Grand Teton and Yellowstone

This week, Judy at My Front Porch invites us to share our travel stories. My dilemma isn’t that I haven’t been anywhere but where I want to show first. I’ve decided to go with a dream come true. Two years ago, my husband told me that he would take me where ever I wanted to go on vacation. It was a no-brainer. I wanted to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

In September, 2006 Mike and I flew into the Jackson Hole Airport, the only airport in the United States located within the boundaries of a National Park. We arrived late at night. No lights were visible from the sky. Once we got out onto the main road and headed toward Jackson, we weren’t quite sure what we had gotten ourselves into. For eight miles, there wasn’t any sign of civilization. Thankfully there was only one road and we were on it.
Early the next day, we got up and headed back toward Grand Teton National Park. My dream came true. It was silly to cry but to actually see with my own eyes the majesty of the mountains God created was beyond words. So, here are some photos of my vacation with my beloved husband, who thought Jackson Hole would be filled with rich people and shopping (he took me anyway) and found out instead that it was a wild place filled with natural wonders.

A first view of Grand Teton

Jenny Lake

The "magic" hour. Early morning in Grand Teton National Park was mysterious and beautiful. Even my husband agreed that God's hand formed this place.

We took a day trip to Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful. We took a really long walk there to look at hot water bubbling out of the ground. After we returned home, we saw a nature special on mega-volcanos and the theories around what is brewing under the surface at Yellowstone. I'm glad I saw the show AFTER my visit!

In Wyoming, Bison have the right of way, as do all large wildlife. It was truly amazing the animals we saw there: Bison, Antelope (prong horn deer), moose, elk, bald and golden eagles.

"Jackson Hole" from the top of Signal Mountain. The Snake River runs through it.

Picture Postcard Perfection

One of the discoveries that made our vacation memorable was the Elk were in mating season. The bulls "bugled" to the cows, creating harems to mate with. Early morning was the best time to see the herds. The sound of the Elk bulls was eerie and other-worldly.

Mike and I hiked together. The longest hike I took was up a trail into a place called Cascade Canyon. I was proud of my endurance and strength (I'm not exactly physically fit!) and I was rewarded with views seen only by those who make the effort.

More Picture Postcard Perfection

Chapel of the Transfiguration. This final photo was taken as I sat in the front pew of the church. What a blessing it was to be able to make a visit to such a place. We are so fortunate to have such diverse and beautiful places to see here in the United States. Thank you, Judy, for hosting such a wonderful opportunity for us to share our travel experiences!