Grand Teton National Park

Another weekend = another great trip! And of course, lots more pictures as evidence. This weekend, Eric and I camped out at Grand Teton National Park, got up early for some pictures of the majestic mountains followed by a little hike around Phelps Lake. As usual, I'll let the pictures tell the stories.
Friday night we set up camp at Colter Bay, right next to Jackson Lake. Between the fire and my mummy bag, oh, and the thermals, sweatshirts, winter gloves and hat, it was nice and cozy!
I'm not sure what we were thinking, planning to get up early enough to see the sun hit the Teton Range as it came up in the morning. But I can assure you that most of my motivation was long gone by the time the alarm started ringing. But we survived the morning cold and got this picture before the sun even came up.
Here's a close-up.
You can see the sun just starting to cast it's radiant beams on the mountain tops. Back at camp we had a failed attempt at pancakes before reverting to instant oatmeal. Not quite as enticing but just as filling. Then it was off to get some different views and find our hike.
Now that's pretty! And if you click on it and look close, there's two elk mooning you.
Another great view.
These three otter's were about to jump the barricade and cross the road... until scary Joe came along and sent them retreating back to the water.

One last look at the ugly before diving in.
They didn't seem nearly as impressed by the view as we did.
Wow. What beauty! Even the moon beholds His beauty!

This is 5 pictures stitched together so you can get a better view of the whole Teton Range. (Click on it for the big picture.)

Here's a view with some wildflowers in the foreground.
Traveling down Mormon Row are a number of old homes and barns with views of the Teton's in the background.

You might think this is a duplicate of the last picture. But that's because you didn't notice the plane circling, landing gear down, ready to touch down at Jackson Airport. Do you think they would allow you to take pictures on your "portable electronic devices" when you swing by the mountains?
And another one...
...this time in black and white...
...or do you prefer sepia?
Nothing like getting in the way of a good view!
At least this one is a different barn. But alas, it was time for our hike. Fortunately, we had already gotten our "stunning views of the Teton Range", because I'm not convinced the hike description was totally accurate.
As we drove towards Phelps Lake, we passed by this moose...
...eating lunch and keeping a close eye on...
...her baby! Eric might have a few more close-up pictures when we get around to swapping pictures.
Although we were past the peak, there were still some wild flowers out.

Eric begs for someone to give him a little push into Phelps Lake. The hike took us around the perimeter of the lake. Anywhere else, these views would have been spectacular... talk about spoiled by God's beauty!
Death Canyon. And no, I don't know why...
...and neither does he.
While others were jumping off a rock that sat about 20 feet above the water, we were taking pictures of another great view of Death Canyon reflecting in the lake.

What's next? Well, this week my Mom and sister are coming out to see the Canadian Rockies! So, you might have to wait a week or two for the next round of updates, but they're sure to be good! Enjoy!