Yellowstone National Park

This past weekend Nat and I attended the Convent General KYCH national meeting in Jackson Hole, WY. I have never attended this meeting, though I am a Past Prior and have a vote, but we thought it would make a wonderful trip. And it was a most memorable trip. We flew out Thursday afternoon and after a layover in Denver arrived in Jackson about 9 PM. The Snow King Resort is where we stayed. We had a lovely condo overlooking snow king mountain. We had some dinner at the hotel and saw some people from around the country that we had meet before.

The next morning was beautiful. The weather was perfect for our entire stay. Our tour of Yellowstone National Park the the Grand Tetons left the resort a little after 7 AM. We had a box breakfast to eat on our journey. As we left Jackson you could see how large the mountains were. An awesome site. Our tour guide/bus driver was really interesting. He enjoyed his job and sharing the history and stories of the area. As we entered the park we saw a moose grazing under the snow capped Tetons. As we entered Yellowstone our guide told us about the fires in Yellowstone and how they are important to the natural cycle. We would latter learn the real power of fire. The bus would stop every so often so we could see the main attractions. We saw "old faithful" and many other geysers. There was hot boiling mud and the smell of sulphur rising form deep beneath the earth. Below is picture of a rainbow at the bottom of one of the two waterfalls we saw.

It is impossible to put in words the majestic and magnificent sights of nature we saw. The pictures below are of me and Nat in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with the waterfall in the back.

Our box lunches were on the bus and around 1 PM we were dropped of at "old faithful inn" to eat our prepared lunches and see the geyser erupt. After that it was back on the bus and on the curvy hilly narrow roads. Our last "official" site seeing stop was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. WOW! How truly amazing. The colors, the waterfall, all God's handywork. Our tour was coming to an end, or so we thought. We stopped to see some grazing buffalo, I was amazed at how many people had never seen a buffalo. What happened next may go down in the history of bus tours. Since after leaving the Grand Canyon our return trip would take about 3 hours, the bus stopped at the Yellowstone Inn so we could refresh ourselves. While we were refreshing ourselves the tour guide and the other tour guide (there was two buses with a total of about 75 people) found out from the park rangers that the fire had closed the road we needed to travel home.

There we were hundreds of miles away from our hotel. and no road to get us home. We had been on the bus since 7 that morning and most of the people were getting tired and ready to leave. The head of the Convent General made the decision to get back by way of Cody, WY. It would take at least 6 hours, but it was the closest route. Our bus traveled a narrow, winding, cliffhanging road for the next two hours. The scenery was out of sight. We got to see more of Yellowstone than any other bus tour. The rock formations and colors were indescribable. We pulled into Cody and there was an argument about where to eat. Most wanted fast food so we could get going faster. But our leader wanted a nice dinner and told the driver to drop us off at Irma's, a good restaurant. One couple stayed on the bus out of spite. I worried that Irma's wouldn't be able to accommodate thirty one people at once. The other bus was going to Burger King. We got to Irma's and what a surprise. The place was big, they had plenty of room for us. Irma was Buffalo Bill Cody's sister and she founded the restaurant. It was the best meal I had on the trip, chicken fried steak was yummy.

During dinner our driver learned the road he was going to take was closing at 10 PM and reopening at 1 AM. We wouldn't make it by 10. The other bus was ready to leave, but our dinners were just starting to come from the kitchen. Nat suggested that maybe the fire was away from the road and we could go back that way. He called the park rangers, and indeed the road through Yellowstone was now open. That would save us 2 or 3 hours. So we all had a good meal and didn't rush to much. The other bus left about 30 minutes before us. We then got to see Yellowstone National Park by moonlight. The bus pulled in Snow King Resort at midnight. Our driver did a remarkable job. That is a 17 hour bus tour of Yellowstone.

The next day most people were tired, but the meeting started at 9 AM. I skipped breakfast at 7 as did many others. The meeting only lasted two hours. Then I joined Nat to walk around Jackson, do some shopping and have lunch. We visited the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and ate at the Cadillac Grille. Good food. I skipped out on the installation of the new officers Sat afternoon to spend time exploring the town with Nat.

