June 27th and 28th ~ Grand Teton’s

View from Oxbow Bend
This park is simply beyond gorgeous and we have decided to make ourselves at home until after the 4th of July.
Tuesday, June 27th: Our weather has taken a turn. It is cooler and raining. We love the sound as it pounds on the top of the RV. Both rhythmic and relaxing. But we can’t see the sights from inside, so mid afternoon we grab our rain coats and set out for a drive toward Jenny Lake.
First stop is of course the Visitor’s Center so we can get our NP Passport stamped. They had an interesting display about Native American Ledger Art, which was new to me.

Native American Ledger Art
The Lodge at Jenny Lake was warm and inviting on a dreary day, but we were too late for lunch and too early for dinner.

Lodge/Visitors Center at Jenny Lake
We moved on and took the scenic loop where we caught a nice shot of Jenny through the trees, just as the rain was easing to a stop.

Jenny Lake
On to Signal Mountain Lodge for dinner where we lucked out with a perfect window seat overlooking the marina.

Marina at Signal Mountain, Jackson Lake
There is a very short growing season for wildflowers in the Tetons, but they are more than abundant right now. In some areas, the snow has only been gone for a few weeks, so they are popping up everywhere. Click here for a park guide on identifying wild flowers found in Grand Teton NP.

Sharp contrast between yellow flower (snapdragon?) and granite rock
The weather was closing in once again, so we headed back to camp, but captured a few interesting shots with darkened skies along the way.

Still some snow on the peaks

Trees against a blackened sky

Shades of green and blue

Sunlight fighting to shine through
Wednesday, June 28th: We spent the night of the 27th at Gros Ventre Campground, but have now moved north to the larger, more popular, and centrally located Colter Bay Campground. The sun was out briefly and we took full advantage.

Old Homestead on Mormon Row
On the way to the Colter Bay, we stopped at Oxbow Bend Turnout, where one of the rangers suggested that we could get a good view of the tallest mountain in the range, Mount Moran. It is more boxy than the other ragged peaks. She referred to it as “a stud”.

Mount Moran

Two healthy bull elks, but still no moose
Again we have no hookups, as that section of the park is sold out through the end of summer.
We were originally assigned a site in the “M” section, we were thrilled to learn that a momma fox and four kits were one campsite down from us.

This is one of four kits we watched, Cute little guy with white coloring at the end of his tail

