Day46 Indian Creek CG to Gros Ventre CG – Jun 25
Today we make the long run back to our original base camp at Gros Ventre campground in the Grand Teton NP. It will take the better part of the day, as we have about 150 miles to run, the speed limit is 45 mph or less and I can seldom go that fast with the trailer, we have to account for traffic and we also have to accommodate impromptu nature events. We also want to stop off at Old Faithful Village on the way back for some souvenir shopping.
We make good time getting back, despite a small delay in the south end of Yellowstone for some road maintenance. Once we clear the south gate, it is pretty much smooth sailing as we are completely out of the traffic all the way to Gros Ventre.
We make camp, have lunch and clean up a bit, then head into Jackson for a little more souvenir shopping. We close up most of the shops and help them roll up the sidewalks for the night.
This is the view out the front window of the camper at our last campsite at Gros Ventre in the Grand Teton NP.
Day47 Dubois, WY – Jun 26
Today we head into Dubois for a little shopping and a bit of nostalgia from earlier in the trip. If you have not already read Day33, go back and do so. I had a grand time there, and Tracey wanted to see the town and I wanted to take her to a couple of the galleries there. We take up the better part of the day wandering about town, having lunch and doing just a smidge more souvenir shopping. I take her to the local bead store, and this turns out to be a gold mine for entertainment, local lore and souvenir shopping.
We head back late afternoon so Tracey can get a head start on packing for her trip home tomorrow.
Day48 Jackson, WY – Jun 27
Tracey finishes up her packing and we load up and head into Jackson one last time for one or two last minute souvenir acquisitions, a nice lunch and to take her to the airport for a late afternoon departure.
After leaving the airport, I head back to camp to grab my grocery list and the LP tank that went dry the night before. One more trip into Jackson for provisions and it’s back to camp to put away groceries and begin stowing my gear for moving day on Sunday.
Just a quick comment about Tracey. I can honestly say that I had a grand time when she was here. Yellowstone and the Tetons are an unbelievable experience, but she made them all the more memorable. By having along a hiking partner with similar interests, I was able to experience these two national treasures all the more and will always remember this part of the trip fondly. She was very outgoing and personable with those we met along the way and was always curious about their hometowns, experience in the parks and their plans for the future. And if anyone ever needed a group photo, she was always right there to squeeze the shutter for them.
I will miss you a ton Miss Tracey. You definitely brought some sorely needed sunshine to my trip.
Day49 Gros Ventre Slide; Mormon Row – Jun 28
Today I head out early to hike the Gros Ventre Slide in a neighboring national forest. This slide is one of the largest natural occurring movements of earth ever recorded. On June 23, 1925 the entire side of one mountain came crashing down into the Gros Ventre River and up the mountain on the other side. Eyewitnesses say that it looked like water rushing down the mountain the splashing about the face of the neighboring hillside. The slide formed a natural dam across the Gros Ventre River and a new lake was born.
Two years later, this dam broke loose and the waters rushed downriver, killing 6 in the nearby village of Kelly.
There is a short interpretative hike on the remains of the slide in which you can see the carnage of rock and lumber scattered about like so many pixie sticks. It is interesting to see boulders of this size, just thrown into a pile like some giant earth mover just left it there.
I had intended to go further up the road for more hiking, however, a much more recent rockslide had the road blocked off, so I headed back towards the Tetons and camp. Stopping along the way for numerous photo opportunities, a couple of short hikes and some socializing with other tourists (Tracey would be so proud!).
Note on the following photos: For whatever reason, this was one of my most prolific days behind the camera. Only 125 photos, but each one as good or better than the last. I really had a hard time selecting the best, and finally just figured it didn’t matter if they were both good. Please enjoy.
The Gros Ventre Slide. Tracey – What made these marks on this Aspen Tree?!?
The Tetons from the slide area and a cabin in the hills
Room with a view and an old Wyoming Cowboy (proof that I used the tools Tracey left me)
Two shots of the Mormon Barn