, baked beans and gooey
brownies I knew we were in for a good time when the owner rode up next
to us on his horse and began talking to Griffin. Grif got to pet the
horse and was given instructions to let everyone know if he saw
anything suspicious, since we were the last wagon in the train and Grif
was sitting in the back. Ah ha! Now we had a job. In addition, our
driver needed a little help with her team of horses, Jess and Bud, and
asked if any of the children would be willing to take the reigns for a
while. They ate it up! Then, out of the woods, came a mountain man,
warning us that we were in Indian territory and that they may not like it. Minutes later, 2 screaming Indian warriors, rode furiously up the
wagon train. The boys jumped and their eyes flew open wide. Again,
the 2 Indians, faces covered in war paint, came riding by. Our driver
assured us they didn't mean to harm us, they only wanted to scare us
away so they could have our brownies! Griffin wasn't so sure, and kept
his eyes peeled in case they decided to return. When we reached our
camp we found a cozy shelter and lots of good food. Dinner was accompanied by live
music. At one point the crowd was asked to participate in a group
rendition of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" and Dan, along with several others, was taken on
stage. He gave a great performance, unfortunately, I didn't get it on
video. I was too busy laughing.
As the sun began to set we made our way back to our wagons and Mason
helped drive us home. I could picture him driving a wagon, long ago,
as he slowed the team, "Easy now, easy now." He was a natural.
Pictures in the gallery
