Thursday In The Park With Starbucker

by Starbucker on August 23, 2007

Today I spent most of the day (after working in the morning) in Grand Teton National Park.

It was a glorious day with a good mixture of sun and clouds. Since it was August I was amongst many tourists with cameras. My first stop was at a turnout about two miles inside the park, so I could get a nice panorama of the Grand Tetons.

I then went past the visitor center, paid my entry fee (it’s $25 if you are wondering), and then took the park road that gets you a very close up look at these fabulous mountains. Just like I’ve done each time I’ve been to the park, I stopped at the Teton Glacier turnout and took this shot:

Next came Jenny Lake, a pretty body of water formed by a big melting glacier millions of years ago. The onslaught of water dug a 250 foot deep “bowl” into the earth. I hopped on a boat that took me across the lake to a hiking trail 2 miles away. I then went on a half-mile climb to a beautiful place called Hidden Falls.

About 500 feet higher I arrived at Inspiration Point, elevation 7,200. For my efforts I got an outstanding view of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole.

I hiked the 1,000 feet back down to the boat dock, and hopped on the vessel that would take me back to my dear Dodge Magnum. As we departed the harbor I had a great view of the Tetons behind us (Inspiration Point is at the highest point of the light colored rocks on the left hand side of the picture).

I got back in my car and suddenly I was pretty hungry – it was time to go back to Jackson for lunch. But not before I took a few more pictures. I wanted to really capture the majesty of these mountains. After a mile or so I suddenly had an inspiration – I pulled over, got out of the car, and then snapped the shutter. I got what I wanted.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures. Tomorrow I return the Magnum to its rightful owner and head back home for a couple of weeks. Have a great weekend everyone!

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Phil Gerbyshak August 24, 2007 at 6:25 am

Wow Terry, these are quite the breathtaking pictures. Inspiration Point is quite aptly named. WOW!

Bob August 24, 2007 at 7:17 am

Hey Terry! Thanks for taking us along with you – I’ve never seen this area of the U.S. for myself, but now I REALLY want to!

Cheers!

Jacklyn Ker August 24, 2007 at 9:50 am

Hi Terry, thanks for those beautiful photos! It’s an eye opening for me to enjoy those scenary.

You’re a great photographer!

Terry Starbucker August 25, 2007 at 7:41 pm

Hi Phil, Bob and Jacklyn – I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. I’m back home in Connecticut and I already miss that park.

Thanks for your kind words and all the best!

Donna Cutting August 31, 2007 at 5:46 am

Thanks, Terry, for the mini-vacation! I felt like I was right there (well, sort of.) What a great post!

Warmly,
Donna
aka Gal Morale

Terry Starbucker August 31, 2007 at 5:12 pm

Hi Donna – Thanks for your comment. You really HAVE to go there and see this place for yourself. It never fails to awe me. All the best!

tracy ho March 16, 2008 at 9:53 pm

Hi Terry ,
Great pictures out there , my imagination seems to be in it , unspoilt nature ,

Thanks

tracy ho
wisdomgettingloaded

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