Tetons and Yellowstone

The family took a week long trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone a couple of weeks back.  We loaded up the car and made the 9 hours drive up to Jackson, WY.  We spent our first 3 days in the Tetons.  The Tetons are familiar to everyone.  The iconic peaks are photographed and published frequently.  Until you stand in their presence you cannot truly appreciate their majestic power.


The peaks are wicked and sharp.  Their appearance changes from different points along the range.  They are awesome and they beg you to explore.  I had planned on not running much during this vacation.  My family puts up with it all year.  This was a time to spend together.  Fortunately, I was able to sneak away one morning while Meg and the kids went on a wagon ride breakfast.

From the moment I looked at the map I saw a loop that would be perfect.  21 miles up Paintbrush Canyon and down Cascade Canyon.  This was perfect.  I asked the ranger about it and he told me at least 5 times that it would take 9-12 hours.  I cordially nodded my head in agreement and started planning my run.  Bear spray would have to be included even though the only bear I came across was a black bear.  There was still snow at the top of the pass but I was comfortable going at it in shorts and a short sleeved shirt.

I was amazed as I rounded each turn.  The mountains connect with me like no other place and the Tetons were special even in this regard.  The steep, rocky cliffs climb up in an impossible and beautiful way.  I wanted more before I even finished.  I finished the run in 5 hours and took a soak in the lake as I waited for the family to come pick me up.  I was reenergized and happy.

We enjoyed our time in Jackson and plan on going back.  We then made our way to West Yellowstone via Idaho.  This was a great drive through beautiful farm country with the backside of the Tetons framing the eastern skyline.

West Yellowstone is kind of a dump.  Our cabin was nice though and we enjoyed the stay.  Unfortunately, I did not plan far enough in advance to get lodging in the park.  We will be sure to stay in Mammoth and at Roosevelt Lodge next time around.

Our first day in the park we made our way through the West Entrance and down to Old Faithful.  We were held up in a 1 hour traffic jam because of a Bison in the middle of the road.  We then hit many of the hot springs and geysers on the way to Old Faithful.  The place is ridiculous but I was a little frustrated with the amount of people.  This really hit its boiling point when we got to Old Faithful and there were several thousand people waiting.

Maybe it's unfair but this cheapened the experience for me.  The parking lot was like pulling into Disney and the crowds were suffocating.  We need parks where beauty is accessible but I prefer the places where you have to earn the view.  There is something special about being alone in a place where few people go.  That is when you can really connect with the earth and feel its power.

I was discouraged and worried about the rest of the week but we found some great places in Yellowstone where the crowds thinned.  It was a great trip overall.

I look forward to the next 6 weeks of training as I prepare for Run Rabbit Run.  I'd like to put up a good time.  Last time I ran it it took me 11:30 to finish.  I'm hoping to finish an hour faster with a stretch goal of sub-10.  I have a lot of work to do.

Until the race I look forward to a few more adventures.  The journey is often times better than the destination.