Day 17

This was the day to explore the Teton National Forest. The day before one of the park employees at the visitor center recommended her favorite hike to us, so off we went. On our way we found a crowd of people staring off into a cluster of trees. After many attempts, I finally spotted the prize, a female moose.

Once we arrived at the trail head I was in a bit of a panic mode. The trail head was overflowing with people. If anyone knows me just a little, they know I am not a fan of crowds. We finally vultured a spot to park and then decided to just give the trail a chance. After a half a mile of constantly having to step aside for hikers going the opposite direction and listening to overly loud hikers we abandoned this trail and sought out another.

We took out our map and found a more remote trail. Before we let our boots hit the trail again we found a great lunch spot. We enjoyed some local brews and ate some creative pizza while overlooking majestic mountain tops.

We traveled down a dusty gravel road winding down a valley and we spotted a moose in the stream that followed the road. After many excited pictures we continued on our way. There were several trail head options and after checking out a few on this dusty road we settled on one that started at the Rockefeller Nature Preserve. We walked to the building that had wooden arches and perfectly combined a rustic appeal with modern curves and large glass windows. Just behind one of the large windows was a model of the mountain range placed exactly as you saw it out the window. Winding through the halls we found the sound room. A childish smile spread across my face as the sound of rain encompassed me. Bring me back to the moments when I would walk outside to our shed and sit on a cot and daydream while listening to the rain hit the roof and fall from the trees. It was pure joy.

The trails started right out the back doors of the museum following a mountain stream. There were many cascading waterfalls and blooming flowers. The mist from the waterfalls created a permanent smell of rain. We finally hit the junction where we broke off from the heavier traveled trail and ascended up to a ridge line. The view was worth the climb. We did not see another hiker on this trail and it felt as if we had the mountain to our self. This reclusive trail ended at Phelps Lake, where there was a welcoming stone platform with benches, so one could take in the views.

The way back to the camp was exciting. We saw our first and only bear of the trip. It was sipping water from a puddle near Pilgrim Creek. It was a juvenile black bear, starting to fill in its adult frame. 

That night we felt content with the beautiful surroundings sitting by our fire that was nestled in the woods.

Can you find the moose?