Vertical Harvest, Hidden Falls ... and No Internet!

August 7, 2017

Vertical Harvest & NO Internet!

Jackson, WY

Note: We moved from Gros Ventre Campground up to Colter Bay Campground on August 9^th.  There is pretty much NO internet access – even at the village where it says there is access.  Cell service is also very spotty. So, today (August 18^th) we drove back down to Jackson where I could do post a bit of info on my blog.  Sorry for the delay.  You probably wondered if I met up with a grizzly on the trail.  So, back at it!

When we were in Jackson a couple of days ago, we picked up the Jackson Hole & The Teton Lifestyle magazine.  As I was flipping through it back at camp I realized that we had another great reason to go back to Jackson.  We needed to tour Vertical Harvest!  I sign us up online, and today we head back down to Jackson for our 1pm tour.

Co-founders Nona Yehia and Penny McBride conceived an innovative, vertical 3-story greenhouse – and built it right in the middle of Jackson.

The hydroponic farming method is used, reducing production space for their produce from 5 acres to only one-tenth of an acre. 

The greenhouse has seven “living walls” on moving carousels growing greens lit by red and blue LED lights.

There are three growing environments that are designed specifically for each crop that is grown on each level.  Microgreens are grown on Level 2, and Level 3 houses the heirloom tomatoes.

Caroline Croft, an employment facilitator for people with developmental and physical disabilities, approached Nona and Penny with the idea of employing her clients in their facility.  Today, Vertical Harvest employs 16 people with physical and developmental challenges.  Some of the most intriguing innovations at the greenhouse have been inspired by this group.

After the tour, we visit the market and purchase a bright red tomato and some sunflower microgreens.  We got the word that microgreens are all the rage, and not wanting to be left in the past with your “garden variety greens (lettuce)”, we walk out with our little sunflower sprouts vowing to give it a go.

Grilled chicken breast with our sliced tomato and sunflower microgreens as garnish on top.  A bottle of wine – and a big glob of “Loaded Potato Salad” from the deli and dinner is ready.  It all looked so healthy until we piled on the potato salad.  It’s a start, anyway.

August 8, 2017

Jenny Lake / Hidden Falls Hike
Grand Teton National Park, WY

It’s a cool, cloudy day in the park.  Seems like perfect weather for a hike.  We drive over to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center area, check out the map, and start our 5-mile round trip trek up to Hidden Falls.

As we begin to climb we reach the turnoff for the moose ponds.  We decide to take the short hike over to the ponds to see if any moose happen to be there.  We’re in luck!  A cow moose is feasting on the tall grasses and willows. 

There’s also a hillside filled with wildflowers.

Back on the main trail, we climb higher.  A gentle rain starts.  We hike through a rockslide area.  The trail leads us up and down … and up and down … repeatedly.  We meet several hikers on the trail returning from the falls.  There’s bear activity ahead.  A mother bear and her cub, and also another single bear further up the trail.  Oh, great!  Maybe we should have given greater consideration to purchasing that $45 can of bear spray at the General Store down below at the trailhead.

A short distance further we meet three guys standing just off the trail.  We chat at bit, talk about the bears ahead.  Pretty soon the conversation ends – but no one moves.  I say, “We’ll let you guys go ahead of us.  You’re probably faster hikers than we are.”  They all look at each other and one speaks up, “No, that’s okay.  We’re not quite ready here.  Go ahead.”  I laugh, “We really would like it if you guys went first.  You know, if someone has to meet up with a momma bear and her cub, we’d like it to be you.” They respond in kind, “Yeah, we’re thinkin’ we’d like to it be you, too.”  What the heck!  We’re old, we’ve had a good life.  We’ll go first.  And so, we do.  We see no bears.  Doesn’t mean they’re not there, but we don’t see them.  And, that’s okay with us.  It's still quite a trek to the falls, and the rain is coming down harder.

Reaching Hidden Falls, we know the effort to get here was worth this stunning view.

The creek below the falls.

There’s a boat to take folks back across the lake if they don’t want to hike back out.  But as we know, that’s the wimp’s way out of the backcountry.  What’s a little rain and terrain?

Back up the trail … another 2-1/2 miles in the rain. 

It’s a soggy day, but there seems to be no bad days in Grand Teton National Park.  It’s easy to find beauty everywhere you look, regardless of the weather.  Another awesome day in the park!

Back at the base of the mountain and … Yup!  Here comes one of the wimp boats!

