Day 5 afternoon: Grand Teton National Park

Golden Eagle

Jackson, WY

We were surprised to sail right into Grand Teton National Park without showing our card. We were headed south. Later at the southern end of the park we saw a line of people stopping to pay or show cards at the entrance. Not sure why we were never asked from the north.

The weather has been off and on all day, but it was completely overcast by the time we reached Colter Bay Village. At the visitor center we watched the 30-minute movie Yellowstone Aflame about the huge 1988 fire. It was expecially striking after seeing all the recovered fire damage in Yellowstone and coming through the recently burned out area. I kept visualizing Windlifter, Blade Ranger and the others from Simeon's favorite movie, attributing their personalities to the planes and vehicles fighting the 1988 fire.

It was still cloudy and cold when we came out, so instead of picnicking, we ate at the local restaurant. Expensive with slow service, but by the time we came out, the sun was shining!

Here's our first view of the Teton Range.

We turned off US 89 to take the park road. Our Secrets of the National Parks book suggested Signal Mountain. We thought Mom would enjoy the hike. Okay. So we drove up, and she only hiked the last 200 feet.

But the view was worth it.

Turned off toward Jenny Lake, the Lake Louise of the area.

Sunshine was coming and going, and Steve wanted to take the Moose Wilson Road, a beautiful backroad through the forest in and out of the park. It came out at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the famous ski area. We only got a splattering of rain.

Steve accuses me of always wanting to know what is around the next corner when I hike. He wants to know what is up the next road. When we reached Hwy 22, instead of turning east toward Jackson and our hotel, we turned west toward the town of Wilson and Teton Pass. It really was worth it.

Now we are settled in a grossly overpriced motel (3* room for 5* price), but that's what you get in a tourist community still in high season. I plan to have Mom's leftover caesar from lunch with cheese and crackers for supper.

Tomorrow is more exploring the area.

Thank you, Lord, ...

for sunshine sometimes.

for these spectacular mountains.

for Mom's spunk.

for yummy imporvised supper.