Grand Tetons

Ahhhh this is so delayed, I'd blame work - but it's more just that I'm really lazy.
Ok so we drove straight south from Yellowstone to the Tetons. We were planning on camping at a few different locations, but then decided that since the park was relatively empty, we would head to a campground in the center of the park which was very popular and just stay there for all 3 nights that we were in the Tetons.
Day 1
We set up camp at Jenny Lake Campground around noon. We made some sandwiches for lunch and then went up to Colter Bay and rented a canoe for two hours. Jackson lake is at the base of Mt. Moran and very very pretty. We had 2 hours to paddle around and it was a great alternative to just walking. Although, I think Chris wishes I did more paddling and less picture taking. Other fun addition to this trip was that we didn't bring a time-telling device. Since we had the canoe for a minimum of 2 hours and we didn't want to pay for much more, this was a bit of problem. Amazingly, we guessed right and were gone for 2 hours and 5 minutes!

After the canoeing Chris wanted to do this hike along the lake. It was completely flat and had some ways to cut it short, but if you did the whole hike it was over 9 miles. It was 3pm and sunny when we started. The hike wandered along the lake and through the trees. But there were little tiny mosquitos that were so obnoxious and followed us everywhere. We kept going and once we were about 4 miles out a storm came over the mountains. The temperature dropped like 20 degrees and we were hit by crazy winds. We were a little concerned that trees might fall on us. It made the view a little less enjoyable. But we made it out the point, took a quick break, then headed back to the car.

How pretty and relaxing!

Not quite as nice with the wind blowing. 

Day 2

On the second day we decided to do cascade canyon. The trail head starts across the lake from our campground (Jenny Lake). You can either walk 2 miles around the lake or take a boat across to shave off some time. Since this was going to be a more strenuous hike we decided to shell out the cash and take the boat (well worth it!). The hike starts with a pretty steep climb up to a waterfall and then higher up to inspiration point which looks across Jenny Lake. Then you head back away from the lake and through a canyon which goes right in between 2 mountains. It was beautiful! Added fun because there had just recently been an avalanche so we got to hike over some pretty solid snow. Snow ball fight in June anyone?

It was a really nice hike. A little long but not too steep. Once you got into the canyon it was just a gradual increase. We didn't see any fabulous wildlife, there was supposedly a moose but I never saw it.  I did get the most exciting injury of the trip on this hike though. We were walking over a small patch of snow (the hike that was in the shade still had snow) and when I put my right foot on the snow it gave way under my weight and as I fell down my shin scrapped against a rock and I had 3 big ugly scratches on my leg. We got to break out the first aid kit and Chris pretended that he was already a doctor and tole me what to do. But now every time I see those scars I get to remember this trip - that's a great souvenir isn't it? After we were done we were tired and decided to go out to eat. We went to a restaurant and just ate in the bar. We had a giant stack of nachos (so much nacho and so good!) plus some spinach and artichoke dip. And then delicious drinks. I had a blackberry margarita and Chris had some beers. Best thing ever to not have to cook =)

Day 3

We decided to take a break from the major hiking and do some drives. We drove along snake river. One cool thing was a bunch of old buildings which were beautiful with the mountains in the background. There was also this old house which had been turned into a general store including fresh wood-oven baked cookies (they weren't ready yet when we were there, but how awesome is that?!)

We also had one of our best wildlife encounters at no place other than Moose Visitors Center. The moose was right outside and maybe just 20 feet from the sidewalk. At first he was hidden behind trees but then he came out right in the open. 

After that we did a short 4 mile hike to Bradley/Taggert lakes. This hike wasn't all that exciting, the lakes weren't that pretty and it was a little cold. Maybe we had just been spoiled by the beautiful hike the day before.

Day 4

On our last day and our way out of the park we decided to do one last hike around Phelp's Lake. We got an early start because we really wanted to do this hike early in the morning, and that was a fantastic decision. The lake was beautiful and just at the base of a mountain. They sun was perfect and reflected the mountain and canyon into the perfectly still lake. It was incredible... Perfect end to a fabulous trip

After we left the tetons we drove down to Laramie, WY and then on to Denver to tour 3 breweries (New Belgium, Left Hand, and Avery). We got dinner with a good friend in Denver and then stayed the night there before driving alllll they way back to Batavia the next day. I was going to write a blog about the brewery tours because they were so much fun, but its been so long that I don't remember enough of the details to have much to say :(

Guess that means I'll just have to go back!!