Regarding the River Trip and Weather

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Below is a letter from the river guide to Ben:
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Hi Ben, I hope you are doing great. It was nice talking to you yesterday and really looking forward to meeting you and your family and taking you all down the river.

Just to confirm our conversation, we can alter the cancellation policy for your group to 48 hours before the trip time. Please let everyone know to not panic or worry too much about the long term forecast. The mountain weather here changes so quickly and a lot of times the weather forecast changes this time of year day to day (it was suppose to be raining here today and right now we are staring at blue sky and about 65 degrees...yeah!).

For the weather, on the whitewater section, we have all the gear (wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, splash pants) to make sure everyone has a great time no matter what the weather. Just because everyone gets wet during the trip regardless of the weather, we pretty much do the trips no matter what the weather. We certainly would not continue to do this if our customers did not have a great time.

For the scenic trip, we understand that people are doing this trip with the idea that they would prefer to not get wet. So we take a look at the weather closer before departure time on this one and let people know about the rain situation. We do have ponchos and blankets on all the rafts. Because of the cooler spring we have had so far, a lot of the animals are still on the valley floor and we have seen lots of animals and bird life on these trips.

Thanks again Ben. Please let me know if you have any other questions and we will see you and your crew next week.

Raft On,

Bud

YA'LL COME

It's Gonna Be A Blast!

Can't Wait!

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park

Like No Other Place On Earth

Friends You Will Meet at Yellowstone Park

More Yellowstone Park Wildlife

IT'S NOT TO LATE!!!

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News Flash. We have checked with Teton Village and they still have housing available during the reunion times for family who want to come to the reunion but don't have housing yet. There are units available very near where we are all staying and if you tell them you are with the Duggan Family Reunion, you will still get the discount. So if you are still trying to decide whether or not to come, don't worry about housing. It is there waiting for you! Just call Teton Village at 800-329-9205 and ask for Ron.



Also, it may still be possible to sign up for the rafting trips. We had two family members successfully sign up just last Friday. So if you want to go river rafting with the family but don't yet have a reservation, call: 800-732-6295 or 307-733-6295 and ask for Bud. Tell him you want to make a reservation for the Duggan Family Reunion whitewater (or scenic) river trip.

Can't wait to see everyone!

A Walk In The Park

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Thinking that a hike in Grand Teton National Park might not be all that amazing? Think again.

Click on picture for larger image

NEW -- The Reunion Activities List

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MONDAY, JUNE 14
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• 5:00 BAR J RANCH, family dinner
• 7:00 ROOK (casual playing, warm ups)
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TUESDAY, JUNE 15
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• 11:00 SCENIC RIVER FLOAT TRIP (no rapids)
• 2:30 WHITE WATER RAFTING
• 7:00 ROOK TOURNAMENT
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16
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• 9:00 HIKING and ROCK CLIMBING
• 9:00 YELLOWSTONE PARK, TOURING
• 7:00 ROOK TOURNAMENT
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THURSDAY, JUNE 17
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• 2:00 OUTDOOR GAMES @ PARK
• 4:00 EARLY DINNER @ PARK
• 5:00 TALENT SHOW @ PARK
• 7:00 ROOK CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
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From Aubrey (Re-Posted for Review):
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Dear Family,

Many of you have accepted assignments to be in charge of these activities and others will be asked to assist them. No one person should become overwhelmed with their participation in these assignments. Each one of you should be able to relax and have fun with every activity... well, that's easier said than done, but we'll try.

I have accepted the responsibility of coordinating the activities, so any information or reports should be directed to me, personally. That way no wires will get crossed and everything should be able to flow smoothly.

There are going to be so many fun activities. It's our intent to make these available to all who want to participate. You may pick and choose which you want to participate in, go shopping, sit on the porch, eat, play cards, or sleep........but, from the reports I've already gotten, it sounds like many or you want to take part in as many as your poor bodies will allow

Rook Tournament (nightly): Scott

White Water Rafting: Benjamin and Enoch

River Float (slow, easy): Benjamin and Enoch

Hiking w/Rock Climbing (including beginners who want to learn): Daniel (certified) and Alex

Trip to Yellowstone: Bill

Bar J Ranch Dinner: Uncle Larry

Picnic and Outdoor Games: Mendy and Claudia

Talent Show: Candy

Bar J Ranch

Letter from Uncle Larry with details (including cost) about the Duggan family reservation for dinner at the Bar J Ranch:

15 February 2010

Aubrey, I just got off the phone with Bar J Ranch.

