Soaking It All In



A section of regrowth from the 1999 forest fire. 

Stopping to enjoy the view of the lower falls



Hiking through the snow



Cascade Canyon

Inspiration Point overlooking Jackson Hole and Jenny Lake

We planned to head to Yellowstone on Friday, but we decided our feet needed to hit the dirt instead.  The drive to Yellowstone from Jackson and then around the HUGE loop in Yellowstone would have put us in the car for 5 hours drive time (not including any stops).  We decided to head back to Teton National Park for a hike.  It was an AMAZING day!  The sunny and 65 degree weather made it a perfect day for a hike.  We decided to take some time to soak it all in.  We headed to Jenny Lake as recommended by the friendly park ranger we met at the visitor's center (who happened to be from Fredericksburg, VA).  We started from the String Lake trailhead and hiked down the edge of String Lake and around Jenny Lake.  This part of the hike went through a large section of regrowth from a 1999 forest fire.  It was filled with burnt trees, downed trees, and tons of new, tiny pine trees.  When hiking in the Tetons, it is advised that you talk loudly, sing, clap, etc. to avoid surprising any members of the large population of black and grizzly bears in the park.  We followed the trail until it connected with another trail to Hidden Falls.  As we hiked we could hear the rumbling of the falls long before we could see it.  We were soon rewarded with a view of the 200 foot falls.  We stopped to soak it all in.  The air was so cool and crisp at the foot of the falls.  We left the falls to head to Inspiration Point.  This part of the trail was steep and rocky, but was well worth it at the top.  Inspiration Point offers a spectacular view of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole from an elevation of 7,200 feet.  (Jackson is the name of the town we stayed in.  Jackson Hole is the name of the entire valley including several other towns like Wilson, Moose, etc.)  We spent some time here soaking it all in.  A little chipmunk joined us at the point.  It was obviously very comfortable around humans.  (Made me remember when Ian and I used to watch Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers).  He looked like a little cartoon character - so lively and animated.  After enjoying the view at Inspiration Point, we continued our hike to Cascade Canyon.  As the elevation increased, we hiked across snow covered ground and it started to smell just like Christmas (because of all of the pine trees).  Jake stopped to peg me with a couple of snowballs - what a gentleman. :)  When we made it to Cascade Canyon the land opened up into meadows with astonishing views of the high peaks.  There were just too many beautiful sights to take in at once.  Again, we took some time to soak it all in.  We turned around and enjoyed all of the sights on the hike back just as much!  We saw chipmunks, deer, and yellow-bellied marmot.  The rodents in the mountains are such funny and entertaining creatures.  I LOVE watching them.  We wore ourselves out with 6 hours of hiking.  It was one of our favorite days of the trip so far.  With so much to see in so little time it's tempting to travel a lot by car because you cover so much more ground.  However, we are so thankful we changed our plans and spent some time closer to nature.  We also spent some time the last couple of days exploring the amazing town of Jackson.  Jake and I have both decided that we could live there - beautiful scenery, friendly people, yummy food, and TONS of things to do outside.  Our day ROCKed!  We hope things are great where you are!