The following blog is written by Trev about the gorgeous Grand Teton Mountain Range in the National Park.
We’d heard a lot about this special National Park from people we have met on our travels. They all said that if you go to Yellowstone, then you must visit the Tetons. I had images of thick forests and glaziers. However; the park was quite different and it exceeded my expectation!
On our way to the Grand Tetons.
See the mountains in the distance. Topography's changing!
As we headed towards the Tetons, the landscape became more and more barren, yet in the distance we could see towering mountains with thick clouds hovering above them. The mountains crept up on us as we began our climb. They were spectacular! Very high with splotches of ice /snow cupped in their crevices. Pine trees clung desperately in scattered groves on their slopes with splashes of yellow leaved deciduous trees in amongst them.
Mountains are rising above us as we drive.
The Teton Mountains form part of the Rocky Mountain Range that stretches from Canada, right through to Mexico. The peaks reach as high as 17000 feet above sea level.
See the mountain range in the background
Remember Smokey Bear, a cartoon series created to promote safety with fires in Nationa parks.
As we clambered through major mountain road works and into the National Park we felt the air and landscape change from hot, dry and barren to cool and forested, with running rivers, large lakes and open grasslands. Everywhere we went towering mountain peaks peered down upon us.
Love this shot with the clouds above the mountains.
The "Fall" colours are just awesome.
We journeyed along past the dam, then lake and found a little church used for Sunday services, weddings etc.
A quaint little Catholic church near the dam.
Gorgeous stained glass window
Lovely woodwork inside the church.
Trev and Akaisha appreciating the view.
The view from the church.
We booked into a camping ground sitting alongside a beautiful lake in the forest. The sun was heading down and we decided to walk to the lake shore to watch it disappear behind the mountains. The sight was spectacular!
Beautiful sunset at the lake.
Silhouetted against a gorgeous backdrop.
Akaisha and Cathy enjoying the evening
Kaitlin's fine photography again.
Making rock sculptures.
After our fun animal spotting in North Dakota’s National Park last week, we decided to get up before dawn and see what we could find in the Tetons. We departed camp in complete darkness and began the circuit around the park. Flynn had jumped in the front seat with Cathy getting things sorted in the back. Everyone else was still snoring! Our first animal spotted was a huge bull elk with a massive set of horns. He stood much taller than me! Apparently, at this time of year during the rut, bull Elk have very bad tempers. This fella was right alongside the road. As we headed over a river and round a bend we noted a bunch of other early morning animal spotters and photographers pulled up at a siding. We pulled in to see what was going on and I climbed out to face the chilly air. Standing there in the eerie morning glow you could hear bull elks bugling all over the place. From behind us a herd of elks and their calves moved along the road side. These shy animals are usually a rare sight in America and we were very privileged to experience seeing and hearing them.
Early morning pictures of the mountains.
Early morning view.
On we travelled as the dawn approached. The kids gradually awoke and lay in their beds watching outside their windows. Our dream was to see a huge grizzly bear, wolf or moose. We spotted scattered bison mowing the dry grass and a herd of pronghorn. The river meandered along with lots of oxbow bends and green swampy wetlands along its edges. We took a turnoff to have a better look at this part of the river. There was a siding which required a small walk to see over the ledge to the wetland. The walk was well worth it, as on peering out over the wetland we saw several moose. There were three bulls and a cow. The bulls were all fired up (it is their rut time) and put on a great show for us all by clashing their horns! The female moose just sat down and watched the boys carry on!
At the lookout where we saw moose.
The kids can see the moose from their vantage point.
Two males locking horns over a female moose.
Moose against a beautiful morning backdrop.
Finally we found a nice spot to have breakfast by a beaver river. Couldn’t see the beaver, but could see his dam. Walking along the river edge you could see many pine trees that had large strips of bark torn off and some fallen trunks had been ripped apart. We think bears were responsible for this. They like to eat the grubs that feed on the wood. Bears in the area kept us all very vigilant!
Glaciers in the background
Going for a brisk early morning walk.
Heaps of logs in the river.
What a great way to wake up.
The beautiful Tetons.
As the sun rose the animals seemed to go into hiding and we were left only with the beautiful scenery. So onwards we travelled towards Yellowstone, the most famous National Park in the world…
kyanguylie.blogspot.com
Hey Cath
The National Park scenery looks absolutely amazing!…and I know the photos will not do it justice!! You look like you are now about half way through….and certainly covered some ground! I am sure you will come home with a long list of new and amazing friends you have made. Isn’t it wonderful how each interaction changes us…and leaves an impression!?
I just got back from the visionboarding workshop you sent me the info on….it was worth the drive! The woman who ran it was a beautiful soul…very inspiring…she also did an individual card reading while everyone was creating…which was spot on….and quite uplifting! (Despite the fact she cried when she read my cards!!!) I will drop you an email and tell you all about it.
Anyway…enjoying my quiet time in the holidays….but I must admit I have been a bit of a recluse….but it was what I needed!
The ‘link’ at the top is not really a link…but if you type that into google you will get Guy and Kylie’s blog (I am still trying to master the apple!!!).
Take care my friend …keep savouring your adventures…glad to see you are living the practice of gratitude!
Love and Sunshine to all of you!
Aunty Trace XXX
Hi trace,
You’re right, the photos don’t do any landscapes justice (not my photos anyway), but they are a great memory for us all. Glad you did the Inspiration Workshop. I look forward to hearing about it in an email. Hope you enjoy the weekend before school starts again.
Love Cath and family xx
Love reading your adventures- doesn’t seem that you are that far away- especially with all the photos.
We are still in Germany and spent a bit of time in a delightful village called rudesheim, famous for its wines and siegfried’s musical cabinet( self playing instruments). The Rhine is really a busy transport highway. We passed a dozen castles this morning- amazing history.
Looking forward to your next blog.
Love
Mum and Dad
Hi Mum and Dad,
Nearly ready to put the next blog up (on Yellowstone). We are in Kelso, Washington, visiting a friend of Kaitlin’s. Kaitlin went to school with her and we visited a few tourist attractions. Had a great time. Tiara and her family are lovely. Sounds like you are still having a great time. Can’t wait to see your pictures when we return. The history of that country would be pretty amazing.
Love Cath and family xx
Hi Cath and Trev,
we loved reading through your adventures – you certainly are making the most of each and every place. Loved the photography – Kaitlin looks like she has a special talent.
Last night we returned from Cocos – Wow – what an amazing 2 weeks – at the cottages. Spoilt beyond belief with friend’s generosity, weather and scenery and time to sit on Marli’s chair. We cleared our block so who knows there may be a time in the future when we may be able to call it home or at least our holiday home.
Keep loving the time together and making each day a special memory. Safe travels
Neil and Tracey xxxxx
So lovely to hear from you Neil and Trace,
We’ve been thinking of you on your holiday to Cocos. So glad you had a wonderful time. Who did you spend time with? How exciting to have cleared your land. One step closer, one step closer! Can’t wait to see some photos! Look forward to catching up with you guys soon.
Cath, Trev and kids.
Hi Guys – great to hear about another great adventure. The Tetons look amazing.
Love Scott
Hi Scott,
Another National Park you would love to visit. Photos don’t do it justice (although I’m sure yours would!)
Cath x