By the time we got out of bed in Jackson, Wyoming we already knew we had not planned this part well. Clearly we needed more time in this area. We planned on only 2 nights....due to the great distance we were including, but had no idea we would linger in Cody. So this was a busy day.
Probably had we not brought my son, we would have spent more time shopping and lounging at the beautiful hotels. So far I had not even looked at the book I brought and the historic lodges in the parks would provide a nice backdrop to read. But since Connor had only been to this area once before, and he was 6, we didn't want him to miss the full experience.
So....we headed out.
From Jackson Hole you need to drive through the Grand Teton National Park to get to Yellowstone....such a beautiful drive. We were enjoying the autumn golden colors as well, no real fall reds or oranges, but the grasses had all turned to yellow and the angle of the sun created a beautiful golden hue. I was on the hunt for moose from the beginning. The last time we were there we finally saw a moose on the last day of the trip....this time? No moose. :(
We put the top down on the car (it was a perfect 75° day) and headed out. Dodging the slower RVs, we headed to Old Faithful Geyser at the Yellowstone Lodge area. The Geyser was quite accommodating since we arrived just in time to get to the geyser and see it spout. It's about 1-1 1/2 hours between eruptions and it could have been a long detour. But we arrived just in time.
Then we headed up through the geyser and geological activity part of the park. We wandered around through other geysers, steaming sections of ground and paint pots. Connor was fascinated. I remember the previous trip with all the kids, we picnicked by a stream which was fed by a hot water fall and we had a great swim.
The road led us to the Mammoth Falls at the Montana border. This looks like a large ancient terrace....you can see it below. There is a nice hotel located here with cottages and a great historic restaurant and shopping center. We indulged in some huckleberry ice cream and then moved on.
On the way back to Jackson....taking the long way, of course.....we enjoyed herds of buffalo and more gorgeous scenery. It's an amazing thing to see the buffalo (technically they are American Bison) just roaming the way they used to. Close to extinction a mere 30 years ago....the herds are healthy and plentiful again.
We ended our day at the Jackson Lake Lodge.....the outside terrace gives incredible views of the Grand Tetons. We managed to get there just at sunset. From our table outside, we had chips and salsa and good wine while watching elk roam by and watching the sun set over the mountains. The rugged peaks of the Grand Tetons show us that they are a very young range.
Jackson Hole is one of my favorite places...and I'm already planning a trip back with my road trip buddy and staff photographer.
Mom Mom and Connor in Jackson in the main square:
For you Seinfeld Fans....we found the "Puffy Shirt"
Elk in the river....wow
Old Faithful
A Paint Pot
Mammoth Falls
Wine and Views at the Teton Lodge
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