It seems that I toss around the word “love” so carelessly these days. I love a good haircut and puppies and a fabulous home-cooked meal with friends. But not really. I am passionate about these things, even really really like them, but love? No, I love people and I love God, and I particularly love the gifts that He has bestowed upon us. And this long intro is my way of saying I love the Grand Teton Mountains. I have wanted to visit this area for years, but honestly, it was the skiing at Jackson Hole that attracted me. I wasn’t even thinking about the mountains in which the resort is located or the national park in which they sit. And oh, what a delightful surprise.
The Teton National Park is adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. After the size and grandeur of Yellowstone, the incredible intimacy of the Tetons was an unexpected gift. Both parks boast of legendary scenery, abundance of wildlife, and delighful treasures around every bend. But the Tetons beckon me in a little closer, encouraging me to stop, venture deeper into the landscape, and take in the sights, smells and sounds that are the Tetons ~ each a gift in itself.
The almost non-existent availability of accommodations at the park and in the nearby town of Jackson were a bit of a surprise (as it was at every national park we visited). I guess we aren’t the only people to have figured out the desirability of traveling in September. There are but a few precious weeks after Labor Day before our northern national parks are shut down to impending snow, but the weather is spectacular this time of year, the first blushes of autumn are setting in, and the wildlife is coming down out of the highlands to settle in for winter. We cherished every step of our hike along a rushing stream straight to a crystal-clear alpine lake at the base of the Tetons.
We were delighted to see the handsome bull elk with majestic antlers, hear their mating call and watch the females all but ignore them. I will admit we were pleased not to encounter bears, which are prevalent in this area, but a small part of us still wishes we had caught a glimpse. We got a hot tip on a sure fire location to spot a moose and her baby but the pair didn’t co-operate for a photo op. That’s okay. We were just happy to be allowed in their territory as brief but very appreciative visitors.
Back in civilization, the town of Jackson was a bit of a disappointment. Don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t quite as picturesque as I had imagined ~ a bit too touristy in the downtown area for my tastes. But I could tell the residents here are as in love with the Tetons as I am ~ even more so because they have chosen to live here where the winters are harsh, the summers sweet but short, and tourism is a primary source of income. The area is flush with artists who are attracted by its beauty, and outdoor types who like to fish, hunt, hike, ski, boat, rock climb, bike and more.
So, we will be back. We aren’t sure when but it will be in the winter when Jackson Hole ski resort mocks us with its high degree of steep and deep skiing, and both the Tetons and Yellowstone seduce us with their winter mantle.
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