Hiking and Floating in the Tetons

Our first family guests at the end of June were Aunt Jenn and Uncky Dan.  A day later, Oma and Grandpa arrived and were kind enough to watch the kids so the parents could escape on an overnight trip to Grand Teton National Park.  Although I've been there several times in the past few years, it's still an awe-inspiring view!  Can you imagine what the early Mormon pioneers must have experienced settling here?

The first afternoon we did a hike to Taggart and Bradley Lakes (~6 miles roundtrip).  

It was worth the hike!  A beautiful, pristine mountain lake awaited us.

 
It was actually pretty warm that day, so the frigid lake water felt pretty therapeutic to our hot, tired feet (which the fish seemed to like too!). 

Some took it even further...  See that hat in the water to the left?  That's my husband!  He's crazy! The water temperature is somewhere around 60F.

After the hike, we checked in to a cabin at Jackson Lake Lodge.  They had a few restaurant options and a stellar view off the back deck for sunset.  And the early morning view was pretty good, too.

The next morning we did a float trip down the Snake River.  It was an interesting way to see the park, but we didn't really see any wildlife save for geese, ducks, and a couple of bald eagles.  (Real eagles, not a jab at these guys.)  Ha!

After the float trip's lunch, we did another hike up to Grandview Point (~2 miles roundtrip, but 1000 ft elevation gain).  The view was grand, but the mountains seemed kind of far away.

Then a quick peek at Jenny Lake, and it was back to Jackson for some good food before heading home.