Monday, September 13 - Day 11

Up at 7 and broke down camp in record time in freezing cold - so cold our hands were hurting - 35 degrees. I wore mittens for a little while.

Dave is helping me with this today.

Went to South Rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to hike South Rim Trail. The trail took us down Uncle Tom's Trail of the Lower Falls, so of course, we descended all 3,000 steps (actually 328 one way) it just seemed like 3,000. I counted only 324 so I thought I should do it again to see if I got 328.

Continued walking along South Rim Trail with various viewpoints all of which were much better than the view from the bottom of Tom's Trail. It ended at Artist's Point, which they say is the most photographed view in Yellowstone. Ansil Adams magnificent. The colors of the canyon walls in the morning sun, the green raging river below perforated by pink mists from steam vents along canyon walls. The view of the Lower Falls and the mist plume at its base is never to be forgotten. Hiked back to the car via road instead of trail and headed for Grand Tetons.

50 miles along an otherwise remarkable road, the Grand Tetons suddenly appear in the distance. Shock and awe at their first appearance. Hard granite, jagged, sharp, pointed peaks, snow covered amaze the senses in the sunlight. We drive open mouthed at their majesty. They truly look like tetons - get it? Made camp at Coulter Bay. Lots lower elevation and lots warmer than Yellowstone. Don't mind sitting out at night - no bugs and no frost. Enjoying instead of enduring.

Went to general store and got a picnic and sat by the lakeshore and viewing the Tetons across the lake. Joy to the heart. We heard about wildlife viewing at Oxbow Junction and saw mom and baby moose feeding along the Snake River. Ranger said they have seen elk and grizzlies at this location also. If we see a bear, we can go home.

Back at the campsite, so pleasant. Temp in the 60's, no bugs, whiskey sours and bear spray at the ready. Dave is ready to spray a bear and at every sound keeps hoping - do bears wear t-shirts?

Dave made whiskey sours. Dave says he is going to see a grizzly bear if he has to cook bacon and spread peanut butter around the campsite.

Tomorrow we plan on taking it easy - no rush to get up but will probably rent a canoe and go on a boat tour around the lake.