1. It’s way harder to journal via internet out west for less with less WiFi/cell service
2. It’s way cooler to toad trip west with the expansive prairies, snowy peaks, and lack of WiFi.
What a fantastic day. Had the alarm set for 5:45 which I quickly shut off and rolled over to. With that said- the mattress in our cabin is harder than tent camping, so with that as the limiting factor, I was up at 7:30.
We didn’t exactly slay it on departure time, but got to Jenny lake in time to get a parking spot and rode the rather expensive ($15) but joyful ferry across the lake to the trail head.
A man on our hike yesterday had struck up a conversation with us and had said that this was the best looking/favorite mountain range on the continent. I’m not sure if it’s fair to rank such things as they’re each unique, and I also wanted to stir the pot a little so I mentioned how much I liked the big horns, but the guy isn’t probably right the Tetons might be unparalleled.
We slung our packs and set out at 10, hoping for lake solitude, but realizing that there was a good chance we wouldn’t make it all the way due to time. The first mile has massive conifers reminiscent of the west coast. Gradually, you transition to meadows and sparser pine forests with great views of the peaks on all sides.
The first 4.5 flew by with pretty fresh legs and great scenery any time you looked up. Came to the fork in maybe a little over 90 minutes and abruptly ran into a pack of people and reports of a bear on the trail right ahead. We approached cautiously and saw them indeed right off the path maybe 50 meters. The initial person had said it was a grizzly and black bear, we sounded kind of bullshit although anyone mentioning a grizzly still gets you a little nervous. once we got closer, it was rather apparent that it was a cinnamon and normal colored black bear. A group of 4 in front of us decided to go for it and we latched on. *side note- these people ended up being French and likely had no idea of the risk assessment they were making. Either way, we came through alright and continued on.
Another mile brought the beginning of the snowfields. Each one was perhaps only 100 meters to cross, and not particularly dangerous, but difficult walking and increasingly made you question if it was worth it to keep going. The problem is the farther you get in, the more connected to the goal you become, generally pushing on with the attitude, “well if we’ve came this far, we might as well cross another”.
The final push was significantly steeper and we sat a few times considering to turn around, but ultimately decided to push on knowing the lake was right at the ridge,
After a finally gentle hill, we came to a spectacular view of a still frozen(!) lake lying in a snowy, rocky bowl. A solid lunch stop, albeit short as we we getting anxious about the return.
The first, steep ascent had make us anxious as to how we’d get back down and it was amazingly easy. Kate literally slide down in a groove made by a few hikers right before us, I half ran/slid down and had no problems.
We hooked on with a solo traveler for the hike back. A hedge fund manager who lived in New Jersey and was visiting his first ever national park. He wasn’t much of a hiker but played hockey and had no problem rolling 2+ mph all the way back with us. What a cool risk to take in all of his firsts. Very interesting to talk to.
Upon suggestion of a visitor center volunteer, we ended up at dormans eating amazing pizza, and drinking good beer on a roof top patio nearly touching the Tetons. A fantastic day and easily the best of the trip yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment