Day 208 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Another lovely day in Grand Teton National Park! We beat the crowds to the Spring Lake Trailhead which we followed through burned forest, ferns, around a lake, and up Cascade Creek to Hidden Falls. The falls were ferocious, splashing down the rocks and spraying us from fifty yards away. With the shade and the spray, there had to be a twenty degree temperature difference from the direct sun.
Inspiration Point
We turned back toward the parking area, but not before taking a short spur route up to Inspiration Point which overlooked Jenny Lake and the valley beyond. Countless ground squirrels and chipmunks scurried across our path. Many of the little critters were busy carrying clumps of dirt and pine needles like they were planning on building a nest.
We raced the dark clouds back to the parking and only felt a few sprinkles from what appeared was going to be a powerful thunderstorm. It’s currently just after lunch and we have been waiting out the threatening weather before we take our final hike in Grand Teton National Park until another visit!
Heron Lake and Swan Lake
There for a while, I thought our final hike may have been this morning as a constant drizzle fell from the sky and thunder rolled in the distance. Soon, however, the drizzle turned intermittent and around 4:30 we went for another hike. We thought it would be only an hour to Heron Lake and Swan Lake, but it turned out to be two hours. Luckily, we were prepared with proper hiking attire and water, though the mosquitoes were blood sucking demons.
The Deep Woods Off helped, but any part of our body not covered with clothing or spray ended up with a welt. They were relentless: buzzing our ears, flying up our nose. Anytime we stopped for a photo we basically jogged in place and waved our arms. I’m sure we were sight to see. If we weren’t, the lakes were. They were just gorgeous – covered in lily pads; geese, swan, and heron on the shore; and the Tetons reflecting in the glassy waters – so serene!
Eventually we made it to the restaurant for a fantastic final meal and later took Petey with us to watch the sunset…ETB
Map of My Road Trip Across the USA
Learn more about my road trip across the USA, or click the link below for the interactive map.
Interactive Map of Road Trip Across the USA