On May 20th we left our dispersed campsite and met Scott and Natalie at Teton Range Resort where they had very generously blocked off two RV sites for Judy and I for as long as we wanted to stay. Our first thought was just to stay a day or two but the weather was perfect and the Grand Teton National Park was gorgeous; before we knew it a day or two had stretched into a week!! We ended up staying until Tuesday May 27 (the day I’m writing this) when we left for a hot springs in Idaho which is one of Judy’s favorites.
The Snake River runs right through the Teton NP and dominates it.
- An amazing view of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
- One of the most gorgeous National Parks in the country just two miles away.
- Free hot showers whenever we wanted.
- Flush toilets!
- The RV Park mostly to ourselves. There were more RVs Friday through Monday for the holiday, but even then it wasn’t a problem.
- Scott and Natalie were great hosts we enjoyed spending time with. They love to have cook-outs so they invited us to join them on Memorial Day and we had a great meal with them and their crew! Thanks so such Scott and Natalie!!
There’s a tremendous variety in the terrain around the Park, giving each shot a different personality.
I’m have more of a vandweller personality than an RVer personality because basically I am a loner. Spending too much time with people, especially new people I don’t know is a little bit hard for me. But every so often I meet someone I just click with and like and Scott and Natalie were that way. I think Scott may be the nicest, most generous guy I’ve ever met! If you’ve been reading this blog for long, you know that is not the kind of thing I say very often—I’m pretty sure I’ve never said anything like it before at all. If you are ever looking for a RV Park near the Grand Tetons, be sure to stop in and stay there or buy something from his store. Karma owes him and we can help Her pay him back.
We loved our time at the Park but we left early this morning. Headed for Sharkey Hot Spring in Idaho. In today’s post I’ll include some of the photos I took at the GTNP and probably in the next post after this one. All these shots were from my first day of shooting in the park and there was much more snow in these and the trees were just beginning to bud. In the next post you’ll see an obvious difference in less snow and more green.
This is a great time to be in the Park for wildlife, but not the best for landscapes. There are several little lakes at the foothills of the Tetons that give great reflections. But they still had ice on them.
Bob_
I’m not opposed to luxury and like looking at the big RV’s at the couple of RV shows I’ve gone to…but when I see them on the road it just seems like a lot of aggravation and potential for things to go wrong with all the systems and eventual connection to shore power along with the daily rent for the spot.
Maybe if I was wealthy I would see them differently but I love my van and the freedom solar gives me along with the ability to get closer to nature and solitude. I’ve met a lot of nice people when I worked at the resort on Lake Mead but I’ve since outgrown the hardcore party weekenders and would much rather experience nature the way you and your buddies are currently doing it. Thanks again for the timely trip updates…always look forward to your next installment.
I agree wholeheartedly openspaceman. I like simple things. Must because I am so simple!
Bob
Yow! Is that ice on the lake?
And I like the shot with the stones in the foreground.
Okay Al, let me confess, I fund more red rocks and threw them in that section! Cheater!! Yeah, that’s a style of landscape I am always looking for.
Bob
Oh yeah, it’s still cold here! We’ve been so lucky and had great weather. All that ice is gone now and most of the snow.
Bob
I did some exploring up in the Uintas today. There’s still snow above about 8,500 feet. But I found some open, dry, dirt roads in great shape at lower altitudes. Many dispersed campsites. I might stay at one or two of them after I finish renovations on my van.
It’s beautiful country Al. How are you able to tear yourself away from your family though?
You’re renovating your van?
Bob
More great pictures! One thing that may not be obvious (or may) is that those of us who have not lived in or traveled to the Northwest really do not grasp the climate. I know that you have no more taste for bitter cold camping than I do, but you get to see the snow and ice. That rarely occures here in the East. Our terrain does not work the same way.
Calvin, the Tetons create their own micro-climate. They get over 500 inches of snow a year!
Bob
More terrific photos…I especially like the one with the rocks in the foreground, like Al does. You’re giving me lots of incentive to check out the Tetons!
Thanks Peggy.
Bob
yes, thanks for the travel ideas, I’m unfamiliar with that area of the US. Looks amazing.
Thanks Ming.
Bob
We enjoyed having you both here at the campground! I’m looking forward to reading about your amazing trip. Hope you get a chance to spend some time with us when you pass back thru from Alaska.
I’ve gotta Scott, you’ve got the key to my van!! But we would no matter what!
Bob