Week 20 (continued) - Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming (Stay Wild)

Dear Family and Friends,

We are driving through Wyoming on our way to Grand Tetons National Park. As we cross through more expansive lands we pass through this one town, Lost Springs, that has a population of 6 (Brett was wondering who put the sign up.)

Sarah, Atlas, Danielle, Brett and Bruce

Even before we arrived at our lodging we drove through the Grand Tetons National Park. Just from some of the overlooks, the view was spectacular. Even a rainbow greeted us as we arrived in Jackson, Wyoming (rainbow was Nathaniel's favorite color.)

You can see the rocky mountains touch the clouds in the distance.

Can see a little bit of snake river through the trees.

While getting dinner in town, Brett really got a kick out of using the flags to cross the road.

Brett leading the calvary across the street.

Even the signage has a mountain vernacular: "Whoa! Partner Use Crosswalk down Yonder. Thank You"

We only gave ourselves one full day to explore Grand Teton. We decided to ride bikes, but there is a whole story to these bikes. Brett has been on a mission to get us our own bikes ever since renting them in Acadia National Park. He decided that with more expansive land in the west we would need our own bikes. I have been against it the whole time! It's another thing to load up and take care of and we already have too much stuff. I made sure to let Brett know at every opportunity that these bikes are an inconvenience. But then we actually used the bikes...

Atlas loving riding the bike with Dad on the way to Jenny Lake

Sarah and I riding bikes from Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center inside Grand Teton.

...and I had to admit to Brett that they were great fun! We took about a seven mile bike ride to Jenny Lake from the Craig Thomas Visitor Center inside of the park.

Sitting at one of the look outs at Jenny Lake with the Tetons rising behind us.

Sarah and Atlas enjoying the view at Jenny Lake.

On our ride back we stopped to remember Nathaniel.

Remembering Nathaniel at a quiet path at the base of the Grand Teton.

Atlas also celebrated his 2 year old birthday, This little dude is so full of energy and loves being outside. His favorite food is hamburger patty (like his big brother) and french fries. He loves all things that have wheels including his stroller, our bikes and his toy truck. If you look at him for too long (1 to 2 seconds) he bursts into laughter. My favorite phrase of his is "C'mon CeCe" (this is what he calls Sarah). We are so grateful that he is ours and fall more in love with him everyday.

Atlas running through the Grand Tetons.

The Tetons are magnificent, but most of the park is at the base of the Tetons. Honestly one day is enough and if you must miss one of the national parks, miss this one. We aren't hikers, but for those who are, there aren't many trails unless you are a hardcore mountain climber/scrambler. The main path is an asphalt mix use trail which is great for biking, but a little disappointing for trail hiking. However, the Tetons are on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Since we were definitely not missing Yellowstone, why not visit the Tetons as well.