Monday, July 2, 2018

Grand Teton National Park

So much wildlife 

We had passed through Grand Teton National Park going to or leaving Yellowstone in the past and had mentioned that this park deserved a little time too. Finally, we made it back.
Lodging is very expensive in Jackson and the Teton Lodges. A couple from Australia told us that they were only staying two nights because the only rooms they could find were $300 per night. 
Some of the campgrounds are first come first serve and mostly dry camping. Gros Ventre is a huge 330 site campground but does not feel crowded and is only 12 miles from Jackson. Arriving early, we scored an electric site for $39 per night.
 
We usually avoid the busiest national parks but found this place to be much less crowded than expected by hitting the trails early. Also, many people head to Yellowstone after a quick peek here. Our four day stay turned into eight as we had no desire to leave this beautiful place with cool temps and still so much to see.


Jackson Lake in the morning

The multi use paths in the national park runs to Jackson and beyond making getting around easy. Our ride across Windy Point lived up to its name. I wondered if I would get blown off a couple of times.

The mandatory antler arch picture
 



Our hikes took us to several lakes. We arrived at Jenny Lake for an early morning boat ride to the falls and hiked back.

Almost every day, we stopped along the river to watch moose. On the way back from our bike ride, the twin moose were chasing each other and splashing in the river. They were so fast and funny to watch.
 We watched the four frolicking otters roll around each other for a while on Jenny Lake.
 The beaver in Moose Pond was serious and was not detoured from his work.


Getting wildlife pictures with our little camera is not easy. The coyote that stopped on the road to check us out on our bikes was not going to wait for me to stop and pull out the camera. The bear in the campground had better things to do than have his picture taken. It is just fun to see them.
 
It is a little difficult to make out the osprey in the nest. We would watch one fly out and around while the other enjoyed the sunshine in the nest.
 

There were too many pictures of the animals to choose to post.

There were two fawns but only one would hold still for a few seconds. They were so small and young, looking back at us as we walked down the trail.
Our hikes took longer than usual with all the views and critters to watch.
On our hike to Taggart Lake, we decided and additional 2.5 miles to Bradley Lake would be ok and headed further back into the forest. As the forest got thicker, so did the mosquitos. We didn't stop for long even with mosquito spray all over us. They were in attack mode.

Taggart Lake

Jenny Lake
Feeling inspired at Inspiration Point



Phelps Lake Huckleberry Overlook

 
The wildflowers were fabulous.
 
Oxbow Bend

 



Moulton's Barn on Mormon Row

It would  have been easy to be drawn to Yellowstone but there was plenty nearby to keep us happy and were glad we extended our time here. 

18 comments:

  1. Your timing was perfect to be there when there was such abundant wildlife to view. We did see a young bear at Taggart Lake, but no moose. Perfect weather for your photos, you had a great time and it shows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is great to see the bear. The temps were just right.

      Delete
  2. Great shots of this gorgeous area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Even our little camera works in a place like that.

      Delete
  3. This is one of our favorite places to visit! We spent a week their last year after a week in Yellowstone! Didn’t see as much wild life as you but the majestic scenery made up for it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. We've been lucky enough to spend a few days there many years ago, one day we'll get back.

    ReplyDelete
  5. As the crow flies, our beloved Lot 5 (our property in Idaho) is just across the Tetons from Jenny Lake. It thrills me to no end that one day we might live in the foothills of the Grand Tetons. You had wonderful wildlife encounters!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The west of the Tetons is amazing I love the Driggs area.

      Delete
  6. Moose! You saw moose! And you got photos! I am so jealous. We have never, ever seen moose in our travels. The Tetons are on our list...although we've been in Yellowstone twice now, we've not made it to the Tetons, which is just ridiculous. Next time, for sure. Beautiful landscape photos, and MOOSE.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lol. The animals would wander through the campground and marshland a couple of miles from us. Just look for moose jams.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We love Yellowstone and have many friends there after living there for a couple of years, but the Tetons rank right up there as one of our favorite National Parks. After spending two years in Yellowstone, I had to go to the Tetons to see a moose for the first time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We were glad to make the stop and take it all in.

      Delete
  9. The Tetons are so awesomely gorgeous, it is hard for a camera to capture it. So glad you were able to be out there and touch the beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was also nice and cool which made it even better.

      Delete
  10. You captured some stunning photos with your little camera. We have worked there three times and have really enjoyed exploring the area. As you stated, so many people stop only for a few hours on their way to Yellowstone. It's worth some extra time or a season. If you are still there the LSR Preserve has a wonderful hike and small crowds due to limited parking. Go early in the morning with a lunch and enjoy it at Phelps Lake. There is some interesting history for this preserve. The Rockefeller's gave to the park all of the property they had purchased except for this piece. It was only recently donated to the park by Laurence. It's a gem. Thanks for sharing all your great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right about the LSR Preserve. It was a real gem and we were glad to be there early.

      Delete

Cuenca, Ecuador

An Expat Destination The morning after returning to Quito we boarded an hour-long flight to Cuenca. Driving up the winding roads would have ...