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.

 

 

 Extra Photo's

Autumn color experience going up to Taggart Lake

Tetons, but not the Grand One

Grand Teton and Autumn Colors

Visitor Center View

Gros Ventre River

Tetons from the Gros Ventre River

Gros Ventre River

 

The Moon and Restroom

End of the Trail: Andrea, Sherri and Lawrence

Gary on the trail

South Teton, Nez Pearce and Grand Teton

Taggart Lake Outlet

 Animals

Female Moose

 
Flowers and Plants

Sept 9, 2021 - Day Three: Fillmore, UT to Gros Ventre Campground

Title: Sept 9, 2021 - Day Three: Fillmore, UT to Gros Ventre Campground

Hike Info : Description : Background 

Trail head:  Comfort Inn, Fillmore UT

Hike Info:

Type: Car

Mileage: 431 miles

 

Description:

I got up at 7:15 local time-a bit later than I usually do. But if I think in terms of Fresno time, it is 6:15. That helps me feel better. I do check the lightning for the area of the Sierra I am interested in; like most mornings-nothing. But according to the fire weather, today may bring a change in the report tomorrow.

We leave the hotel at 8:45 with Sherri driving. The hotel gives us a “to go” bag breakfast consisting of a muffin, a drink, a fruit, and a couple of other things. I dig into my stash of granola. We go up I-15 for an hour until we reach Provo. We look for a Starbucks, wandering a couple of miles and not finding it. But we found a Corner Bakery. Sherri has a breakfast wrap where the wrap is spinach based. This is a better find than Starbucks.

We change drivers and go into Salt Lake City. Here we look for Costco-we have to wade through some streets which are being worked on. We get to Costco, get gassed up and go into the store. My prescription is ready and then I find Sherri. This is a BIG Costco. The diary section is not a walk-in, but a walk through with four lines of long shelves. We pick up bread, lots of bread and a few other things.

Driving away from Costco, I think we are going in the wrong direction. This time, not because I am going wrong, but following the GPS instructions. Once we figure out what is going on, I realize Google is taking me to the east on I-80. We drive for another hour till we reach Evanston. There we head north on US 89.

This is the start of a long trip up through Wyoming. And Utah and Idaho-at least we kept seeing signs saying we are entering Wyoming again. Frankly around there I did not see much difference in the country. Still the area was interesting. Around Evanston there were farms throughout there. As we traveled more north, the farms were on rolling hills until the hills turned into ridges and mountains covered by forests. Still in the valleys, there would be a farm. But when we get to the Snake River, our jaws drop and we enjoy following it. Too bad we did not have the time to stop along each nook and cranny to enjoy it.

By about 4:40 or 5, we are getting hungry and there is nary a McDonalds in sight. A couple eating establishments mentioned online are either not visible or look closed. So when we came to the town of Thayne, we were ready to stop at Juan’s House of Tacos. I did not have the tacos-went for the enchiladas (that is what I was in the mood for. Surprisingly good. Usually Mexican food outside of California can be a bit iffy.

A little while later, we passed through Jackson. Looks crowded. But we know we are almost to today’s destination.

We get to Gros Ventre Campground at 6:30pm. The first thing we do is seek out Andrea and Lawrence’s campsite. Not hard. There, we unload the food since we will be cooking and eating here. After unloading the food, they come over and help us set up our campsite-a different loop. We are in Loop G, campsite 366. They are on Loop B. It is about a third of a mile walk. With as many campsites as Gros Ventre has, there is still a feeling of set apartness from other campers. As we finish up with the camp, it gets dark. So Lawrence and Andrea head back. We get ready for bed. I check to see if there is any lightning activity in the Sierra-yes. So I will be doing that when I get up tomorrow. Around 9, we are tucked in. Me in my sleeping bag; Sherri in her quilt. And by 10, I am sound asleep.

Background

Trip Advisor:

Juan’s House of Taco’s: This place was a surprise. Many times when we have gotten Mexican food outside of California, it has disappointed. Not Juan’s. I had three enchiladas: beef, chicken and cheese while my wife had a taco and chili relleno. All of the food was good and satisfying. If I go here again-we were traveling, I would hold back on their green sauce and go with the red. While the green was not really hot, the red seemed to go better between my taste buds and the food. So if you are passing through Thayne, stop and enjoy. (I should add, the service was personal and good, with heavily accented English,)

Gros Ventre Campground: This is a National Park Campground, which has gone to reservation only from first-come, first-serve. Make no mistake, this is a large campground with full-flush bathrooms and bear lockers. But even though it is large, with over three hundred campsites, you do not “feel” the largeness. Campsites are arranged for some privacy and do not feel on top of each other. This is a good spot to stay.