Driving back to Gros Ventre Campground, the skies clear.  Just a whisper of low clouds remain in front of the Tetons.  Until next time, be safe.

It All Started in Yellowstone -- as a Bar Ministry

August 6, 2017

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks

“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hands of (humanity).” – Unknown (taken from the worship book of ACMNP)

 Alter in the Chapel of the Transfiguration - July 2017

It’s Sunday morning and interdenominational services are being held throughout national parks across the country.  Here at Gros Ventre Campground, three young people that work at Jackson Lake Lodge are volunteering their time, driving 45 minutes to come to the amphitheater to lead a worship service for all wishing to attend. 

Will is from Connecticut (graduated this spring / Ministry), Rachael from Pennsylvania (graduated this spring / Psychology), and Brittany is from Indiana (Senior this fall / Spanish Education).  All are dedicated to leading Sunday services, but also reaching out to people they meet in the park and also their fellow co-workers.  It was a joy getting to know them a little bit, and learning about each of their plans for the future.  Thank you all for your time and commitment.

Founding of ACMNP – A Bar Ministry!

(Excerpt taken from their website)

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks originated in 1951 when founder Warren Ost, a Princeton Seminary student, worked in Yellowstone for the summer and noticed the various faith-based needs of park visitors, residents, and his own co-workers. One Sunday, he led an interdenominational service of worship in the bar area of the Old Faithful Inn, and thus ACMNP was born. We like to say we were doing bar ministry long before it was in style!

Little Popo Agie River near Lander, WY 

It’s a Quiet Sunday at Ye Ole Campground

A nice day to kick back, do a little reading, visit with camp neighbors, and enjoy the day.  Until next time, be safe.

Jackson vs. Jackson Hole

August 5, 2017

Downtown Jackson!

Jackson, WY

You can’t come to the Tetons without a trip to Jackson, so we’re going to venture down the road about 15 minutes to take in the hustle and bustle of “city life” – all of the cars, RVs, 5^th wheels, trailers, gigantic tour buses, motorcycles, and people.

On our drive down, we stop for a photo of the Tetons.  They are hardly visible from all of the smoky haze from forest fires in west-central Montana and Idaho’s Bitterroot Range.  Fires as far away as British Columbia are affecting our skies.

Facts & Stats

 – Jackson vs. Jackson Hole: Jackson refers to the main town/downtown area of the valley.  Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley which begins six miles south of Yellowstone National Park, and follows the Snake River all the way south to Hoback Junction.  The valley is 80 miles long and 15 miles at its widest.

– Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929

– Annual visitation to GTNP: 4.6 million (2015)

– Jackson's most valuable industry: Tourism

– Jackson’s 2010 year-round population: 9,577

– Winter population increase: +5,000

– Summer population increase: +52,000

Downtown Jackson!

What can I say?  It’s a zoo!  Exactly what we expected.  But, you gotta do what you gotta do – and here we are.

 This is one of the four corner entries to the town square with the elk antler arch.  You’re probably wondering who this guy is that I’m taking a picture of.  I have no idea.  It’s hard to get a picture without 10-15 people standing in the way, so I’m happy to take it with one guy there.  A friend of his is also taking his picture at the same time.  As they are about to switch places, I offer to take a photo of them together.  As I’m finishing up a few shots, a woman comes up to me and says, “I’m happy to take a picture of the three of you together.”  Umm. Thanks, but I don’t know these guys.  By the time the guys get their camera back and we talk about where we’re from and all … I discover one guy's daughter will be attending college this fall just up the road from us.  Small world.  Guess I sort of do know these guys.  Maybe we should have had a picture together after all.

We wander through the Jackson Trading Company

 The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

There are art galleries on every block to walk through and admire the beautiful creations.  We also stop by one of the fly shops so Jack can talk trout-catchin’ with the guys and what flies are good where, and what time day, and what folks are catching.  You get the picture.  He comes out with some new flies that are sure to do the trick tomorrow – or maybe the next day.  We finish up our trip to Jackson with a nice dinner and a stop at the local homemade ice cream shop.  Then we get out of town and back to nature where we belong.

Back at Camp

Another day comes to a close as we take our usual evening walkabout around the campground loops.  See what new folks are here and what kind of set up they are dragging around with them.  Always interesting the "stuff" we all think we need to bring with us.

The sun is setting over the bluff that lies between us and the Tetons.  There is so much smoke in the air, it turns the sky orange.  We hope for contained fires and the safety of the firefighters and those living in the areas of danger.  Until next time, be safe.

