It’s definitely starting to get a little cooler now, Javi and I went on a morning hike and going up the hills helped warm us up.
I explored some parts of the Grand Tetons that had been too crowded over the holiday weekend, but now were easier to get around. First stop was Mormon Row Historic District with Farmhouses built by Mormon missionaries in the 1890’s. They lived a pretty spare existence but in a beautiful setting. This also happen to be where a huge herd of bison was grazing so we got a fantastic close-up view of bison of all ages drinking in the creek and having their midday snack. They completely ignored all of the tourists with their cameras, and people were good about staying back and giving them their space. It was amazing to see so many of these huge creatures in one place.
I headed over to String Lake for a pre-lunch hike and saw several families in kayaks, rafts and paddle boards heading out or coming in from paddle in camping trips. There was one dad on an enormous paddleboard with his three young kids and a huge pile of camping gear. I was very impressed! This was another hike with beautiful views and a nice combination of walking amongst the trees and by the water with views of the Tetons.
Afterwards I found a space to park at the Jenny Lake overlook, I can see why it’s always crowded there it is a lovely, peaceful setting. It seems like half the cars there at California license plates!
Later I headed to Rendezvous Park where there are a few natural art installations, including one constructed last year called Mama Mimi which is a huge sculpture made from recycled materials and is absolutely awe inspiring. The sculpture faces into a pond, so to see the front you either walk around to the other side of the pond or scramble over one of her legs to a little island, which is what I did with the help of a very nice couple from Kansas. I am always amazed at the creativity of artists who can come up with these sort of projects, and especially love that it was made of recycled materials.