I made reservations for 50 people more or less. We can give the final number by noon on the 14th before we are supposed to be there. They don't have the wagon ride anymore. We need to arrive as early as possible (5:30 to be seated near the stage).

Prices range from $20.00 a meal to $30.00 which includes the meal, show, and gratuity. Their web site is www.barchuckwagon.com. You can get more info there along with the menu. They don't start serving until 7:00

Scenic & White Water Rafting Trip Info -- Book by April 15th

From: Dave Hansen (e-mail address: info@davehansenwhitewater.com)
Subject: Duggan Family Excellent River Adventure

Hello Everyone,

My name is Bud with Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River here in Jackson, WY. Just sending out a mass email to everyone to answer some questions and get you all excited about the Whitewater and Scenic Float Trips we have planned for you during your big week together. Below are some of the details:

Date of trip: June 15th

Pickup: At Teton Village (near your condos)

Trip Departure Times from pickup point at Teton Village:

11:00 for scenic trip and people doing both the scenic and whitewater

1:30 for whitewater trip

(Depending on the number of people that sign up for the trips and also depending on the flow of the river, we might change the time of the trip by 15 minutes one way or the other as we get closer to 6/15)

_

Prices:

Whitewater - $50 for adults and $40 for Kids (ages 6-12 years old)

Scenic - $45 for adults and $35 for kids (ages 4-12 years old)

Combo Trip (people who do them both) - $95 for adults and $75 for kids

(Everyone on the scenic and on the combo get
a lunch (people just doing the whitewater will have to grab some lunch on their
own)

Scenic Float Trip Info:

For the scenic trip, we do a beautiful 13 mile stretch that gives you great views of the Tetons along with the Snake River Range and the Gros Ventre Range (the two ranges that complete the “Jackson Hole”). This stretch is also probably the best area in the lower 48 for nesting eagles. This season, there were 7 active eagles nests in this section, 5 of which you could see from the river. Our record for the number of eagles spotting in one trip in this section is 23. I have included a link to our website that talks more about our scenic trips if you would like more information: www.davehansenscenicfloattrips.com.

All rafts have a set of binoculars, fleece blankets and ponchos in the off chance a quick mountain storm passes through. As mentioned above, everyone on the scenic trip will get a boxed deli lunch as well.


We also have a great program for kids (This is offered free for the kids that go on the Float Trip) – Dave Hansen Jr. Guide Program. At the beginning of each trip, we pass out a laminated packet to all the kids that has pictures of birds and animals that they could see on the trip and was to keep track of them. The guides will also enlist the kids to help count all the eagles they see and also all the different birds they see. In the packet, there is also word games and puzzles that relate to the trip and the Tetons.

We also have an art contest throughout the season and have paper and markers in each packet for the kids to draw. The guides will get the kids on the oars for a bit and teach them how to row. It is a great trip to bring a camera and take a picture of the kids rowing. Towards the end of the trip, the guides will ask the kids a few easy questions about what they saw and learned and then award them with a Dave Hansen Whitewater Jr. Guide patch. Kids really have a good time with it. Here is a link if you want more info: http://www.davehansenscenicfloattrips.com/scenic_trip_options.shtml


White Water Info:

The whitewater section that we float on the Snake River is a very family friendly section with our minimum age usually being around six years old (depending on water levels). On a scale of I (flat water) to VI (not navigable) the section on the Snake that we will be floating will be class III (beginning/intermediate level). It is a fun and exciting trip where people get wet, but it is also not overwhelming. This section is classified as a pool and drop river where after every section of waves, you have a nice calm section that you float in before you hit your next section of waves. So with this, there are a lot of calm sections in between the whitewater where you can kick back and relax and enjoy the scenery of the Snake River Canyon (absolutely gorgeous) or plan a sneak attack on your favorite relative’s raft for a water fight. Here is a link to our website with pictures and more info about the whitewater trip: http://www.davehansenwhitewater.com/whitewater.shtml


Our whitewater trips for 2010 are going to be $65 for our standard raft and $70 for our 8 man raft, but we are going to do a special “Duggan Family’s Excellent Adventure Rate” of $50 for either raft. The 8 man raft is a little more exciting and active…we want everyone to feel good about paddling in that raft. With the standard raft (holds up to 16 people, but usually there are between 10 and 14 people), there are plenty of places for people to paddle and also places for people to sit in the middle of the raft if they do not want to paddle. Kids can sit in the front in the standard raft and get soaked or sit in the back of the raft and not get quite as wet.