Chapel, Dude Ranch & 4-Diamond Resort

August 2, 2017

Grand Teton National Park, WY

Chapel of the Transfiguration

Today we are spending time along Teton Park Road - the inside road nearest the Tetons. Our first stop of the day is the Chapel of the Transfiguration, built in the summer of 1925.  The land was donated by Miss Maude Noble.  It is built of lodgepole pine, and the pews are quaking aspen.  All of the logs were cut locally in the valley.  There is a plate glass window above the alter framing the Teton Mountains in the background.  During the tourist season, the door is open twenty-four hours every day to all who come. 

The Chapel is named for the Gospel story of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36).  Jesus goes into the mountains with Peter, James and John, appearing to them with Moses and Elijah dressed in brilliant white clothing.  A cloud covers them, and a voice says, “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him.”  When the cloud went away, Jesus was seen, standing alone, by His disciples.

Bar BC Ranch 

After leaving the Chapel we travel a few miles north on the Teton Park Road.  The south turnoff to the River Road near Taggart Lake Trailhead winds through sagebrush and heads east toward the Snake River.  It’s a one lane gravel road with turnouts for meeting other vehicles.  We are totally alone, meeting not a single vehicle.

About a mile and a half back the River Road is closed, but we do fine a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (or at the “Road Closed” sign).  The Bar BC Ranch.  It isn’t even noted on the official park map, which is surprising.  It’s just one of those things you are lucky enough to come across if you venture off the main drag.  Dude cabins below with sod roofs.

In 1912 Struthers Burt (a popular author of his time) and Dr. Horace Carncross opened Jackson Hole’s second dude ranch.  It quickly became the most famous in the valley as it was unlike any traditional dude ranch, entertaining high society clientele with costume parties, original plays and performances, and literary discussions.  This had to be one hoppin' place!  (The photo below is taken from the monument display at the Bar BC Ranch.) 

In its heyday in the 1920’s there were nearly 100 buildings – the main cabin, a dance hall, and dude cabins.  The main cabin is below.  On the right, you can see an entire section of the building has collapsed with the fireplace still standing.
 

As many as 50 “dudes” could stay at the ranch at a rate of $300/month.  (Note: Nearly a hundred years later, $300 will hardly get you a single night’s stay in Jackson Hole!)   Today 30 buildings remain.

We walk back up the hill to the Jeep and make our way back to the Teton Park Road.

Spalding Bay Road

Another no-name road leads west into the wilderness on the south side of Jackson Lake near Spalding Bay.  We decide to call it the Spalding Bay Road just to lend a bit of originality to it.  (That’s us - original, if anything!)  Again, a one lane gravel road leading to pretty much nowhere – which is where we like to be.  We do meet a few folks coming and going.  The road ends a few miles back at the bay.

A gravel area to put a kayak or small boat into the lake and a couple of backcountry campsites – that pretty much wraps it up.  It’s another view of the lake.  And that’s about all I have to say about that. 

Jenny Lake

Back to the Teton Park Road, we turn south again.  The Jenny Lake Road and Jenny Lake Lodge are ahead.

Jenny Lake is a hub of activity.  There are miles of hiking in the mountains, biking trails, swimming and boating.  You can take the shuttle boat from South Jenny Lake to the west side to Inspiration Point and long hikes beyond.  If you want a parking space, get here early in the morning; otherwise, you'll find yourself parked out along the highway with a good hike before you ever reach the Visitor Center.  

Jenny Lake Lodge

 In 1922, 160 acres near Jenny Lake were homesteaded by Tony Grace where he started a dude ranch called Danny Ranch after the daughter of some good friends.  He started with 5 cabins and a slightly larger main lodge. 

In 1931, it was renamed Jenny Lake Ranch when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. sponsored to fulfill the vision of Grand Teton National Park.  It was closed during World War II as most visitor areas were, then reopened in 1946. 

The name was changed for the last time in 1952 to Jenny Lake Lodge.  Through the years additional cabins were added and upgrades to the main lodge and existing cabins were done.  Although there have been remodels over time, Jenny Lake Lodge has retained its rustic charm from its early years.  Today it is a AAA four-diamond resort.  You’ve come a long way, baby. 

Back to Our B-Rated One-Diamond-in-the-Rough Campground

It’s been a busy day.  Jack enjoyed sitting on the porch of the AAA four-diamond resort.  But, now it’s back to our B-rated, one-diamond-in-the-rough campground, sleeping in our AAA four-diamond Navion.  It’s still the good life.  Until next time, be safe.