That evening was the Grand Banquet. Just the normal masonic banquet, but it was over by 8 PM which is rare. We saw many friends from around the country and met many new ones.

We left the resort at 5 AM to go to the airport and fly home.

What a wonderful trip. One we will not forget.

Grand Lodge of Iowa

I am late in writing this, but here goes. Last week the Grand Lodge of Iowa meet in their 165 annual communication. I have been going to Grand Lodge for many many years. Three times I have served as a Grand Lodge Officer and have seem many different people and events take place.
Thursday was the Grand Lodge School. This was the first year since I became proficient that I did not help in a school...it was kinda nice to just sit and watch. I have two thoughts about Grand Lodge School. First, the ritual is utmost important to masonry as is performing it well. That said the numbers attending seem to be getting less and less and few of the "craft" attend. The custodians do a wonderful job holding schools around the state. I do like the memorial service, though I have not been able to attend the last two years as I have a committee meeting at the same time. I look for the Grand Lodge School to eventually be gone, but I hope the memorial service stays.
Thursday evening was the Grand Master's Banquet. I was my pleasure to represent the Sir Knights of Iowa as their Grand Commander. Brother Bob, the Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons in Iowa was at my table, always a interesting man to talk with. I provided some entertainment for the table as the wife of the teacher of the year gave me a bad time about my bow tie. So I untied and retied it in less than 40 seconds, without a mirror. She and the others at the table were amazed.
Friday was the opening of Grand Lodge. Four Grand Commandery Officers presented the American and Iowa flags. They did a good job. I had the pleasure of being received as Grand Commander by the Grand Master. Not a lot different took place, just tired butt syndrome.
Friday night was the all Masonic Banquet and installation of the incoming grand officers. I really question why we have banquets. For $30-$40 one can go out and have a very nice dinner, guess it is just tradition.
Saturday was really the most important day. Voting on the legislation. There was a lot of proposed amendments, but most of them were withdrawn before voting.
Nat and I journeyed home Saturday afternoon, tired, and worn out.
I wish the best for our new Grand Master and the Grand Officers as they travel for Iowa Masonry.

Grand Commander's Reception

Saturday evening was one that Nat and I will remember for a long time. It is humbling and even surprising that 140 people would drive to Des Moines and take time out of their busy lives to share a meal and some fun with us. Thank You to all that attended.

This wonderful evening was made possible by the hard work and talents of many many individuals. I will not name them here, but simply say a heartfelt Thanks.

Natalie and Me

Being Knighted a Jedi Knight

Sir Knights and their ladies enjoying the evening

For more pics go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/jaycoles/GrandCommanderSReception?feat=email# Thanks to Jay for taking and posting the pictures.

Helicopters away! Cornerstone in Sioux City

The cornerstone laying ceremony for the new Mid America Transportation & Aviation Museum was held this past Saturday. The wonderful day started with a "picnic" lunch of brats and burgers provided by the local masonic bodies. Then Grand Lodge was opened in a very tiny room. What followed next broke new ground in Iowa Masonic History. The Grand Master was taken up in a helicopter and circled around the new museum. When the helicopter landed the procession was lined up and began to march. We marched by the helicopter allowing the Grand Master to fill his position at the end of the line. This was to the knowledge of most masonic scholars present the first time a Grand Master arrived for the cornerstone ceremony by helicopter. It was very fitting considering the cornerstone was for the Aviation museum.

The Grand Commandery formed the front of the lines. 27 Sir Knights in full uniform crossed swords for our Grand Master. What a sight. I was overwhelmed to say the least. Sir Knights thank you for making a great showing.

St. Simon of Cyrene Commadery No. 9

Wednesday evening dad and I drove to Davenport for their York Rite monthly meeting. The past year there has been some controversy and hurt feelings about their consolidation with Clinton, and the "anti consolidation" now in effect. I went to try to help them get through this and make sure they follow the Statutes of the Grand Encampment and Grand Commandery of Iowa.

