Yesterday was an incredibly full and wonderful day. We enjoyed our breakfast and tjen headed out for the lovely day by 8 am to drive over to view the Grand Tetons in the morning. We drove north of Jackson to Mormon Row where some of the early settlers lived in the wide valley to the east of the mountain range. We had to take photos of the iconic barn with the peaks behind. AND Megan won the first $1 - spotting a pronghorn – our first of the trip. We continued on to the Grand Teton discovery center, which sadly was still due to pandemic restrictions. No displays. But the gift shop was open so Jean got her hiking stick badge and essential photo book, and Andrews big score was a ranger vest with tons of pockets and the National Park passport.
Off to hike what was supposed to be an EASY hike to Taggart Lake. You can tell that we thought it was too long and too hot by the time we ended. We had lunch under the peaks and then set out - The views up were spectacular of the main range. AND we spied
a pine marten (at least thats the best guess of rangers and google). Taggart Lake was so clean and cold. And the kids took their socks off and found it very cold and refreshing. The 2.4 look the OTHER way was the mistake – should have just returned the same wider way. By then it was 80 and we were out of water and no good views Bad move. It was a great relief to see the car park again and to rehydrate.
Heather and Dario had driven their truck from CA to here, and so we had lots of room for coolers and such. Just hadnt carried enough bottles on the trail.
Drove a bit further around the loop to Jenny Lake visitor center. Walked around a bit to see the lake. Lots of lovely views again. We were thinking we didnt have enough time the loop as intended. We got back to Jackson in plenty of time to find the Rodeo and get tremendously good seats in the covered area. It was FANTASTIC. Of course it started well because we met one of the double roping contestants, a college student. And he let them
The events were entertaining, the banter funny. They folks from varying states – many many mentioned. And people from other countries. We were sitting near a couple who was English & Australian, and the 2 girls about our kids ages and they chatted constantly. Even a which was hilarious as we voted for the best.
Bullriding included under 14!! And bucking broncos. and roping. and more bullriding to end. One boy was no more than 9. One was funny for the kids - the bull and he came running out of the chute and then stood still. Jumped some more and then stood still again. The helpers prodded him a few times. But most of the time it was really challenging. The 2 hours sure went fast. But we were all exhausted – no time for posting till this morning.
