Days 7 & 8: Making our Way Home

Friday we made our way back into Salt Lake City, and from there we flew home on Saturday. But, not without a few last scenes from Grand Tetons.

Elk

Buffalo, right on the side of the road. Will could have touched him, if I would have let him. He was sad that I didn't.

And we went back to our moose sighting spot and it was there again!

One last scenic drive 

Antelope

Gonna miss these views...

Purple and yellow wildflowers

Wildflowers on our way to Idaho :)

Leaving the Tetons :(

While I was sad to leave, I was so glad to be home, and I can't wait to plan our next trip. I love to intersperse big trips with years that we just go to the beach with family or have a relaxing lake week. It makes it more special, more affordable, and just so much fun to have a big trip to look forward to every once in a while. I am so grateful to my company for helping us out with this one, we will never forget it!

Day 6: Taggart Lake Hike

Thursday was our last full day in Jackson Hole, so we decided to take a hike to Taggart Lake. I was thinking  that it would be by far the least pretty hike that we went on in comparison to the other hikes, but it was beautiful. It made it even nicer that it was a less crowded hike. For the first half of the hike we didn't see a single person. 

Will headed toward the lake. 

At the lake there was this cool wooden bridge. 

The water was so perfectly clear.

Us sitting on the bridge.

Just me

Will goofing off on the rocks in the lake. 

On the way back!

Now, all week as we drove through the Tetons, I had been seeing bikers and runners using a great trail that the park service put in several years ago that parallels the road and the Teton range. It was way too long to run there all the way from the hotel, so I kept scheming how I could get in a run in this beautiful scenery. Finally, I just told Will that after our hike, I was going on a run, even if I was tired and couldn't go that far. So I changed and set off for the next overlook where Will could drive to and pick me up. 

Will was sneaking up on me. 

I mean, even if you aren't a runner, these views have to make you want to get out on that trail. 

Though it was a short run, it was without a doubt the most beautiful run I have ever been on. Next time we go back, I'm thinking sunrise runs on multiple days, just don't tell Will :)

If you haven't yet, GO HERE!

My hubby!

Me at the Teton sign!

Can't wait to go back!

Day 5: Rafting & Day 6: Sunrise

On Wednesday, we decided to skip hiking and try a different type of adventuring...whitewater rafting! We called up Jackson Hole Whitewater and scheduled a morning trip. After getting into our wetsuits and sitting around for about 15 min., they informed us that the other party cancelled. Their usual policy is not to take a trip without 4 people, but they made an exception. 

Our guide, Tom, was awesome and it was a great trip. We saw at least 3 bald eagles, an osprey, and a mule deer. I have some printed pictures of the three of us in the raft, but can't upload them for some reason. Come on over if you want to see them!

 

That night, we decided to go to the Gun Barrel, a local game restaurant. It was good, but Saskatoon is still our favorite :)

After dinner, we tried to go to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, but I didn't buy tickets online and prices at the gate were crazy. Note for next time I guess!

The next morning, we decided to get up early and watch the sunrise at our favorite spot, Oxbow Bend. This big fellow was up early too. 

 

Sunrise in the Tetons. 

 

Oxbow Bend. So beautiful. 

 

I love this place. 

After the sunrise, we went down a lesser traveled road in order to seek out a moose. If you look in the upper right hand quadrant of the photo, you can see a momma and baby moose. It was awesome, even though we were a LONG way away. Next time, we are going for a moose up close!