Hike : Day 4 - Holly Lake to Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Of all the days on the Teton Crest Trail, Day 4 was my least favorite. Mostly because we were done with the big views - and the day was spent descending out of the spectacular high country back into the treeline - where I don't prefer to be. I may bitch and complain about exposure while I'm overheating and sucking all the oxygen out of the atmosphere at 10,000 feet, but that is my favorite place to be. Plus, you typically trade the fabulous dirt tracks for the ankle-busting boulders. And the bugs. But we still had some spectacular views as we left Holly Lake and started our descent toward Jenny Lake.
Yep. Boulders. And switchbacks.
As we got closer to Jenny Lake, we ran into some guys out for a ride - I was super jealous of their mode of transport.
Once you reach Jenny Lake, there's *usually* a ferry service that can float your sorry, tired ass across the lake so you don't have to drag your dehydrated carcass the extra 2 miles to the ranger station. Of course, we missed the seasonal ferry by ONE DAY.
Because of course we did.
So we took a break on the benches at the ferry dock to have a snack before the final push - and out of the blue, this mama and her twin babies just came ambling up the trail. They were just the cutest and we were so glad we decided to stop for a bit.
Because of course we did.
So we took a break on the benches at the ferry dock to have a snack before the final push - and out of the blue, this mama and her twin babies just came ambling up the trail. They were just the cutest and we were so glad we decided to stop for a bit.
Once we made it back to the ranger station, we dropped our unused bear spray in the recycle bin for the rangers to use, and caught a bus back to Jackson. The ticket got us as far as the Welcome Center, where we picked up the free START bus back to the hotel. We checked back in, grabbed our stored luggage, and SPRINTED to the room - you really learn to appreciate modern plumbing and hot water when you haven't had either for a few days. The stink is serious, and it is REAL. So is the hunger.
We ordered a massive loaded pizza from Mile High Pizza Pie (which is sadly no longer open) and absolutely inhaled it. Ate every goddamn piece. Every one. Not even ashamed. Felt so good to be clean, full, and sleeping with a real pillow.
We ordered a massive loaded pizza from Mile High Pizza Pie (which is sadly no longer open) and absolutely inhaled it. Ate every goddamn piece. Every one. Not even ashamed. Felt so good to be clean, full, and sleeping with a real pillow.
One Last Day
We had one full day left before our early flight back home, and we spent it exploring the town of Jackson. We took a free bus trip up to the National Museum of Wildlife Art - which, in my opinion, is an absolute must-see. If you love art, or wildlife, or both, do not miss this museum. Mark isn't much of a museum-goer, but he really enjoyed this one.
You can't take photos inside the museum, but there are a ton of sculptures outside, and the grounds are beautiful.
Even the bike racks are artsy and cool.
Even the bike racks are artsy and cool.
A few of my favorite things in downtown Jackson :
Amy Ringholz Gallery
Snake River Brewery
(highly recommend saving room for the campfire s'mores)
Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream
(you'll pay through the nose - but it's really good... and the flavor selection can't be beat).
Grab a cone and have a sits in the Jackson Town Square
Cowboy Coffee
The Merry Piglets
Amy Ringholz Gallery
Snake River Brewery
(highly recommend saving room for the campfire s'mores)
Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream
(you'll pay through the nose - but it's really good... and the flavor selection can't be beat).
Grab a cone and have a sits in the Jackson Town Square
Cowboy Coffee
The Merry Piglets
The End!
All photos are © Sugarjets Studio - all rights reserved. Please don't steal them. Stealing is shitty.
Don't be shitty. And please don't make me be mean.
Don't be shitty. And please don't make me be mean.