After a dinner of grilled brats, all moved into the asylum to conduct their business. I am not going to write about their business, but say that it was conducted, and after discussions progress made. There were 24 men in attendance, not all Sir Knights. Seven candidates who had progress through the council degrees where there and they were re obligated in the chapter and council degrees. Then the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and The Order of Malta were conferred in short form. After discussion the Sir Knights agreed to have an inspection and hold the Order of the Temple in their asylum. I was happy to offer any assistance they needed. The Order is scheduled for Oct. 28. I left Davenport feeling pretty good, that maybe the worst is behind them and they are making progress.

Tonight I am going to Iowa City to watch the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. It has been awhile since I've seen the long form. If you know of degrees or orders or activities in your area, please let me know. I just might show up...

A good day for Iowa Masonry

Sunday August 23rd was a good day for Iowa Masonry and the Communities of the Clear Creek Amana Schools. That is the afternoon the high school band played the Star Spangle Banner and the Clear Creek Amana school song. The American Legion posted the Colors of our great country, and the Boy Scouts carried an American flag to. Teachers, administrators, students, and members of the community gathered in the new high school gym, to watch the Grand Lodge of Iowa lay the cornerstone for their new high school.

It was a beautiful day, outside and in. Fifteen Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery lead the way, including 12 Grand Officers, and formed the arch of steel for our Grand Master of Masons in Iowa. It was an exciting time hearing kids running up and down the new bleachers, and seeing the pride of the parents and teachers for their new high school. After the ceremony we had punch and cookies and socialized with the locals. This was a great day for the citizens of the Clear Creek Amana School District and the Masons of Iowa.

Grand Encampment in Roanoke VA

This past week has zoomed by. Last Saturday morning Nat, mom and dad, and I flew out of Des Moines for Roanoke Virginia. We arrived there at noon after a chilly flight, Nat's feet got very cold. The event was the 64th Triennial of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States. It was a bit of a sad occasion as this would have been Sir Knight Richard Baldwin's Triennial. He passed away approx 1 year into service.

Saturday we just rested and look around the old city of Roanoke. The hotel we stayed in was built in the 1880s by the railroad. It has seem many upgrades and improvements since then. There are several good restaurants which we tried. The jumbo shrimp was excellent. Sunday was more sight seeing then a Reception/Social hour that evening..

Monday brought the opening ceremonies and it was my honor to represent Iowa and be escorted in, presented under an arch of steel and greeted by the Grand Master, SK Koon. This was true for all distinguished guests and sitting Grand Commanders. The Grand Master kept the business moving right along, we were always on or ahead of schedule. After lunch those present witnessed history in the making.

The Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of American is now world wide. A very large delegation of Sir Knights from Romania were in attendance. There was also a large delegation from Togo. Italy, France, and Canada were also represented. But is was Romania and Togo that made History. As they now have Charted Commanderies by the Grand Encampment of the USA. The same for Togo. On Tuesday Romania's Commanderys petitioned and were granted permission to form the Grand Commandery of Romania. There is growth and interest in Masonry and the York Rite abroad.

Monday evening the Iowa delegation went to a nice restaurant for dinner then returned to our hotels for hospitality rooms. Several states and the candidates running for office had nice hospitality rooms, the food was good and fellowship great. I always like going to these rooms and meeting people from other states, from the east to west coast. The friendships and acquaintances you make at these meetings far outweigh the meetings themselves.

Tuesday was election day. While there were several rumors running rampant about the election, everything work smoothly. The previous elected officers were elected to the same offices for the 65th Triennial. A good Sir Knight from Texas didn't get elected, and he would have done a good job also, but those elected are good Sir Knights and the Grand Encampment has a great team moving forward. That evening was the Grand Master Banquet, nothing special.

Wed was the installation of the new officers. S.K. Dave of Iowa is the new North Central Department Commander. Congrats Dave. Most of the Iowa delegation stayed to wish him well.
Then we left around 2 for the airport and got into Des Moines at 9. The past days have been recovery for me.
All in all it was a good time.....