We were also entertained by a daily moose spotting.

Sept 8, 2021 - Day Two: Las Vegas to Fillmore, UT

 

Title: Sept 8, 2021 - Day Two: Las Vegas to Fillmore, UT

Hike Info : Description :  Background : Extra Photo's : 

Trail head:Holiday Inn, Henderson, NV

Hike Info:

Type:Car

Mileage: 313 miles

 

Description:

I woke up around 6:40. Did my normal checking for lightning around our lookouts-none. Then I started pondering: did I bring one particular medicine? The answer is no, but this was only determined after I called Steven up.

Breakfast at the Holiday Inn is satisfying. Then I talked with Kaiser about filling an emergency prescription in Nevada or Utah. They do not have facilities there, so we will go to a Costco in Orem and pick it up tomorrow. We leave the hotel at 9:30 and stop at Costco for gas. Glad we got a few gallons in Tehachapi yesterday.

Smoke is getting to be a concern. All the maps show the air getting worse in Utah and Wyoming. As we talk with Rachel, Andrea and Lawrence, we think about alternative plans to Grand Teton. It does not sound great in the Northwest corner of Wyoming, but we will see a bit more tonight.

During the conversation, I must not have been paying attention to the traffic signs. When I figure out we are heading west towards the edge of Las Vegas. We circle back around and get on I-15 heading north. Will this trip be one where this happens regularly? Missing turns and heading off into parts unknown?

The only redeeming part of I-15 during this part of our travels through Nevada is that it is fast. We went through Arizona, ditto on that, at least until we entered the Virgin River Gorge. That has got to be one of the top ten highway segments in the United States. Each time I go through it, I am mesmerized by the sheerness of the walls and how they constructed the highway without blasting away much of it. Today the Virgin River looked anemic-all green, pretty slow and very shallow. You just wonder what that river was like in its prime.

 

Upon exiting, we come into St George. More gas at Costco, as well as a hot dog lunch. We also got some essentials such as bread, granola, salted chocolate caramels, Keto cups, and chocolate coated coconut. And then it is back to the highway. My doctor’s office calls and wants to know where to send the prescription. I am driving, but I had told the advice nurse that information. But it gives me a chance to redirect it to Salt Lake City. We stop in Leeds,UT, where Verizon does not have a good connection. But outside of Leeds, I am able to complete giving them the information.

We had decided with it being over 100 degrees, Zion was no place to hike. But maybe Cedar Breaks above Cedar City is. I over shot the road up to Cedar Breaks and then had to backtrack a mile. We get on the right road, Highway 14 and start our climb.

The road climbs steeply. At one place, we get some good views of the cliffs of Cedar Breaks. I have always looked down at them, so it is a different view of them. But I know the best views are to come. Cedar Breaks is close to an elevation of 10,000’. So the temperatures are much cooler, really human tolerant-of course, during the Winter it is a different story. It has been years since I have been up here. I think the last time was with Andrea, Cross-Country Skiing. Today there is no snow around, so no need to have skis on.

View from Pt Supreme

 

 We stopped at the park office, got a set of 2021 passport stamps, then talked with a ranger. We proceed to do a tour de overlooks. we do the following:

• Point Supreme Overlook
• Sunset View Overview
• North View Overview

 

 

 

 

We drove by the Chessmen Overview before we saw the sign for it. Probably just as well as we are running out of time. All of the overviews provide different perspectives. The scenes are somewhat subdued with the smoke having invaded below us. The smoke is worse lower down, still there is a hazy look to the natural reds, oranges. whites. and purples of the cliffs. At the North Overview, we met a couple who tells of a couple more places to explore in this area of Utah:

• Goblin Valley
• Mystic Springs

Sherri at Pt Supreme

 

By now it is after 5. The second long day of driving and we still should go a ways more. We had better be going. We go past Brian Head. The road down is interesting. Interesting, such as I do not think that Lawrence and Andrea would not want to go down this road with their trailer. It still is a road which is interesting (fun) to drive.

Once we get back to I-15, we start trying to find a place to stay for tonight. There is a Best Western in Nephi. When Sherri called them-the web site said they could do better on the phone than on the web site, they quoted a price of $40 more than the Internet price. Frustrating. So we continued on.