Grand Teton National Park - Part 1 of Many

July 30, 2017

Grand Teton National Park, WY

Gros Ventre Campground

We leave Lander behind and head north on Highway 287 toward Grand Teton National Park via Dubois (DEW-boyz), over Togwotee Pass (TOGA-tee) and into the park at Moran Junction.  We turn south toward our campground – Gros Ventre (grow-vont) – which is about 9 miles north of Jackson.  Luckily, at 1:30 pm there are still campsite available.

The campground is situated along the Gros Ventre River in a grove of Cottonwood trees.  This will make a nice basecamp while we check out the park and Jack  gets some fly fishing in.

Signal Mountain Campsites and Eatery 

Settled in at camp, we take a drive to Signal Mountain to see if the campground there will meet our needs in a few days.  The campground is really pretty, but tight, narrow roads on a hillside seems more trouble than we want to deal with.  All is not lost, as we decide to take in a late lunch at The Trapper Grill on the deck overlooking Jackson Lake and Mount Moran in the background.  It's a beautiful day and we just can't get enough of the view before us.

July 31, 207

Moulton Barns and ... Daryl
Grand Teton National Park, WY
Just a short distance from our campground a slow-going gravel road takes you a few miles north up Mormon Row to two of the most photographed structures in the U.S. - the Moulton Barns.  Built between 1912 and 1945, the barns and other surrounding buildings have stood the test of time.  With the Tetons as their backdrop, what could be more stunning?

I venture up Mormon Road early in the morning to catch the best sunlight for my personal photos of the barns.  The first two photos below are of one of the most photographed barns.

As I wonder through the sagebrush taking my pictures I notice a coyote observing my every move.  When he realizes I’m watching him watching me – he slips into the sagebrush and is gone.

As more people arrive to try their photo skills at the famous barns, I drive down to the southern-most barn on Mormon Road. 

 This barn also is one of the most photographed structures in the U.S.  As I’m snapping away, two older gentlemen come walking my way.  I strike up a conversation with the bearded man as the other gent with the camera walks toward the barn.  He says to me, “Have you tried taking a shot from over there by the Cottonwood trees?”  Well, no I hadn’t so we both wander over to the trees.  “You might want to frame the barn between these two trees.”  Huh, great idea.  “If you step this way about 3 feet you can get your best shot.”  Yeah, you’re right.  I comment that he sure knows a lot about photography.  What does he do for a living?  “Well, I’m doing it right now.  I’m a photo tour guide.”  Imagine that!  What a way to make a living.

Meet Daryl L. Hunter

Daryl Hunter – The Hole Picture / Photographer, writer, publisher, and photo tour guide.  I got a little free advice from Daryl and some pretty good shots of the barn because of him.  Check him out at: The Hole Picture  Prepare to be amazed!

How does my second photo stack up against my initial photo?  Not perfect, but with the help of a professional, it's quite an improvement.  Thanks, Daryl.

For history and professional photographs of the Moulton Barns go to: Best of the Tetons

Two Ocean Lake

After I return from a couple of hours at the Moulton barns we take a little trip up to Two Ocean Lake just north of Moran Junction.  Pacific Creek could be another potential fly fishing location, so Jack wants to scout out the area.  Up Pacific Creek Road a couple of miles, the road turns to gravel as it meanders back to Two Ocean Lake.  The lake lies near the Continental Divide.  From the divide water flows both east and west eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Mexico) and the Pacific Ocean - thus, the name Two Ocean Lake.

Very interesting and a pretty lake … but, nothing to compare to the masses of wild flowers in every direction – on the mountainsides and meadows – on the way to the lake.  Quite the sight!

Schwabacher Landing
After leaving Two Ocean Lake we drive back to the main highway and turn south.  At Moran Junction, we continue south toward camp.  Previously we’ve seen a turn off for Schwabacher Land and are curious what’s down there.  Let’s go!
A short hike from the parking lot and we come to an amazing view of the Tetons.  There are forest fires not far over the Idaho border causing a haze over most of the landscape.  It really shows in this photo.

Further down the trail, ducks are dipping and bobbing in the water for food.  Below, little ducklings are nestled along the bank.

Back to Camp

We're heading back to camp for the evening, but have a few backcountry Jeep adventures planned for the next few days.  As soon as I pull that info together, you'll be the first to know.  Until next time, be safe.