Weather Considerations:

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The weather the time of year you will all be in town can vary some, but is typically nice with highs in the 70's. We do have splash jackets and splash pants that come with the trip. And you can rent wet suits for just $5 if you would like.

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The equipment we have to keep people comfortable typically allows us to go down the river in all weather, unless there happens to be a snowstorm (and I am sure that will not happen during your visit ;-).

How and When to Book:

If you are interested in going on a trip or have more questions, the best thing to do is to call us at our office at 800-732-6295 or 307-733-6295.

If you would like to go, we are asking for people to make reservations by April 15 so that we can make sure we have enough space reserved for your trip. When you are making reservation, just be sure to mention that you are with the “Duggan Family
Reunion Excellent Adventure.” It helps us out a lot for people to call in and make reservations well before the trip. We are regulated by the Forest Service with how many people we can take down the river throughout the day, so the sooner we can get the numbers for everyone that would like to go, the better the chance is that everyone will be able to go.

COMING SOON -- THE FACTS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE

Answer to inquiry by Lucrisha about he costs of touring the National Parks:

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are relatively inexpensive to visit. The admission price for a private vehicle driving into the park is $25.00 (you can have as many people in the vehicle as you want). You only need to pay that fee once. When you pay the admission fee, you just keep your receipt and it is good for 7 days at BOTH national parks -- Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Not bad for a full week of access to two of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

I will post about the other two activities that involve a cost (river rafting and chuck wagon dinner) by this weekend here on the blog.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

Bill

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America's First National Park

(click on images to enlarge)

Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful Inn

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Beehive Geyser



Gibbon River

YELLOWSTONE CONTINUED

Midway Geyser Basin

Grizzlies run free

MORE YELLOWSTONE

Where the buffalo roam....

Sapphire Pool

Travertine Steps - Mamoth Hot Springs

Norris Geyser Basin

In Memorium -- Ida Lou Duggan

A Poem for Mimi

Our dear, sweet Mimi, it's been a year
and you're still bringing us comfort, drying our tears.
I know you're in heaven, up above
looking down on us, and sending your love.

-

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Today, I remember your sweet spirit
and your loving ways
hoping I can be like you
until my dying days

You'll never be forgotten Mimi,
I can just close my eyes and see
you sitting in your chair smiling
waiting there for me.

You had such a long life,
so many others have much less.
I knew it was your time when the angels came
and took you to be with the best.

So sweet Mimi up above,
although you're no longer here,
In my heart and mind is where I'll keep you,
so you'll always be very near

-- Candy Duggan Rogers

Letter from Karen Green
(excerpt)

23 January 2010

One-Year Anniversary of Mimi's Funeral...‏

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Dear Family,

It's snowing outside this morning and as I sit here reflecting upon the events of this past year I realize that today is the anniversary of our sweet Mimi's funeral and burial and the memories of her life come rushing back... She loved her family more than life itself and we loved her right back! I really believe that she's lent a helping hand in gently nudging us from the other side to plan and organize our upcoming Duggan Family Reunion this summer! Wouldn't she be excited about the flurry of emails and phone calls back & forth from Utah to Tennessee to Idaho?

Her home was THE gathering place; A place where everyone was welcomed and well-fed. No tummy ever went away hungry if Mimi had anything to do with it! She always insisted on feeding anyone who wandered in and her biscuits and cornbread tasted better than just about any dessert you could put in your mouth. She knew how to make "home" the place you wanted to be and what a great legacy she has left to us in creating that longing, that desire for home, and we, in turn, want to perpetuate that longing in our children and grandchildren so that they too will turn their hearts toward home...

I wanted to include a special poem that Uncle Larry sent me several months before Mimi passed away that I shared at the end of her Eulogy entitled, "The Dash"...


THE DASH

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own; the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash" mid-range!)

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your Eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash?

Letter from Tammy Gentry
15 January 2010

Good morning. I just wanted to take a minute to share with you some of my thoughts this morning.

