Both Sides Now

We spent yesterday circumnavigating the Grand Teton Range. We entered the north gate and then exited north of the park to the area of the south gate of Yellowstone Park. We'd seen a road on a map called Grassy Lake Road which runs west from the Flagg Ranch Visitor's Center over to Ashton, Idaho. It was 57 miles of dirt road, half of it in pretty poor condition. It's as close to the wilderness as these city slickers have ever been. At about 1:00 pm we arrived at the Grassy Lake Reservoir. We drove down a steep accessway to an area that had been used as a camp and right onto the edge of the reservoir, which was down quite a bit. We turned off the engine and began our picnic (slimfasts) lunch. As we were finishing, we heard the strangest sounds coming from out on the reservoir. Dana grabbed the binoculars and watched out on the lake surface as two loons performed a dance. I believe it was two males competing for the attention of a female, and we could see a third bird further up the lake which didn't participate in the activities. The loons took turns flapping their wings and walking on water with chests stuck out in military fashion, all the time calling away. That lasted a little while, and they then went back to diving for food and surfacing. It made for great viewing. After we got back on the road, we saw a glimpse of a mule deer, but the rest of the ride to Ashton was uneventful. We did pass through scattered areas that had been burned. It looks like fires bounce around a good bit and pass over areas which are patches of green in the otherwise burned out landscape.
In Ashton, we turned south and began the ride down the west slope of the Tetons. The west slope is more gradual and rounded than the east slope, which is where the shear occurred when the mountains rose and the valley fell. From the road it still looked spectacular and the farmers and ranchers have awesome views.
The tour was completed by going through Teton Village and into Jackson Hole. From there it was due north back up the east side of the mountains. We went in through Jenny Lake again and while at a rest area saw a young Grizzly Bear about 50 yards away. It was probably under 200 lbs. People were all anxious to get close for pictures. I'll buy a post card. We stopped for several photo ops, but it was again hazy enough to make real good pix unlikely. We'll see. Back home, we cooked burgers and had iceberg wedges with diced tomatoes and blue cheese dressing. Klondike Bar for dessert. Can't be beat.