One more peeking out down in the corner

Three in this shot

Momma had returned with something for them to eat
We spent a blissful hour watching them play from a very short distance. One of the youngsters came up to within 3-4 feet of me. I stood frozen in place. It was simply curious. Momma seemed unfazed. I taped a short video to share of them playing:
There were a few shortcomings though of that site, and so Tim and I scoped out the campsite and found that the Verizon signal was highest in the “O” section. The camp hosts were accommodating and allowed us to move.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to be soaking up the amazing grandeur of The Tetons. Seeing the four kits playing in the campsite, unconcerned with their quiet audience, was truly a gift.
To all of our followers, both the new and long-time dedicated, we are so appreciative to have you checking in with us, writing a note of encouragement or giving us your insight of something special to see/do/add to our trip. Thank you very much!
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I am really enjoying following your adventure! You are seeing some spectacular scenery and wildlife. I love the fox family!
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Aren’t they the cutest! I could have sat and watched them all day. So glad you are enjoying our adventure along with us.
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You are bringing back fond memories of our first Rv trip 11 years ago.
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We still feel like beginners, but enjoying learning as we go. Glad we could provide a warm memory or two!
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Enjoy every minute in this beautiful place. A great way to spend the Fourth of July.
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We thought so too!
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I’m enjoying all the photos and posts as I follow along with your blog. I’ll be riding through this park on my next motorcycle trip. I can hardly wait. Keep up the good work! Very nice.
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Thank you very much. What a fantastic place for a motorcycle trip! I think you are going to love it.
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So nice, these are all places I have on my list of things to do on my days up there. The weather might have been threatening but the sky in the photos is magnificent.
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Those dark skies did make some of the photos interesting didn’t it. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice a couple of them turned out.
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What breathtaking photographs of The Teton mountains! One looked as if they were floating… another of a water-colour painting I did years ago. I bet you are right out of adjectives…Wagons roll.
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Haha, you got me. My adjective list is getting sadly diminished 🤓
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Never in my life have I been swept with awe and appreciation the way I was when I caught my first glimpse of the Tetons many, many years ago. I still remember the moment and still treasure one of my favorite places. I’m so happy you are enjoying it and sharing it with others.
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Janet, this place is a tiny heaven on earth. We feel so fortunate to be here and are soaking up every moment.
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Your post makes me miss Teton N.P. we were just there. Nice job with the wildlife.
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Thank you! Did you get to see moose and bear? We are still looking!
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Hi Tim, We didn’t see any Moose at Teton or much wildlife at all. We was more wildlife on the North loop at Yellowstone.
Safe Travels
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We are headed up that way next, so will continue our hunt.
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I remember how awe consumed I was when first gazing upon the Tetons, as Aunt Beulah noted above. I’m really enjoying your NP posts vicariously. Hey, since you’re engrossed in animal spotting, be sure to look for the mountain goats among the crags at Glacier NP.
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We will keep our eyes open for them, along with our moose and bear quest.
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Love your shots with wildflowers and mountains. I like to get those, too, when I can. All your photos are gorgeous!
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Thank you very much!
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Wonderful post! So happy to see you are enjoying my home! The unsettled weather should be leaving the valley today and the forecast is sublime through the 4th. Please let me know if you need any tips and/or suggestions although you seem to have found many of my favorite places and WOW what terrific luck to have that fox family close by!!!
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Thank you for the offer. We are so in love with the natural beauty here. Any must see recommendations for photo ops and/or gentle scenic hikes?
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Two great options for gentle scenic hikes: one is around String Lake (between Jenny and Jackson Lakes), the other is to walk around Phelps Lake (park at the Lawrence Rockefeller Preserve). The latter has limited parking and RVs are not allowed on the road, so not sure if that would work. You can also walk around Bradley and Taggart Lakes: https://rootsrated.com/jackson-hole-wy/hiking/bradley-and-taggart-lakes.
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Thank you so much for sharing your insights. We have a Subaru tow car so we can manage the roads. Love the many options here!
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Your photos are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you Denise and welcome!
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We did the Bradley and Taggart Lakes hike mentioned above and can endorse that suggestion. Beautiful pictures, can’t believe it’s almost a year since we were there. Time flies!
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Thank you Anabel for endorsing the suggestion from Travel Magnolia. One more vote in that direction 👍
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I love reading about your adventures. 🙂 … Mama fox on the lookout while the babies play and are way too cute doing it. 🙂
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She sure seems to be a good mommy. We saw her out again this morning and watched her chase after a ground squirrel. She already had one in her mouth that she was taking back to feed her babies. Circle of life – harsh for the squirrels, but also wonderful seeing those cute cubs thriving.
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Wonderful – thanks for the great story and photos. Big hugs
Petrina, Fox Road,
Upstate NY
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Guess this post was appropriate for you – Fox Rd…
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Such gorgeous country, and you got some great shots.
It must have been so sweet to be able to watch the fox and kits. I love wildlife moments like that.
And I love the ledger art! I’d never heard of it.
Alison
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Watching the little kits was a real highlight. Hard to not ❤️ them.
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The Grand Tetons are amazing! I also am using the passport book on my National Park Trips! I loved the pictures of the fox. I was able to see a moose and baby on our trip, however the photos didn’t turn out as great as I would have hoped! Have a fun time!
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One of the rangers told us where we might spot a mother moose and calf, but it was long gone by the time we got there. I don’t think Tim is impressed with me getting the stamps in out NP Passport, but I’m having fun with it.
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My great-grandmother used to always threaten to run away “The the Grand Tetons.” She was the mother of 9 kids, and between them and her husband — she was threatening this a lot.
Then, one day, when the kids were all grown … she actually did!! She packed up her RV and went on to the Grand Tetons for a while, without telling anyone.
These photos are stunning!! It’s like seeing what I imagine my great-grandmother saw. Her calm and happy place away from life’s chaos. Her escape.
You could sell these photos as canvases!!
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Thank you for sharing that story about your great-grandmother. I only have ONE child and could see myself happily running away here 😳
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OMG this place is over the top beautiful, and those kits, wow!
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Caroline, I agree whole heartedly!
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As beautiful as I remember, Joanne. And the kit foxes were a delight! –Curt
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They were the icing on the cake 😃
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Gorgeous scenery and loved the video of the babies playing. Really enjoying your posts.
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Thank you Jill
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This is so beautiful
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We think so too!
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Pingback: Month of June Travels in our National Parks ~ Highlight Moments in Pictures | A Note From Abroad
Absolutely gorgeous photos of such a lovely park! The fox kits are adorable! And with all our travel around the west, I had never heard of ledger art either. Will definitely seek it out now, so thanks for sharing that art form.
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The ledger art was new to me as well. I love finding something new!
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I have never been there…so this was beautiful ‘virtual’ trip for me. Thank you!
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Thank you Mary. So glad you checked out our blog post. Welcome!
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What gorgeous pictures! And those fox – so utterly precious! We are going in late August – can’t wait!
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Oh, lucky you. The Tetons should be fabulous in August. Enjoy!!
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Such wonderful images! We will be traveling to Grand Teton next Spring and we would love to see the Red Fox family, Did you find them in Colter Bay Campground ? Thank you
Anna
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Yes, Anna, the Red Fox family was in the Colter Bay campground. Perhaps you will get fortunate and they will return with new kits next year.
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Thank you so much !
Greetings.
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