As I prepared to leave home this morning, I opened the coat closet to choose a coat to wear. Wrapped in plastic from the dry cleaners was the dark green all-weather coat that had belonged to Mimi Duggan. Even though I had it dry cleaned shortly after her passing, I had never worn it. I took it from the closet, took it into my bedroom, and removed the plastic. After zipping the lining into it, I placed it on my body and buttoned it up. The rose colored scarf I was wearing today looked quite nice with the coat.

Now it was time to run out the door. Kevin (my almost 10-year-old) and I got in the car and headed for his school. After dropping him off, I noticed the silence in the car and the coat I was wearing. Tears came to my eyes. How could a coat do this to me? You see...you have to realize something. I did not have the wonderful opportunity that so many of you had as young children. I did not get to spend time with Mimi, baking chocolate chip cookies or whatever the day held. I feel as though I missed out on so much. I did, however, as an adult, acquire a love and appreciation for our Mimi. For that I am thankful.

I share this with you today to give you something to think about. Are you doing all you can to show the people around you that you love them? Are you building special memories? What about that someone that should be a part of your life, yet you haven't included them as you should? It isn't too late to start today; maybe you should reach out to someone.

God has blessed us all very greatly with wonderful people around us. Don't waste another day without sharing the love that we have all so richly been given.

with love,

Tammy

Activities Overview -- Letter From Aubrey

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Dear Family,

Only have a moment to write, but wanted to let you know that all of the activities are in the process of being planned. Many of you have accepted assignments to be in charge of these activities and others will be asked to assist them. No one person should become overwhelmed with their participation in these assignments. Each one of you should be able to relax and have fun with every activity... well, that's easier said than done, but we'll try.

Everyone has already helped so much, especially Karen. It's time for her to back away and have us take over. I have accepted the responsibility of coordinating the activities, so any information or reports should be directed to me, personally. That way no wires will get crossed and everything should be able to flow smoothly.

There are going to be so many fun activities. It's our intent to make these available to all who want to participate. You may pick and choose which you want to participate in, go shopping, sit on the porch, eat, play cards, or sleep........but, from the reports I've already gotten, you'll probably want to take part in as many as your poor bodies will allow.

Love you all.

Aubrey

aubrey@afcdesigns.com

PS -- More to come soon on the blog.
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LIST OF ACTIVITIES AND PLANNERS

Rook Tournament (nightly): Scott

White Water Rafting: Benjamin and Enoch

River Float (slow, easy): Benjamin and Enoch

Boat Ride on Jennie's Lake: Aunt Norma and Reed

Hiking in Grand Teton National Park, w/Rock Climbing (including beginners who want to learn): Daniel (certified) and Alex

Trip to Yellowstone: Bill

Bar J Ranch Dinner: Uncle Larry

Picnic and Outdoor Games: Mendy and Claudia

Talent Show: Candy

Housing Information

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Teton Village - Spring

Teton Village - Winter

Timber Ridge Condos

Map of Teton Village Units (click for larger image)

Most people have already arranged for their housing, but if you haven't, DON'T WORRY, the people at Teton Village will be able to find you nice accommodations close to everyone else. Teton Village has many different units and sizes of accommodations.

Karen got us started by finding units that were literally next door to each other at Timber Ridge. But already Allan and Pam, and Bill and Claudia, are across the street at Wind River. And Ben, Enoch and Aunt Norma are at Rendezvous (which is by the Tennis and Swim Club). Everything is CLOSE, so you won't be far no matter which unit you choose.

So far, these are the units that have been reserved by family members:

Timber Ridge #5: Roger Green Family

Timber Ridge #6: Larry Duggan Family

Timber Ridge #7: Darryl Veal Family

Timber Ridge #9: Aubrey Conner Family

Wind River #3: Bill Conner Family

Wind River #15: Allan Duggan Family

Rendezvous C3: Wadsworth Families


Here is the Toll Free number for Teton Village:

800-329-9205
Ask for Ronnie or Jessica.

Make sure you tell them you are calling for reservations for the Duggan Family Reunion and they will give you a discount. Of if you check in on Sunday (June 13) and and stay until Friday (i.e. check out the morning of Friday, June 18), you will get a free day.

Please contact Karen (grammygreenthumb@gmail.com) if you have questions or need help with housing.