Escape to the Tetons

Escaping the sweltering Texas heat, we embarked on an adventure to the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, craving the invigorating mountain air. Conveniently flying into Jackson Hole and securing a fantastic rental SUV, our journey began. Crossing Teton Pass, nearly 7,000 feet high, revealed stunning vistas, though steep grades demanded attention. Arriving in Driggs, Idaho, we savored lunch and gathered groceries before heading to our serene cabin. Our cozy Colter Cabin welcomed us warmly, its charming decor instantly making us feel at home. We settled in, unpacked, and rejuvenated. We explored the park on two separate days, dedicating the rest to discovering the surrounding area. Witnessing endless wheat and alfalfa fields, with hay baling in full swing, left us in awe. Within the park, the majestic Grand Teton peak towers above 13,000 feet, overlooking the valley. Several glaciers shine brightly, accompanied by patches of snow on the highest peaks. Picturesque lakes dot the landscape, with Jenny Lake being the most popular. A scenic ferry ride across Jenny Lake offered breathtaking views, followed by a visit to the historic Morman Row Historic District. Indulging in a mid-afternoon pizza at Dornans, paired with a refreshing Greek Salad recommended by our cabin owner, was a true delight that nourished both body and soul. We celebrated Dale’s 82nd birthday at the Royal Wolf in Driggs out on the deck with a delicious meal and cake, surrounded by love, laughter, and warmth. Reading about the world-famous ice cream shop, we stopped at the Victor Emporium for a “Huckleberry Shake”…..yummy! The Badger Creek Cafe in Tetonia served up a good old-fashioned breakfast that we enjoyed one morning, and filled us with energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. Since we saw no bears while there, we drove over to West Yellowstone to visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, where we gained a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their importance in the ecosystem. It provides a up-close look at grizzly bears and the wolves that have been reintroduced into Yellowstone, and was a truly enriching experience. Lunch followed at The Slippery Otter in West Yellowstone, where we savored delicious food and reflected on the unforgettable experiences we had and celebrated the beauty, wonder, and magic of life. During our stay we visited Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming…saw the magnificent Tetons and the Snake River that I had recently been rafting on, and experienced the awe-inspiring beauty and wonder of the American West. Soon it was time to head back home, and the flight home went smoothly, bringing us full circle to the place where our journey began. Landing in Austin, walking off the plane, it felt like an oven, but we were filled with the warmth, light, and inspiration of our journey, and we knew that we would carry the memories, lessons, and magic of our adventure with us forever. Welcome home!