A Few Fun Activities

Yesterday we participated in a wonderful Ranger led hike in the Grand Tetons on Taggert Lake. It was about 3 miles and it was special because on that one walk we went through forest, low brush, meadows, along streams and waterfalls, through an area that was rejuvenating from a forest fire, and finally the lake itself. It is gorgeous beyond words, sitting at the bottom of the Moran glacier- crystal clear- the mirror image of the mountain showing in the lake. The Tetons are very rugged and jagged- the third youngest mountain range in the world. The Himalayas and the Andes are one and two.

Lunch overlooking historic Jackson, WY. See the arch of antlers on the town green? Fueling up for our white water trip down the snake river:)

The rafting was a blast! Bridget loved it and sat up front the whole time. We took many rapids head on and didn't lose anybody. One raft lost three people in "The Big Kahuna" rapid! We also saw three more bald eagles on our journey! They love to perch in tall pines on the river's edge. 

We bought the picture the rafting company takes of our boat and crew while going through the Big Kahuna- so we can download and print it when we get home :)

Old Faithful in the background- attended a ranger talk on geysers. Obviously it wasn't erupting. Got that on the other camera though!

This is Bridget with her librarian from Melissa Jones School in Guilford! We bumped into her in front of Blue star spring- a thermal pool near Old faithful. 

The fire of 1988. There are scenes like this all over Yellowstone. The winds were 80 mph so the blaze was able to " jump" the river.

A three mile hike to Fairy Falls near the Midway Geyser Basin- the falls are about 100' high.

Munching on some raspberries from bushes along the way. The bears and birds already got the best ones but there were a few hidden morsels! :))

This is the largest cone geyser in Yellowstone. Every time it erupts it deposits more minerals on itself and keeps getting bigger and bigger. 

So far, I like Yellowstone better in winter. The crowds are ridiculous. Up until now, we've done a great job of avoiding them, but in this park it's almost impossible!

More tomorrow....but I think we'll be back in the Tetons- my favorite park so far :)))