Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Visit Continues

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After breakfast journeyed further into Grand Teton National Park to capture what remained on my bucket list. First stop was the Jackson Dam, an earth and concrete dam built in the early 1900’s to provide irrigation for Idaho farmlands. FDR annexed the Dam to the Grand Teton Park to protect the National Park system.

Not far from the Dam is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. This quiet place of prayer had many tourists visiting when I stopped to pray for a friend having surgery. Was unsure if it was the rain which brought them or the Lord, however, it is a perfect place for contemplation. It is open June through September and offers mass during this season, 307-733-251 for mass times.

Stained Glass Window in the Chapel

Much further down the road is the Episcopal Chapel of the Transfiguration in the Menor’s Ferry Historic District.

This rustic log cabin church was built in 1925 to serve those who worked on the Grand Teton Dude Ranches. It is on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. Its windows capture views of the Grand Tetons and has spectacular stained glass.

The Menor Historical District is a short walk from the Chapel. Here in the late 1800’s Bill Menor ran a store and ferry.

Unsure what the Park plans are for renovation of the structure.
Store is not open but picture captured through a window.
The Ferry

According to signage around the Menor General Store, Mr. Menon had a “surly” attitude. He ran the store with his brother and was known to have said, “My partners Mean, but I’m Menor.” What a sense of humor as well.

The cabin adjacent to the General Store has particular historical significance as here talks of making the Grand Tetons a National Park began. In the early 1900’s wise locals met to discuss the future of the area, and from this the birth of the Parks occurred.

Last stop on the journey was the Mormon Row Historic District. The Mormons were some of the first peoples to come to this area and stay. Renovations to these historic structures are currently underway.

There are several other attractions in this area to visit. Some additional places to explore.

  • Cunningham Cabin Historic Site
  • Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Much to see in the Grand Tetons as well as Yellowstone.

This ends my visit to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park.

What an unforgettable experience.

Sheffield’s

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Left Cody at 5 a.m. as knew I had much to see and little time to see it in. Drove west to Yellowstone and took a last lap through the Park. It was drizzling the entire ride and this matched my mood. During the 2 day Park visit the weather was stellar. Hunger gripped me at 8:30 a.m., and decided to visit a Park restaurant for breakfast. Came upon Sheffield’s in the Headwater’s Lodge area of the Grand Teton Park.

After cruising the menu decided to stay for breakfast as the menu offered 2 of my favorite foods in the world – salmon and sour dough bread. Prices weren’t bad and the food was delicious, My server was aloof ignoring me and focusing on a couple from D.C. and to tell the truth she was wasting her time as I gave the bigger tip.

While sitting alone another server, Chan, was busily disinfecting around me. We began a conversation telling me he was from Taiwan, an accounting major who had just graduated. He came to America to do this job before starting his career in his homeland. What a delightful young man, and since I had never been to Taiwan he spoke of his country and things to do and see there. Our 8 minute conversation was charming, and just what this solo traveler needed.

After ending our conversation I went to the gift shop adjacent to the restaurant and when I turned Chan was there. I had left my umbrella under the table and he returned it to me. I thanked him and we parted ways once again. Traveling can be so inspiring, and one can never plan for chance encounters with someone from another land.

Thanks, Chan, and make good fortune follow you in your life and career.

Grand Teton National Park – driving through..

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Pays to leave early, what a beautiful sunrise.

Left Moran by 6:30, gaining entrance to the Grand Teton National Park by 7. Stopped at the first pull off and noted this group of happy campers on a 4 hour water journey. Arrangements for these outings can be made at the lodges throughout the Parks and there are many options available.

Looks like a fun option..

After this stopped in the Jackson Lake Lodge area. In all lodge areas gas stations with full service are available, as well as other services for car, health, and hygiene.

Jackson Lake, an enormous body of water with smoky mountains providing a mysterious view.

The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, is an integral part of this Park. Rockefeller visited Jackson Hole in the 1920s and was concerned how development was being conducted. He purchased and donated 32,000 acres to the Park. Much of the trees along this Parkway were dying and unsure why.

The South Entrance to Yellowstone awaits at the end of the Rockefeller Parkway. Stopped at the first waterfall past the entrance. Had a short walk in, but worth it, Crawford Creek.

On to see more of Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park

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Arrived at the entrance to the Grand Teton National Park at 3 p.m. after starting the journey at 5 a.m. Excited to have arrived decided to bypass the Park and head for Old Faithful. While another 2 1/2 hour journey beautiful weather was with me and clear air contributed to the scenery.

Stopping to stretch my legs after entering the Park came across this mobile unit warning visitors of bears. Those who hike at the Parks are told to carry bear spray. While I saw no bears during my visit there is much wildlife and they are in close proximity so do not be foolish should you visit. Visitors have been killed. Keep food secured so as not to attract these creatures and while they accept pictures from a distance do not attempt to touch as they are wild.

A path near this mobile unit was closed and security was monitoring the site to ensure no hikers took the trail.

And while on Park roads more friendly human visitors on horse back may be seen. As they have the right of way enjoy the driving break as they cross..

Tomorrow: Yellowstone Arrival – Yahooo!!!