September 21, 2019 Saturday - More Touring the Tetons

After the morning routine we decided to stay over another night because Steve did not sleep good and was up very early. We drove to the Historic Mormon Row and took pictures.

From the Brochure:
The Buildings on Mormon Row tell the story of a once vibrant community. The Homestead Act of 1862 promised 160 acres to any person willing to "improve" the land by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. After five years on the land the original settler was entitled to the property, free and clear. Mormon families in the 1890s began homesteading land in the Grovont area with hopes of beginning a new life. They constructed ranches, homes, a church and a school-a true community.

It wasn't raining so much today but was still overcast. We took lots of pictures! The scenery after the overnight snow was stunning. It only snowed in the upper elevations - not in town where we were. The mountains look like they are dusted with powdered sugar!

 Some of the trees are starting to show fall color.

After the Mormon Row Area we drove to Colter Bay for a snack. I went into the convenience store first, then Steve. One  of us always needs to babysit the dogs! Then he got back I told him there was a lady looking at something across from    the parking lot in the trees. So he got out to look and said, "It's a bear!" He got his camera and took pictures and that bear ran out of the trees and across the road, I even got a few pictures on my phone, exciting! The bear looked very healthy and he was not very far from our pickup.

We drove through the campgrounds and Jackson Lake and Colter Bay -the views were magnificent. We continued south on the Jenny Lake scenic trail and then to the RV. On our way back I spotted four mule deer.

Bicyclists riding very near the mule deer!

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - didn't go in - because we had the dogs! We have been there before. The bar seats are saddles

These Antler Arches are on each corner of the square in Jackson!

We made it back about 5:00 PM and watched Oklahoma State get beat by Texas 36-30.

September 17, 2018 Monday - Into Yellowstone

We walked first thing this morning (after waiting for a little warm-up 30 degrees this morning) and then headed into West Yellowstone (the town). We stopped at the hardware store to get a new light bulb for the RV and while Steve was in there - I got a reservation for Tuesday night in town.  We wanted to take showers after our forest time.  Then we started our drive into Yellowstone National Park.  We got the the entrance pretty quick, using my National Parks Pass, and made pretty good progress for awhile.

a wee bit of fall color

Masssive Mountain

Then the traffic started slowing down to a crawl! We could not see anything that would hold us up.  So we just kept plodding along, moving when the line moved - then we saw the elk! They were  right by the road near the river. They looked awesome.
                                         

Finally the line started moving a bit. We stopped to use the restroom at Madison picnic area. The parking lot and bathrooms were very busy.  I have heard for the last few years to go to Yellowstone and other popular parks after Labor Day because the crowds thin out. I do not think this is true. There were tons of people everywhere.
We moved on after that and got into another slow line of traffic. This time it was Bison. There was a pretty sizable herd hanging out. So we just went with the flow. If you go to Yellowstone - you must be patient. It is very slow going.

The sign says: Mary's Mountain! I'll take it!

My goal this visit was to see Grand Prismatic Spring. I've never seen it in person, only pictures.  Well that is another thing that got cancelled! The parking lot and both sides of the road were packed! No way to get in there. So I will visit again at another time and hopefully arrive earlier in the day.  The next time I visit will be in late May or early June or later in September.  Maybe I should visit in winter! LOL I would probably freeze!

Old Faithful Inn (back side)

People looking at Elk

We saw these elk on our way out of the park!

Our next stop was the Old Faithful visitor center. I wanted to pick up some souvenirs. Well same story - it was packed! I almost gave up on that, but we went around the circle to the back side and I went in another gift shop and got a few things.  After that we were ready to go back to the RV.  I fixed us a skillet supper of cubed potatoes,  leftover steak bites, and scrambled eggs topped with cheese and it was good. We walked some more and called it a day.