"Keep close to nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir
When planning my trip, Wyoming was not on my radar even after I was on the road. I thought about visiting Yellowstone, but it wasn't a must-see. I am SO glad my travels took me to this beautiful state. I'm not someone who grew up around the mountains, so I am always overwhelmed by them. Seeing the Tetons come into view out of nowhere took my breath away. They looked like floating clouds from afar.
“They left an imprint on my heart that will live with me forever."
This was my first view of them as I traveled through the countryside of Ashton, Idaho... Just breathtaking! The picture doesn't begin to capture the magnificence of these exquisite, giant peaks in the sky.
Admiring them from afar was one thing, but crossing them was something else entirely! This was our first real struggle on our trip. Fern had a difficult time on the mountain. We got to this point, and I had to pull over and take a picture. I felt like I was on a roller coaster. It was exciting, but I was equally terrified. The incline was steep, the view was overwhelming, and the dropoff on the side was intense. All of my senses were in overload. If I were being dramatic, I would tell you I thought I would pass out!
Luckily, my son and his girlfriend called while all this was happening so I could talk to someone and not feel so alone in my anxiety. I also learned that my car had different gears. I hardly noticed the plus and minus signs on my gear shift. They apparently mean something and helped get us over the Tetons.
We stayed at a beautiful campground outside Jackson Hole called Fireside Resort. It was dark when we got there, so waking up to this in the morning felt like a dream. I walked around the campground with my coffee in the morning, admiring the view, and met some lovely people. One man was walking his dogs; he and his wife were from Louisiana. They had their home destroyed by a hurricane a couple of years ago and lived in the RV they traveled with until their house was rebuilt. Another man and his wife were admiring Fern. They have been full-time RVers for three years and were on their way to California.
Then I met this big guy. I had coffee with him one morning, and he returned for dinner. He wasn't as big as some, but seeing him in person was just as thrilling.
I spent a day exploring Jackson. I can see the appeal and draw to this town. The Jackson Hole Valley is 15 miles long. It is home to many celebrities, none of whom I saw while I was here, unfortunately. To name a few, Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Pippa Middleton, Tiger Woods, Uma Thurman, Matthew McConaughey, and more.
Then I went to Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Forest and fell in love with the Tetons! I have never seen something so beautiful. I hiked to the water away from everyone else and sat in complete awe! These are the moments when I'm reminded how lucky I am to be on this journey.
This was another time I had to Facetime some people to share this moment. I knew it wouldn't be the same for them, but I just wanted to be in this moment with someone else. It was too big for me to take in by myself.
I have so many favorite pictures of these mountains, but this is one of my favorites. I took it
as we were leaving.
Fern and I pulled over, and I sat here for a while. Again, I knew these mountains were forever imprinted on my heart. I was sad to leave but knew there were many more adventures ahead of us just waiting to happen.
Stay Wild 🌿
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