An Inspired Cook

September is one of the best times to travel. The summer travelers are headed back to work and school plus the weather is cooler. It’s been over 2 years since we’ve had a true vacation and I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our time in Wyoming. Jackson Hole is where Josh calls home these days and we can truly see why he loves it so much. And to make our vacation complete, Cameron, our youngest son took some time off and joined us for the week as well. We all enjoyed the sights as Josh served as our tour guide taking us to picturesque places to hike and breathe the fresh mountain air. We had the most amazing weather, cool mornings with peaks around 75 degrees for a daytime high. But when the sun begins to set you better have a jacket nearby. One day was reserved to go to Yellowstone National Park. Between all of us we took hundreds of pictures of the many attractions along the way. We expected to see buffalo, moose or elk during our drive through Yellowstone but that didn’t happen until late in the day. As we started to head out of the park we spotted a lone buffalo who had us in stitches as he swam across a river and then promptly found a sandy spot where he rolled and rolled in the dirt. That was a highlight moment for sure! On other days we walked the shops in Jackson Square, went to one of Josh’s favorite places for stargazing near Mormon Row, and hiked along beautiful lakes with the most pristine clear blue/turquoise water you’ve ever seen. And the food . . . well, it was an experience in tasting new things and delighting in the discovery. But my favorite thing of all was the latte that Josh made especially for me.

Day 1

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This is a trail along Jenny Lake within the Grand Teton National Park. The water is a gorgeous turquoise blue. We only spent a short time here but it sure made an impression. When our week was over everyone rated Jenny Lake as one of the prettiest places to sightsee.

At Jenny Lake there are shuttle boats to take you across the lake to Inspiration Point. From there you can hike to Hidden Falls or take a more adventurous path.

Along South Jenny Lake Junction Trail.

Looking far away in the distance you can see the haze and smoke resulting from the wildfires in California. We only had one clear day to photograph the Tetons. There have been many days here in Albuquerque where we couldn’t see the Sandia Mountains for the haze and smoke. I feel terrible for those in California that have lost so due to the raging wildfires.

My tour guide Josh!

And my rock climber Cameron!

Day 2

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Day 2 we took a day trip through the Teton Pass near the Idaho state line and hiked along the Ski Lake Trail.

Another hazy day of hiking. Don’t these hazy mountains and valleys have a ghostly atmosphere?

At the beginning of the week the fall colors were just beginning. By the end of the week you could see fall foliage peaking. On the trail we walked through the Aspens that were turning gold.

Pretty valley outlined with trees.

Heading back with Josh leading the way.

Another hazy scene which accentuates the layers of the mountains.

Josh took us stargazing in the evening. The moon was half full so it wasn’t ideal timing but we enjoyed ourselves as he pointed out Jupiter and Saturn in the distance. Anytime you are in the Jackson area you should book a stargazing program with Wyoming Stargazing. You might get lucky and have Josh be your guide for the evening. He enjoys engaging with anyone who is interested in astronomy.

Day 3

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Our third day was our best day for taking pictures as the skies were clear and blue. We spent the day touring Yellowstone National Park but on drive from Jackson Hole, we stopped at many of the turnouts to capture The Tetons.

The view from the Snake River Overlook.

View from the Oxbow Bend Lookout.

Coming from the South entrance of Yellowstone our first stop was Old Faithful. Joe, Josh and I had been to Yellowstone many years ago, but this was Cameron’s first time to experience it. We arrived shortly after it erupted and had to wait over an hour before the next scheduled eruption. We had lunch and strolled along the boardwalk to see some of the other sights. Within minutes of the geysers scheduled time we began to see the steam rising just before it began to spray the thermal waters high into the air.

A couple of attractions along the boardwalk in Old Faithful’s park.

This is Lion Geyser which erupted shortly before Old Faithful was scheduled to erupt.

The next group of photos are from Black Sand Basin, Biscuit Basin and Midway Geyser Basin. These areas showcase many attractions that are unique and fascinating with vivid bold colors

These thermal waters are very warm yet they appear as if they are cool and clear.

This mini geyser would tease us with a bubble and boil before it burst into the air.

This is Sapphire Pool at Biscuit Basin. When we got stopped at Biscuit Basin the wind had picked up considerably. The guys were hanging on to their hats after we saw more than one that had blown off into the thermal waters. Some of the pools were hard to see as the wind whipped up the steam. When it blew our way it was like a warm humid spray.

There are numerous little “pots” at Black Sand and Biscuit Basin that bubble and steam.

I love these copper veins with the fog in the distance.

The Turquoise Pool at Midway Geyser Basin.

The Falls at Yellowstone.

View above the falls!

The falls canyon.

As I mentioned earlier we were disappointed that we hadn’t seen any wildlife all day. It was starting to get late and we decided to make a run by Yellowstone Lake and see the Lake Village Lodge before heading back. On our drive back we spotted this one lone buffalo across the river and up an embankment. He was heading for the river and before we knew it he started to cross.

Have you ever seen a buffalo swim . . . well, it’s a sight to see for sure!

He walked out of the water and immediately shook himself off with water spraying everywhere.

And then he headed for the dirt and proceeded to rub his face in it and then he rolled and rolled and then rolled some more. Joe managed to get a video that you can view at https://www.instagram.com/p/CUBS2KXlhBRBBjkFU6EVE3ElsdKaOUQpmxwhI80/?utm_medium=copy_link

Day 4

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After our day at Yellowstone we decided to take an easy day of sight seeing. Josh took us to Mormon Row where he routinely takes clients for stargazing tours. In the late 1890’s, a group of Mormon’s from Idaho homesteaded in the Grovont area because of the fertile soil and access to water via the Gros Ventre River. Two family members (John and Thomas Alma Moulton) built the Moulton barns which draws photographers from all over the world to capture these iconic barns with the Tetons in the background. However on this day we experienced so much smoke and haze that would virtually erase the Tetons in any photos. I tried using a black and white filter that made these barns have an old world feel with the Tetons appearing to be snowcapped even though they weren’t. I loved the feel of these historic barns in black and white.

Someone might correct me but I believe this barn was built by John Moulton while the first barn was built by Thomas Alma Moulton.

This cabin was located near the barn built by Thomas Alma Moulton. Perhaps this was his family cabin, I couldn’t find any information to say for sure.

These next few homesteads don’t appear as old but are still historic and architecturally sound that have stood the test of time.

After a memorable dinner at Coelette we decided to go for a walk along the Snake River and Rendzvous Park. We managed to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets to cap off our day. These are my 3 favorites guys!!

In Rendezous Park you might see a giant troll sitting across the pond!

Walking the boardwalk through the park.

Sky on fire . . . or beautiful sunset?

Day 5

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Our vacation rental was within walking distance to Persephone Bakery which just happens to be one of Josh’s day jobs as a barista. Nearly every morning Joe and I would go down to Persephone’s and have breakfast. Their pastries are to die for btw! One morning Josh joined us and introduced us to his work mates and friends. He then made this special latte for me. Because he made it, it warmed my heart in more ways than one!

After breakfast we took a hike along the Death Canyon Trail. One of the highlights was Phelps Lake in which the water appeared dark blue due to the smoke and hazy atmosphere.

Our last hike on Death Canyon Trail. We were tired but we made it!

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The neighborhood fox and moose that we saw almost every day. The young elk at Yellowstone Lake Village, plus the buffalo that wandered in front of our car and then eclipsed the sun to make the most majestic silhouette!

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