Sunday, July 7, 2013

Grand Teton National Park, Day 1


Tetons, Day 1 July 3, 2013

The flight into Jackson Hole was nothing short of amazing.  Cruising low over the iced peaks and looking down into the bluest ice crevasses below took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes.  Not long after, the first site of the Tetons came into view, and as if to please just us, the pilot took a second turn around the airport and we took it all in.  As you de-board down the stairs of the plane, Elk antlers in the shape of an arch adorn the entry to an immaculate airport.  The drive from the airport to downtown Jackson is brief, but breath taking, and you are quickly reminded of how completely small and insignificant we all are in the shadow of such grand mountains.  

Locals complained of the heat as we collected supplies for our three days of camping.

We rolled into Gros Ventre campground and got one of the remaining 2 tent camping spots in the whole place.  Not long after setting up camp, we had the pleasure of meeting our camp neighbors Marshall and Karen, who had ridden up by motorcycle from Phoenix.  Marshall, who retired from the construction business years ago, tipped us off to a drive not far from our campsite where we might spot some buffalo.  Aaron and I, having never laid eyes on a real live buffalo, wasted no time loading up the car to head out on our sunset buffalo drive.  We were not disappointed.  The site of the wild beasts grazing in the fields, with the back drop of the Tetons and the sun just beginning to set was almost too much to take in all at once.  Here are a few pictures and videos:






We have become smitten with this land, and the thought that every American owes it to himself and herself to see this and experience this, in any way possible.  It is truly a testimony to Teddy Roosevelt for ensuring that this type of land would always be a public treasure, owned by every American and not just the rich.  And this is just day 1...

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