The Tetons – July 23 to 25
The trip from Massacre to the Tetons was stunning in every mile. While Yellowstone is certainly impressive, the Grand Tetons are awe inspiring. In our two days there as we arrived and departed, and as we traveled throughout the Park, we moved between 5,000 and almost 9,000 feet in elevation. The high Alpine meadows were green and lush sprouting bunches of color everywhere: the Silvery Lupine, Yarrow, Yellow Rabbitbrush, Musk Thistle, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Indian Paintbrush, and many, many others. (http://www.wildflowersearch.com and specify Grand Teton- Jenny Lake as a location.) Considering that there are only about 60 continuous frost-free days a year in Jackson and the surrounding areas, it is a short “growing season” and we hit it spot on! Beautiful!
While we were rewarded with beautiful mountains, lush meadows, and blossoms galore, we saw few animals. On our day trip throughout Teton Park and through the edge of Yellowstone, we only encountered the usual and expected such as coyotes and bison. Given our physical capabilities and our mode of transportation (F-150 in “turtle mode”), and the companionship of a canine, we were limited to roads and “urbanized” trails. Alas! Although there were reports of a mother bear and her two cubs, mountain goats, moose, wolves, and the like, we saw none of them.
When we arrived, we located our reserved campground with the foreknowledge that it was going to be below our usual standards. Most of the desired campgrounds in the area are booked very early in the spring for the entire summer season. Nancy was challenged to find us anything let alone a highly desirable location. Our site was about 30 miles outside of Jackson WY, which was our target town. We pulled in late, checked in at the office, and located our assigned site. A quick assessment and back to the office – site unacceptable. A bit of negotiating, a few trips through other areas of the site, and we landed in one spot that was “acceptable”. However, as it turned out, it was an unexpected almost pleasure: we faced a broad open grassy area meant for Paddington to play ball, we could sleep with the tailgate down without too much interference from others, AND…….we had a constant view of the Tetons! We were happy and much appreciative of the efforts of those who watch over us from another world.
We spent the day driving through the park and visiting the Wildlife Museum in Jackson. Part of our driving tour included a bit of minor off-roading, which thrilled Fran and increased Nancy’s stress levels tremendously. In addition, we managed to initiate the truck with a few minor scratches: Nancy almost cried. However, we were rewarded with beautiful sights and vistas and came away from the day with a real sense of the scope and breadth of the Teton National Park….or the best we could do from motorized travel ways.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson is well worth the trip. (https://www.wildlifeart.org/ ) It is extremely well curated and the exhibits give the viewer a real sense of the area’s wildlife as well as the western art that came (and still comes) out of Wyoming. I think the mission statement of the museum captures exactly what one sees and experiences when visiting the facility: “The Mission of the National Museum of Wildlife Art is to collect, display, interpret, and preserve the highest quality North American wildlife art, supplemented by wildlife art found throughout the world. The Museum enriches and inspires appreciation and knowledge of humanity’s relationship with nature.”
This big fellow greets visitors as they enter. It is a huge painting – I would guess almost 6’ X 6’ or more; and one of the best I have seen within the genre of wildlife or western art. In addition, the grounds are populated with wonderful animal sculptures.
So, what’s the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole? “Jackson Hole” commonly refers to the entire valley beginning six miles south of Yellowstone National Park following the Snake River south to Hoback Jct. It includes the town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, the Aspens, Moran Junction, Moose, and surrounding areas. The valley is 80 miles long and 15 miles wide. “Jackson” commonly refers to the main town or downtown area of the valley.
We reluctantly left this wondrous area and headed for Cody Wyoming and the next adventure…and another museum, which is our almost sole purpose in diverting to Cody.