Grand Teton National Park, WY

It's my first full day at Grand Teton National Park! I got up painfully early, before dawn, to try and secure a second night at this campsite. There are no pre reservations available at the campsites, so by the time I arrived at 6:30 a.m., there were already about 50 cars and line for the "first timer registerers!!!!" Since I already registered the night prior, I had first dibs on a second night. Instead of waiting in line, in 40 degree weather, my creative instincts kicked in, and I placed my reservation tag, taped to a rock, into the seat of my camp chair, and placed it at the kiosk where the reservations are taken. I parked nearby, in view, and in the meantime, I made breakfast, coffee, egg burrito, and took Jo Jo for his morning walk. As everyone else was waiting in line, a man showed up at 7:00 am, moved my chair, and I immediately dashed out to talk to him. Needless to say he was a snarky old guy, who apparently didn't appreciate my creative endeavors of place carding my space in line. Ugh. Apparently a non-creative thinker, and/or super annoyed with my attempt. Boo. I tried to kill him with kindness, and he told me exactly what to do to be first in line. So within a few moments I was, and secured my spot for another night, in of all places, a "non-generator" space. Score, score, score, lottery winner. Can you say score???? Generators? Yes, I detest them. I have one too, and I dislike it. Its camping, in the woods, people!


I went on to Jenny Lake, a very popular spot here at the Grand Teton National Park. I walked for a little while and then went on to String Lake for more walking. My hiking is walking now, it seems. 


As I headed south, I noticed the clouds, or the haze increasing. And I thought it was weather related, but found out it's actually fires in Idaho, and California that have created the haze. It kept the temperatures comfortable, but the visibility has slowly diminished throughout the day. I stopped at a mormon community, now a ghost town, abandoned, but captured some history on communities that settled here. Including ranchers and farmers from about a hundred years ago, who have also abandoned the farm. It's just a very harsh, and rugged climate during the winters, to keep farming going. Walking around these plains, there are huge holes, some large enough to fit Jo Jo.  Apparently there are badgers here, along with gophers, fox, and rodents. Its a tricky terrain.


I stopped along the Snake River where rafters were launching their craft. And enjoyed some of the rocks, in the area, which really looked like large eggs. If I could take several back, I would have such an awesome rock fence going on. My comfortable and quiet, "generator free" campsite is a good spot this evening. After quick chores of cleaning up the RV (dust and too dusty), and taking a shower, I'm comfortably settled into the soft and unobtrusive sound of my neighbor playing the guitar, which I consider the true ambiance of a camp.






















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