Retreat

We woke up early on Thursday morning to drive to Cody. We drove in the north entrance to the park headquarters in Mammoth Spring, and from there we headed east towards Roosevelt Lodge. This is probably the least visited area of the park as there are no geothermal attractions there. But the scenery along the Blacktail Deer Plateau may by among the loveliest in the park. If only we had had more time we would have stopped and taken stunning pictures of Tower Falls. And if only there hadn’t been this idiot in front of us - with Nevada plates - who insisted on driving 20 miles below the posted speed limit….

It took us a little under four hours to get back to Cody. It’s strange on a trip like this how the second time you come to a place you had previously never been it somehow seems just like home. And Cody was to be our home for the next three days.

The Thomas the Apostle Retreat Center is located just to the southwest of the town of Cody, not far from the airport. It consists of one large house, originally the ranch house, and two smaller guest houses.  This is the view as you enter from the highway

and this is the view from the ridge behind the center.

The center was originally set up by Daphne Grimes, an Episcopal priest, on her family’s old ranch. She intended it to be basically an retreat center for artists. It never quite worked out as that, and some years ago the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming made it their conference center. Despite the denominational affiliation, however, it is open to groups of any faith and to community groups as well. Daphne was an artist, and some of her work is found around the grounds of the center.

 

 

There is a large labyrinth on the grounds. As you walk the labyrinth, the sky is always changing. Of course, it would probably be a good idea to stop walking if you see lightning!

There are hiking trails around the center 

and places for contemplation, as well. 

From the one mile ridge trail, you probably will not see any people. But you can see llamas!

And they may be as curious about you as you are about them. 

John had to amuse himself while I was in class. One afternoon he headed up the Shoshone River to take a look at the Buffalo Bill Dam. Completed in 1910, it was for a time the tallest dam in the world.

John was less fascinated with the the 325 foot face of the dam than with the logs carried down by the summer snow melt. 

He loved the abstract shapes they formed. 

He also returned to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. He is fast becoming an western art aficionado. 

After our two days of class, it was time for all to go back to their small towns and cities in Wyoming and Montana. John was drafted to take the group shot. That is probably because they figured out what a great photographer he is!

On our way out of town, we stopped at the “Poker Church.” According to the story, Buffalo Bill and some friends were playing poker. The pot grew so large that someone suggested that part of the winnings be donated to help build a church of the winner’s choice. And apparently the winner was an Episcopalian and this church was built as a result. 

On my right is Mike, the parish administrator and one of the mentors, and on the left is Roger, one of the other trainers. 

We had a basically uneventful flight out of Cody. It’s a small airport, but some of the people there are big on style! Hard to tell from the photograph, but she had matching pink shoelaces, too. 

At Salt Lake City, we were offered a large inducement to give up our seats: two vouchers worth 600 dollars each! I feel another trip coming on….