Tuesday we were up at 7am to say our goodbyes. It was easier this time, because we will see Paul and Max in just three weeks! Not in Alpine, but in Philadelphia. They are coming out for Paul's dad's birthday celebration. But we won't see Jenny for a while, so that was more emotional. She has been so loving these past weeks.
Then, off for Yellowstone, N.P. It was a perfect day. Sunny, cool (in the 40's starting out), low humidity (that's always the case). We got donuts and coffee at Delish Donut Shop in Alpine, and then breakfast sandwiches in Jackson, and before we knew it, we were in Grand Teton Park. It was hazy - the smoke from the Bondurant forest fire was noticeable in Jackson. But we saluted the Grand Teton as we drove by, and it got less hazy as we drove north away from the fire.
The Grand Tetons, with haze
We stopped in the park for a short hike up to one of our favorite spots, Christian Pond. It is always alive with water fowl, but in August, there was less diversity. This actually might be our first trip thorough the two parks this late in the summer, so everything was different. But it was still a lovely spot, with mainly coots and brown ducks in evidence: no ruddy ducks, scaups or mallards in sight.
Christian Pond in GTNP
A few ducks swimming and diving
We brought our binoculars
There were other delights on the trail: we were met by a group of tourists on horseback on a trail ride out of a nearby lodge, and there were a few wildflowers, though at this time of year, not many.
Trail riders
Flax blossom
Something in the aster family
More on our day yesterday later. This morning we are In the Lupine Inn, Red Lodge, MT. The WiFi connection is very undependable and slow. Heading east. Maybe tonight, we'll have a better connection.
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