Playing in the Park

Grand Tetons

 Hold on one second... did you read Part 1?

Ok, NOW you're ready....

When one makes plans to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in September, snow is not usually the first thing one adds into the equation. But as we drove home from South Dakota through the rain on Wednesday evening, it was definitely a possibility. Thursday morning, with clearing skies and nicer days in the forecast, we loaded up the camper and set out for Gardiner. We drove through sunshine, then rain, then sunshine, then snow...

The only elk we photographed all weekend

Once in Yellowstone, we skipped the Mammoth Campground in favor of the Indian Creek Campground. The only problem being that that one closed on Monday. Oops! On to Norris CG. Open, but blocked by construction. We finally got a campsite in Madison Junction. We quickly set up camp and proceeded to the Old Faithful area to hike to Mystic Falls in the Biscuit Basin. The sun low in the western sky didn't make for the best photos, but the falls were beautiful nonetheless. 

Mystic Falls

Frosty spiderweb

Friday morning found us up early and on the road to Grand Tetons NP. It was COLD, but the steam and the fog and frost made for gorgeous scenery. Eventually though, the sun burned through, and while wildlife and fall color both proved to be scarce, we did enjoy photographing the mountains and waterfalls. 

Lewis Falls

We got back to the camper just before dark and made supper. Over dinner, I continued my winning streak at the cribbage board. Until, that is, the lights faded and the fan on the furnace slowed to a stop. I am glad that Friday night was warmer than Thursday, because the battery was DEAD! But we survived, and Saturday was a beautiful day for the drive home. 

Moose Falls

This picture is just for those of you who prefer your water "soft."