Yellowstone and the Tetons

After around two months of tours with Timberline I have finally completed my first hiking tour. The six day hiking extranvaganze began in Yellowstone. While staying in the Old Faithful area lodges we hike the waterfalls, geysers, Mt Washburn, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It was coldddd! On the second day of hiking we had short spurts of rain, snow, and hail! Plus my fellow guide drove way to close to a bison who was walking along the road (the often do this in early morning because it is the path of least resistance), and dispite my repeated warnings that he was way to close (like 5 feet way) he didn't move over. The bison got aggitated and made a move towards the van to express his feelings. After that scare the guide gave the bison plenty of run.

Fortunately when we arrived in the Grand Tetons we discovered the mountains had a snowy mist on their peaks. We hiked through Death Canyon and spotted tons of bear scat. The identification and discussion of scat would last throughout the remainder of the trip. The view from the top was incredible and we had the place to ourselves. The next day we awoke very early and took the short boat ride across Jenny Lake. We then presceded to hike up to Lake Solitude, which is in the heart of Grand Tetons National Park. The views along the trail and at the Lake were amazing! I got to hang out there for over 40 minutes before heading down. On the way back to the boat dock we saw lots of marmots (even two black ones) and four moose. The sixth and final day we hike Taggart and Bradely Lakes, which were a comfortable six mile stroll through the woods. Then after dropping the guests and the other guide off in Jackson Hole I began driving back to Colorado. I was exhausted!! I worked my posteir region off on this trip doing all the lunch prep and a lot of the logistics. I made it to Rawlins, Wyoming where I drank some brews and watched some tv. The following day I droving over Snowy Pass in the Medicine Bow Mountains, with flurries in the air.

I spent the rest of the day running errands (developing film, visiting my storage unit, getting the van's oil changed, and doing laundry). Finally I was done and able to enjoy the massive Tour de Fat party at New Belgium Brewery. Imagine lots and lots of bikes, lots of beer, and a great party atmosphere. If ya ever get the chance to go to a Tour de Fat (the rotate cities throughout the West mostly) ya difentely have to go. It's so much fun and the costumes are great! That night I had dinner with a friend and then headed for Denver. I slept that night in the van after unpacking and repacking all the gear. The next morning I cycled out of Denver for a solo trip in the Rocky Mountains.