A Day with Former Students and a Whitewater Rafting Adventure!

A wonderful aspect of my Jackson Hole Adventure has been the fun I have had reconnecting with old friends and former students.  On Saturday, August 20th, Elaine and I headed into Jackson Town Square to have breakfast with one of our former Greenhill students named Macey Small.  While I worked at Greenhill, I taught Macey PE, coached her as a member of my Varsity basketball team and served as her advisor during her ninth and tenth grade years.  I also spent many days house sitting Macey and her brother and sister while their parents traveled to a variety of places.  Elaine taught Macey seventh grade history and coached her as a member of the Varsity Cheer squad.  Those were all great years (1986-1992) and I cherish the memories that I had with Macey while I lived in Dallas and worked at Greenhill.  Macey is now a lawyer.  She is married and has a beautiful daughter named Campbell.  Macey and her family were here in Jackson Hole for a long weekend and I feel lucky to have had the chance to spend a few hours with her!

Elaine and I enjoying time with former Greenhill student Macey Small, her husband Steve and daughter Campbell

After catching up with Macey and having a great breakfast, Elaine and I strolled around the town square and enjoyed the Saturday morning Farmer's Market.

A bit of music at the Farmer's Market

After enjoying the Farmer's Market, it was time to enjoy a whitewater adventure with another former student of mine.  Ranait Griff and her mother Mary Ellen Phelan arrived in Jackson Hole on August 18th.  I met Ranait and Mary Ellen in 2001 when I began my Pingry years.  Ranait played basketball for me at Pingry and is currently in her 3rd year at Fordham University and a member of the basketball team.  I am lucky that I have been able to travel up to the NY/NJ area each year to see her compete for Fordham.  It was awesome that I could now share my Jackson Hole Adventure with Ranait and Mary Ellen.  

We had quite a gang on this whitewater adventure.  Joining in on the action was Sara, Elaine, Ranait and Mary Ellen.  We were ready to meet the rapids on the south end of the Snake River.

Ready to meet the rapids on the Snake River.
Sara, Mary Ellen, me, Elaine and Ranait

Our trip down the Snake was great.  We had wonderful weather and lots of laughter as we navigated the river.  I only wish that a camera would survive all of the water because I would love to share pictures of us riding the rapids.

Our day ended with a home cooked steak dinner.  It was one of my best nights here in Jackson Hole.  A casual dinner at home with great friends.  The conversation never wavered and fun memories were made.