ROAD TRIP – Day 2 – ON site – Tetons to Yellowstone

We woke up again, breathing the crisp mountain lake air. We ate at Jackson Lodge, the Mural Room (mentioned on previous post) and walked along the lake to just bask in the Tetons. The clouds were low and the fog was around. But watching the light from the east (the sunrise) slowly descend on the 14,000 foot high landmarks give your soul a warmth.

We headed to Yellowstone (YNP). These two parks sit next to each other, both unique and both majestic. But it seems Yellowstone gets the attention. True, the size is on YNP size, but I ask what would be your favorite?

YNP was great. We saw the regular sights, mud holes, colorful geysers. A giant lake or two. Water falls. Eagles. Bison. Pine trees. We even checked off a bear sighting.

We visited Old Faithful. Saw the spewing of the steam. Walked the halls of Old Faithful Inn (Where my wife got her daily fix – Huckleberry Ice Cream.) 

Previously, we have stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, the historic lodge. But this time, we stayed at the Lake Yellowstone Inn. Well, we stayed in the cabins behind the Inn. With a picturesque view of the lake, it was beautiful.

For dinner, we went to Grant Village Lake House. A wonderful salmon on a bed of rice was great.

A few things happened that stick in my mind. 

First …
We were post season. Not too far post, but far enough past Labor Day that some services were shut down. Selected gift shops closed. Limited services available. Some workers sent home. They even shut down some lodges (The Roosevelt Village was closed till next year.)

This seemed a little inconvenient, but there was plenty to keep us occupied. Being post-season, the crowds were also thinned.

LESSON – plan before you go, before you do anything in life. Yes, we adapted. We, we enjoyed the event. But we had to adapt.

Second …
At dinner, there was a couple immediately in front of us at the hostess booth. They did not have an appointment. Apparently, they were told to just show up and they would be put on a waiting list. They debated what was actually told to them, but they did wait. And wait. And wait. My wife and I got seated, ordered, ate, and paid. As we left, the couple was still waiting. They may still be waiting 

LESSON – As I think of heaven and eternity, I think a lot of people think they can get there and be on a waiting list. It doesn’t work that way. You better make arrangements now, not later. On one true difference in comparison to this situation, unlike the Grant Village Lake House, in relation to eternity – in heaven there is plenty of room for all who call on the name of the Lord. But call now, before it is too late.

Third, and Lastly …
On the day I traveled the loop at YNP, I had to get off the road and let emergency vehicles passed. Then, a tad down the road, I passed the police, and some EMT vehicles. They were tending to a hiker who had been attacked by a bear. He was hiking alone, and park rangers determined the bear was acting in self-defense. Because of this, they determined they did not need to hunt or capture the bear.

The rule, don’t hike alone, was broken.

The hiker recovered, so I heard. But what was a personal connection, only one person called and checked if I was the hiker and if I was okay. It is nice to know so many care.

LESSON – Show people you care before you can’t show them anymore.

Here are some photos from Day Two …