Gary-Summer: Sept 10, 2021 - Day Four - Visitor Center and Taggart Lake

Friday, September 10, 2021

Sept 10, 2021 - Day Four - Visitor Center and Taggart Lake

Title: Sept 10, 2021 - Day Four - Visitor Center and Taggart Lake

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Taggart Lake Trailhead

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking
Trail: Taggart Lake Loop
Destination: Taggart Lake
Distance: 3.93 miles

Start Time: 1:15
End Time:   4:27
Travel Time:  3:12 (1.23 mph)
Moving Time:  2:13 (1.77 mph)
Elevation Rise: 6.95'
Descent: 6.88‘
Maximum Elevation: 7,069'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Total of 49 miles driving.

I got up a little after 6. There is lots of lightning activity, so it is taking a while to get the report ready. Sherri gets up a little after 7:30. I continue to work on the report. Did I say it is cold? And how hard it is to type with your hands not functioning all the way? But I got the report out. Even though in hindsight, there were lots of holes in the report. (As a note: They must have sent out some reconnaissance aircraft. A couple of fires were discovered. Eventually, these fires were labeled the KNP Complex, threatening Giant Forest, Muir Grove, and Three Rivers. Even going as far as the Mineral King Road.)

I completed the report from Andrea Lawrence's campsite. Breakfast is Kodiak Cakes Flapjack. They are easy to make, good and filling. By the time we get washed up and ready it is after 11.

Gary, Sherri and Andrea by the Gros Ventre River

Andrea, Sherri and I went to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center at Moose, while Lawrence took care of some business, going to Jackson. Before we make it to the Visitor Center, we stop at a turnout on the Gros Ventre River-a few cars are in the parking area. One of the lessons we learn is if there are cars parked, chances are that there is wildlife around. This is a good initial exposure to Grand Teton. The river takes most of the view with the trees behind it and a moose disappearing among them. Beyond the trees to the south is a mountain range-while technically outside of the Park, it is an Elk Preserve. We spend about 30 minutes just gawking at this.

Andrea and her Moose

Then onward to Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. In front of the Visitor Center is a moose statue, while big, probably not full sized. By the way, there was a requirement for all who went into the Visitor Center to be masked. The Visitor Center is new with well spaced exhibits. The exhibits talk about both the natural environment of Grand Teton, but also the historical development. One could spend several hours just wandering through this hall. Because of COVID, no video was shown, but I suspect this would be well done, judging by the rest of the center. The thing which really struck me was looking at the floor, I realized there were these stainless steel spacers. But they were going off in odd angles. As I looked at where they were going, I realized they were pointing at various mountains. At the end of the spacer, the name and information about the mountain was in it. What a great way to show what you are looking at.

Taggart Creek

Lawrence is back at camp, so we go back and have lunch. Then it is off to stretch the legs and have a little adventure. Since it is late, we head to Taggart Lake. It looks like a three or four mile loop.

Taggart Lake is to the northwest of Moose. We found a place to park, put on our hiking gear and are off. The first part of the trail leads us north, past a corral and then crossing over Taggart Creek. The creek gives us a first taste of hiking at Grand Teton. There is a wood bridge over it. As I cross, I look up it and there is this ordinary looking creek, framed with the color of Summer turning to Autumn. The greens, browns, yellows with a touch of orange. Is that how this place is? A bouquet of color?

And then it is an uphill stretch. I keep moving at a plodding pace. But the rest of them stop and enjoy what's around them. Not that I am disregarding that which is around me, but I know that in the afternoons I tire easily. So it is better to keep moving, albeit at a slower pace. When I lose sight of them for a while, I will stop. I notice that this is a trail which is heavily used. During these stops, I look around and enjoy the view of the Tetons, trying to remember their names. At the top of the rise, we regroup and hike the final third of a mile together to the lake. We find a cap on the trail. A few minutes later we ask if somebody lost it and there is a taker.

Andrea and Lawrence

At the lake, we stop and enjoy it. The water is mesmerizing. We sit and watch the small waves lapping the shore. Sometimes we were silent, just looking; other times with quiet conversation. We were just enjoying our first day here. This went on for 45 minutes.

Gary with Grand Teton

Then we continued on the loop. We crossed an arm of the lake before climbing up a ridge above the lake.I can feel that my legs are getting tired, but still able to climb. And then we come across a pair of unusual trees-looked like they were made to sit on. The climb has been short, maybe a quarter of a mile and then it is time togo down the ridge. The scenery is constantly changing from the aspen along Taggart Creek, to some pine and fir around the lake. Now we are what I would call in California chaparral-low brush such as manzanita. We are able to have a clear view and enjoy the scenes around us. When we look back, there are yellows and oranges which the Tetons stand behind. So beautiful.

Dinner Burrito

We circle around, just enjoying the air and trees and the newness to us. But I am glad to see the car coming closer with each step. Once at the car, we head back to camp. Andrea and Lawrence made us burritos for dinner. Abit plain-we do liven it up with hot sauce, but it hits the spot. It is getting late, but we are still enjoying each other’s company-a good way to start a week together. Then we felt a few drops of rain. I guess that is our signal for us to return back to our campsite. We get ready for the night and jump into the tent by 9pm, right before the rain starts hitting in earnest.