Well, after a very enjoyable stay in the Twin Falls, Idaho area, we got the “hitch itch” and a new job offer in…
Jackson Hole, WY, Grand Tetons National Park.
The trip involves doing one thing we are not ready to do, and that is point the motor home east. Sometimes you just take the good with the bad and do the best you can with what ya got. So we head for the back roads and go north-east across the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway.
Traveling through Craters of the Moons National monument and Preserve leads us into the Idaho Falls area.
Idaho Falls is very scenic and boasts a historic downtown area. One of the historic landmarks is the Taylor Toll Bridge which was the only crossing over the Snake River for fur traders and gold miners. Just to the north is where we crossed and reunited with the river, which we followed into Wyoming and eventually into the “Jackson Hole”.
We enjoyed our travels through the salt flats and deserts of Utah, but have to admit that the lush green forest of lodge pole pines are a welcome sight. We are now in what they call a high desert, but the landscape is much different. Did we say much different? — How about some of the most dramatic landscape imaginable.
Apparently earthquakes and volcanoes work together to make beautiful mountains that shoot straight to the skies and glaciers formed on those mountains creating gorgeous waterfalls streams and lakes. As the mountains rise at the edge of the fault line, the valley settles to form a “hole”. The result is the Teton Mountains and Jackson Hole, the playground for hikers, bikers, sightseers, boaters, rafters, kayakers, canoers, hunters, campers, climbers, wranglers, rustlers, riders, fisherman, grizzly bears, black bears, pronghorns, beavers, eagles, osprey, moose, elk, bison, antelope, ducks, geese, trout, pelican???, yes, pelican, coyote, wolves, mule deer, bighorn sheep, badgers, otters, muskrat, marmot, and the mo-squi-to.
Anyway, it makes a pretty nice playground for us as well. Being the new store clerks at the Jenny Lake Convenience Store and Gift Shop we are entitled to enjoy any activity that the national park sells to the public – for free.
We have an eighteen mile commute to work and at first we thought that would be a drag, but soon realized – we must have the most beautiful and scenic drive to work of most anyone in the world. Add to that, we live in the employee campground at Colter Bay, which is only 23 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
We are scheduled to work here until September 6, but the one thing we have learned is that our situation is fluid, and we just roll with the punches. Still no word from Progressive Insurance on our windstorm damage, but at least we are working for now and living practically for free, thanks to the company cafeteria that we occasionally get to use, and the free camping is nice as well.
Be sure to scroll down to see the pictures of this spectacular paradise. Remember to please feel free to leave a comment and click on follow if you enjoy the content of our blog. It means the world to us to know that people are interested.
It is our understanding that Manitou Springs, CO (where Garden of the Gods Campground is located) is being evacuated due to a raging wildfire in the area. We want to wish the people there well, and pray for their safety.
Growing up in Utah and Idaho, I always love to read an outside perspective. It truly is a beautiful area. Thanks for the photos! 🙂
If you would like to see our true feelings of Idaho area, click on “Earrth, Wind, and Fire” entry. Thanks for the comment!
Loving your pics Tracy! Looks like you guys are having a blast!
Thanks Mike, Mark and I work very hard on this blog, thanks for the comment.
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone are our 1st pick for Matthews 1st Western National Parks. The Pictures are more than beautiful! How much and when did you get wind damage? I have really, really been enjoying your blog! Y’all be good and have a great time!
The wind damage was minimum other than electronics that got fried in a power surge and a few scratches here and there from flying branches. Glad you enjoy our blog, so nice when people comment, thanks.
Ok I think I am caught up now….. Love the pictures and all the wildlife. You two are so blessed. Love you both and will keep you in my prayers!!!! It don’t get better then this! :}
The Island I live on has 9 volcanoes the Island is 3 quarters rain forrest and is all mountains and gorges, I hated the D.R. thats why I came back home to Dominica, Google it
We only get to visit these places for a short time so happy for you that you can live in your own kind of Paradise.
Thanks for keeping up with us Teener. It means a lot. Its times like this that you find out who your friends are.
Gld you two are still enjoying your adventure. It does look like Paradise.
Most of wv is still without power and we are running the generator about 4 hours each day.
the surrouind ingstates have the same problem so they can’t send help.
Sounds like a nice time to visit NC.
Loved the curious moose and the escaping buffalo. Great pics as usual, and some excellent writing. Happy Summer!
Thanks Lee, That means a lot to us. Happy summer to you too.
Beautiful pictures. I really like Taylors Bridge. Hope y’all are well. Miss you
I didn’t know til now that you all were doing this–Absolutely awesome! I’ll be following the blog from now on & catching up with the older posts. Love my adventurous cousins!
So glad you saw finally. Nice to hear from you.
Hey Mark & Tracy! So glad you two are getting to enjoy your RV and traveling like you’ve always wanted. I’ve been showing some of the pictures you post to dad, and he loves looking at them and guessing where you are. I have the book Readers Digest: 100 Most Scenic Routes in America. If you would like to have it, email an address where I can send it to you. Hope God continues to smile on you and bless you in your travels!
I love how you are sharing! Very professional! Need to contact NatGeo !
Thanks Kim. God willing, something will come of this trip. We have felt his presence along the way in everything that has happened.