Exploring Jenny Lake

Exploring Jenny Lake was something Allen's mom really wanted to do. Allen did a ton of research and knew if we wanted to get a parking spot, we'd better get an early start. (And he was right - when we left later in the day, the parking lot was full and people had parked up to 1/4 mile away along the sides of he highway.) 

We decided to begin with a boat ride across the lake. We could have hiked the 2 1/2 miles to the trailhead, but the ride was inexpensive and fun.

Jenny Lake isn't very big (compared to the lakes I'm use to) but like the lakes I'm use to, it's beautiful.

Once we reached the other side, we followed the signs for the hike up to Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon.

We only hiked up 400 or 500 feet, but it was a bit of a challenge for those of us use to living virtually right at sea level. (Mackinac Island is only between about 550 and 900 feet in elevation.)

The elevation (7,200 feet) didn't give any of us altitude sickness, but we did feel it. Much of Jenny Lake is visible from Inspiration Point; the blue skies, blue water, and mountains made the perfect backdrop for pictures. 

K wasn't sure the hike was worth it until she sat down for a snack. The next thing she knew, a very curious chipmunk decided they were best friends and he needed a snack, too. Those three minutes made the whole climb up a positive experience for her.

At that point we split up. One group continued hiking up to Cascade Canyon, while the other group headed down to fish and keep Grandma company (her knees and back weren't up for the hike like that.)

Once up in the canyon, those folks got to see a mama moose and her calf!

As we headed back down I was just in awe of the beauty of the Tetons. Wyoming is just so very different from Michigan. Our highest point is about 1,900 feet, which is nothing compared to Grand Teton at almost 14,000 feet.

Once again, I took hundreds of pictures. Literally. I'm not ready to relocate, but I now understand why people love the mountains.  They are beautiful in pictures, but there's just something about seeing them with your own eyes that's different. I know I keep using "breathtaking" to describe them, but other words don's seem to capture the scale and grandeur of the Tetons. 

This picture, of a Ranger cabin on the lake, is one of my favorites from the entire trip, even if there isn't much mountain in it. Lol.

As we were taking photos, a lovely man offered to take a picture of all eleven of us. It was so nice to get a picture of our entire group! 

Jenny Lake was the perfect way for us begin our adventure. If you find yourself near Jenny Lake, I highly recommend spending the day here. I suggest arriving early - before 9:00 am if you want to park in the parking lot. Pack your lunch since only snacks and ice cream are for sale in the shops here. You're also going to want to bring water with you as you hike. If you're fair, like me, a hat and sunscreen are a must. According to this article, for every 1,000 feet you go up in altitude, the sun's UV rays increase 8% - 10%. You'll notice I have on long sleeves in virtually every photo from this trip - even when it was warm. Those shirts are for sun protection!