9/05/08

    We didn't get the free breakfast after all as we decided to go back to Grannies.  It was very good.  Our timing was once again perfect.  We got seated right before the pack filled the place up and from there on there was a waiting list.  Now back to Yellowstone.

  Today the weather was sunny and just beautiful.  The pictures should turn out better. 








Driving in we saw a female moose and her calf eating along side the road.





 Then on to the park.  



   You really need at least 4 days to do the park and more to hike and see it all.  Even with so much of it burned it is beautiful.



  The fire area's are even interesting as you see how a forest recovers from a fire throughout the years.  The first one from 10 years ago has new growth taller then me and the ones from this week just look sad.  Wildflowers all over.  There is a controlled burn going on so occasionally you get a whiff of smoke.  Which smells much better then the mud pots by the way.

      Today we saw sandhill cranes which are migrating through the park right now.





  We saw mud flats, steam vents, waterfalls, lakes and mountains. 
































 I gave Rick the Soni and I took the canon so we both have shots and Rick got some great ones.  The colors are just beautiful also.

    We did some backtracking to see things we didn't getto see the day before and then drove on through the park to the Grand Tetons.  Coming around a corner 8 hours later, framed in a V in the road with trees on each side was our first view of the Tetons.





 I have always wanted to see them and they were just as impressive and breathtaking as I had hoped.  I snapped away as we drove by them but it was now dark and misty and we didn't stop




 



 

Years before my in laws had taken a trip for the summer and visited all the parks with my sons.  My FIL kept saying, another beautiful panoramic view.  We teased him but now I now why.  Each corner brings a new wonder to view.  These are the most impressive mountains I have ever seen.  Snow capped and dark rugged peaks.  We drive by a large lake with them on the other side for miles.  We didn't get to linger long as we wanted to get to Jackson Hole before dark and we will be coming back tomorrow so we drove on.

     Finally we made it to Jackson Hole and got a room at the Flat Creek inn.  Very overpriced room just like one we had gotten for half that price in every other town.  Jackson Hole is a rich persons tourist trap type place with lots of extremely overpriced items for sell and very very busy.  People walking all over and right out in front of you if you weren't careful.  The decor  is neat, all log buildings.   Lots of Eddie Bauer type clothing here.  People are dressed like rich hunters or rich fly fisherman.  College kids all over.  Not my type of town.  I like Cody better but still a pretty town and truthfully we weren't there long enough to know.

     We went to Snake River Brewing to eat and when we first walked in I was dismayed to see how busy and noisy it was.  I was tired and just wanted a beer and meal and then sleep in that order.  However.  The beer was tasty, the foodwas great and I relaxed once we were seated.  Once again getting the last table in the room.  Rick had the Green Chili Burritoand I had this great spiced chicken on linguine.  It was just yummy.  Huge portion again and my diet is definitely shot.