Wednesday was a beautiful day in the valley. It was the warmest day yet, and no clouds in sight. We loaded up the van around 9:00 am and headed to Granite Hot Springs. The natural hot springs are around 30 miles south of Jackson and well worth the trip. You drive through the beautiful Hoback River canyon and then turn left on a rough 10 mile dirt road that takes you along Granite Creek to the springs. The snow-capped Gros Ventre mountains consume the horizon in every direction. We hiked along the Granite Creek, took some pictures, and soaked in the warm water for a long time. It was really nice to slow down for a few hours. It was like being in a little resort in the middle of nowhere.

Later that evening we headed to the Jackson Hole Rodeo. The students really got into the whole cowboy/cowgirl scene, sporting new boots, hats, and cameras of course. For most of them, it was their first rodeo, and a couple even got invited "back stage" where the real cowboys get ready to ride the bulls and broncs. Halfway through the rodeo the announcer asked where the West Virginia Photography Group was, and we all screamed and yelled with pride. It was a great evening in Jackson and another memorable experience for the students.