 

 

View of Smoke along I-15

 

 

 

 

 

Sherri found a Comfort Inn in Fillmore, UT. Seems like a good price. It is still an hour’s drive more, but that just means an hour less tomorrow. We got there safely. The hotel is not bad, but after last night’s Holiday Inn, it just seems a bit of a let down. Maybe I am being a bit hypersensitive, but it appears the concern over COVID is not as strong here as elsewhere. The hotel staff were mostly unmasked.

For dinner, we ate out-Burger King. Nothing to write home about. When we got back to the room, we had our family Zoom call. The main topic is smoke, particularly, how is it at Grand Teton. After thinking long and hard about it, Rachel and Edrees decide not to come. Probably for the best, but it is disappointing. I was looking forward to having most of the family there-Steven needed to work. Time for bed.

 

Background

Trip Advisor: Comfort Inn. The facility is OK and we got a good night's sleep. But there are some knocks I have on this place. First, you could hear noise from the hallways, particularly doors opening and closing. Second, the breakfast is really basic-a “to go” bag-I think this is a COVID accommodation. Lastly, there seemed to be a lack of concern about COVID. Few of the staff were masked-the reception person was behind plexiglass. As far as the hotel is concerned, the room was clean and the bed was comfortable.

Extra Photo's

View from North Point

View from North Point

View from North Point

Sunset Pt and the Amphitheater

Sunset Pt and the Amphitheater

View from Pt Supreme

Looking up to Cedar Breaks

Sept 7, 2021 - Day One: Fresno to Las Vegas

Title:  Sept 7, 2021 - Day One: Fresno to Las Vegas

Hike Info : Description :  Background 

Trail head: Fresno

Hike Info:

Type:Car 

Mileage: 398 miles 

Description:

I got up 6:20. started doing final preparation to go to Grand Teton. At 8, I listened to my Tuesday weather webcast while eating breakfast. Then I started loading the back of our Highlander. It is stuffed full. By the time I got done, I was hot and sweaty. But I got everything in.

And then it is time to say goodbye to Steven. At 11:10, we left the house for a little less than two weeks, going up to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Meeting up with Andrea and Lawrence will be interesting-not interesting, like in apprehension, but interesting to see what they see after spending a month and a half on the road.

Packed Car

Sherri is driving and stops at Starbucks before leaving Fresno. The plan is to exchange drivers in Bakersfield. But when we got to Bakersfield, there was a lot of construction around the turn off to Costco for gas. So we missed the turnoff and even missed the off-ramp for Highway 58, east bound. Does not sound like a good way to start our trip. But within two miles, we corrected our course.

In Tehachapi we stopped for a brief break and put a couple of gallons in the car to make it to Las Vegas and its Costco. We also switch drivers. The drive to Tehachapi is longer than Sherri's usually stent behind the wheel-three hours. So I feel pretty fortunate. 45 minutes later we stopped at the Boron rest stop. Besides the obvious, it was good to stretch our legs.

Sherri has us listening to Fredrick Backman's Anxious People. She thinks he does a real good job on character development. I don't like how he is repetitive and does not tell you the whole setting, leaving out important pieces only to retell that section with the missing pieces.

We make some pretty good time, passing through Barstow and going up I-15. but about 20 miles before Baker we come to a screeching stop. The GPS says there have been crashes. The one on our side of the road involved a flooring tile truck, but I thought I saw a Coors sign on it. But the one on the southbound side was with an Amazon truck. The news report said there was a 4-5 hour backup. The temperature outside of our air conditioned car: 115^o.

By the time we got through the crash area, it was pushing 5pm. After a few minutes of discussion, we decided to stay in Las Vegas. There is a Holiday Inn with a decent price in Henderson, so that is where we go. We get in about 7:45. Then go across the parking lot to an IHOP. This is the first time we ate inside a restaurant since the start of the pandemic. Seemed a bit weird, but the booths were partitioned off with plexiglass and the wait staff was masked. So I think this was as good as we were going to get.

When we got back to our room, we just crashed. It has been a very long day.

Background

Crash Information: Here is the news report on the crash near Baker.

Trip Advisor:

Holiday Inn: Our stay was what you would expect from a Holiday Inn. Clean, quiet and comfortable. The continental breakfast was complete and filling. We slept well after a long day of travel. We are glad we found this place at a reasonable price.