Sunday, August 26, 2018

8/26/18 - Yellowstone Trip - Day 2


Today was all about the Grand Tetons, but before we could go there we had to fuel ourselves.   We went to a local restaurant here in Jackson.  It was one of those where you order at the bar and sit down.  My food was good and so was the coffee, nothing to write home about, but it was an enjoyable experience.  The best thing was the fresh squeezed OJ - Yum!

We then headed into the park.  First stop was the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center where we watched an intro video.  I was a little disappointed as there is supposed to be a phenomenal view after the video where they open the curtains and blinds, but they didn't open :(   Jack went and looked behind them and said it was about the same as we had seen so I guess I didn't miss anything.  It was just the main reason we stopped here was for that.   The video was informational though and it's always nice to have an intro before exploring.

We then headed over to Mormon Row.  There are old homes from the original Mormon settlers here and it was neat to walk among them with the view of the Tetons behind.   I think I got some good pics, time shall tell.

We then did a fabulous nature walk at Schwabacher Road.  It is only about a mile round trip, but it was down by the river with a view of the mountains.  It was just peaceful - I really enjoyed it, may be my favorite of the day... hard to tell.

We then stopped at several overlooks including Snake River and Oxbow on our way to lunch at the Signal Mountain Lodge.  We ate at the Grill - the food was good, the service good and the view amazing.   We all split a blackberry pie for dessert, that I don't recommend.   

After lunch we drove up Signal Mountain to see the views at the top.  Mama went to one overlook with us but opted to stay in the car as we took the short walk to the 2nd one.  The views up here are just fabulous - the mountain is a little hazy, though local say it's the clearest it's been in weeks...  Regardless gorgeous.  There is still snow on the top and the locals say they are expecting it to snow more up in the mountain tops tonight.  Should be interesting to see if we can see a difference when we go back.

We then walked around in the Willow Flat area and we also stopped and walked over the Jackson Dam and down to the shoreline near it.  The sound of the water rushing was nice and relaxing.   By this time, I must admit I could have used a nap.   We left the dam area and headed toward out reservations for dinner.

For dinner we did a cruise out to Elk Island followed by a picnic.  The touring company grilled steaks and trout out on the island.  There were also home fried potatoes, baked beans, salad bar, watermelon and dessert.  Plus, it was all you could eat.   I only ate one plate full and I was stuffed, but the food was good.  The staff was fun and relaxing, both on the cruise and the dinner.   And the view - oh my - we were so close to the mountains and it was just breathtaking.  Sitting out in the open, eating, visiting and staring at one of God's most majestic creations.   Amazing!   The wind was brutal, but we brought jackets and I even brought my blanket, so it was all good.

After dinner we hiked up to the top of trail they have for a view of the water and mountains.  The trail was exceptionally steep, and we left Mama's O2 in the car given it was just dinner and we didn't expect hiking.  She decided to hike it anyway - she had to stop along the way and she is tired, but she did it!  Sheer will power that one.  It was worth it though; the view was really great and just being out in it... out in a spot that the general public that is just driving through doesn't see - it was neat.   I'm determined on this trip to see more than what you can see from the road and while we aren't doing the 8 to 25-mile hikes that the park has (no desire to do that) and we aren't backpacking and camping or mountain climbing, we are getting out.  We are walking some trails... 

As far as wildlife viewing today, not much.  We saw some Bison, but so far off that even my 400MM lens wasn't much help.  We also saw horses and a chipmunk.   And on our way home this evening after the cruise/dinner we saw a deer as she ran out in front of the car with her 2 babies.   Slamming of breaks, clinching of butt cheeks and a few swear words, but all is well.   We were going speed limit and Jack was being cautious, so crisis adverted - my butt cheeks are still a little clinched maybe, lol.

Tomorrow rain is in the forecast, so we will probably stick close to Jackson and so some inside stuff - will need some revamp of itinerary, but no one wants to hike in the rain - at least not sane people.   Time for me to get some rest though.  Very active day and the thinner air is affecting us all with our energy levels.  Jack and I are both tired - Mama has been pretty good about staying on her O2 (which tells me she can tell the air difference too, otherwise she would be irritated I was asking her to put it on, lol).   Sleep well blogland.


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