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.