River rafting:
This morning we woke up to the annoying alarm at 6:00am as we had an early 6:45am nature rafting adventure on the Snake River. Mornings are pretty chilly so we layered up and headed to the rendezvous location at the lodge lobby. We were hoping to grab a quick coffee in the lodge before hand but were told we didn't have the time. :( We were quickly divided into two groups of 12 and loaded into vans with large rafts in tow. During the 15 minute drive to the launch location we chatted with a lovely couple from Brookfield, IL (7 miles south of Oak Park) who happened to drive a southerly route from Illinois to the Wyoming. They were spending a few days at the Tetons before traveling a northerly route back to Illinois. A lot of boring plains driving for a few days at the park I thought. But then again the same could be said about me as some of Montana was brutally snoozeville. :-) Once we said we were from Oak Park the woman exclaimed that she is employed at our very own Oak Park hospital! How nuts is that? I am amazed at how many people I've encountered from my home state!After a short drive we reached a small boat launch area nestled in the woods. We deboarded the van while the 2 man crew positioned the large raft at the shore's edge. We then listened to some safety information from Wayne our raft operator/tour guide. Swati happily nominated herself to check off the safety list points as Wayne spoke about them to the group. This legally confirms that he actually went over the safety items and that Swati was a witness. After Wayne successfully completed the check list (as confirmed by Swatz) we donned our safety vests and boarded 6 people on one end and the remaining 6 in the other. Wayne, the operator and tour guide, sits in the center as he navigates the river using two large attached oars. Wayne has been conducting river tours for over 40 years and his knowledge of the area is second to none. Swati and I could have easily spent the entire morning listening to Wayne talk on such topics as Wyoming politics, Snake River and the Tetons. It was quite enthralling! We were hoping to see moose while floating down the river but unfortunately they didn't get the memo. We did manage to see several bald eagles perched in trees and soaring above so we quickly forget about the missing moose.
After floating for some 20 or so miles we reached our final destination along the river. We could see the next group of people waiting for us to arrive so they can begin their tour. Wayne navigated the raft to the rivers bank and we de-boarded. We thanked Wayne for such an awesome tour and bushwhacked thought some dense forest to where the tour van was waiting to take us back to the lodge.
Back for breakfast:
After a 30 minute drive we reached the lodge and headed in for breakfast at the cafe. Here we planned the remainder of day. We would take a short drive to Jenny Lake Visitor Center and hike Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point trails. Both trails are on the opposite (western) side of the lake from where the visitor center is situated so we have the option of either hiking around the lake to the trails (about 4 miles) or taking a ferry which drops you smack at the foot of the trail. We would make the decision once we reached the lake. Before heading out we decided to lounge in the comfy sofa's inside the cavernous lodge lobby and enjoy the view of the Tetons off in the distance. We were both a bit tired from our early morning departure and I think I may have dozed off a few times. :)
Hiking in the hills:
We managed to pull ourselves from the clutches of the sofa and make our way to our room where we stocked up on some hiking supplies and headed out. After a short 20 minute drive we reached an extremely crowded Jenny Lake Visitor Center parking lot. After circling around a bit we managed to squeeze our little Versa into a spot. Success! :) Swatz and I decided that a ferry would be the best way to maximize our time hiking at the other side so we immediately headed to the dock. We bought our tickets and after a short wait we boarded the boat. The cool air off the lake was very refreshing and eased sting from the afternoon hot sun. After a 5 minute ride we reached the other side and began the short 1 mile Hidden Falls hike.Hidden Falls trail is a forest shaded uphill slog that has a few river crossings as it winds its way through the dense woods until you reach the "hidden" waterfall. It is a very popular trail and thus quite crowded with tourists like ourselves. After a while of hiking you could hear the rushing water of the falls which meant we were getting close and our pace increased. We reached the destination and could feel the mist from a nearby waterfall tucked within the forest trees (Hidden Falls). The sound of rushing water all around made for a tranquil setting. After a few minutes of bliss we pressed on until we reached the start of the 700 ft climb to Inspiration Point.
The path up to the point is quite narrow and laden with rocks that could easily send you tumbling over the side. Negotiating the tight areas was a challenge as you had to wait for others in the opposite direction to pass. As we climbed we quickly rose above the tree tops and what sun protection they offered. Eventually we reached the peak and were shocked at what a spectacular view it offered. You could see the entire lake below as well as the glacial moraine that formed it. It was stunning.
While sitting atop Inspiration Point we were "inspired" to push further and venture into Cascade Canyon Trail. The trail essentially begins at Inspiration Point and being flat and in the shade made it more appealing. Besides, we had two hours before the last boat departs so we might as well take advantage. We immediately leave the openness of the ridge and enter into the lushness of the canyon. Almost immediately we saw two carefree elk emerge from the dense forest and begin grazing 50 yards away. 20 feet more and a beaver appeared. We were now completely immersed into forest and it felt amazing. The trail wasn't as crowded in this stretch as I think most people turn back after Inspiration Point. Boy, they were missing the best parts! We ran into a few hikers who said they saw a moose about 30 minutes down the trail near a curvy creek. Swati and I looked at the time and decided to go for it. We were already excited about the elk and beaver but seeing a moose in the wild make us feel like kids on a Easter egg hunt. We approached a clearing within the canyon where you could clearly see the creek as described by the hikers. We then saw a small group of 4 people all pointing their cameras in the same direction. However, we couldn't see what they were photographing. As we approached the pointed over and we could then clearly see a large bull moose laying within the tall grass at the creeks edge. Had they not been there we would have simply walked on by as this guy was very well camouflaged. The last hikers to leave had mentioned that the moose, as indicated by other hikers, has been laying there pretty much all day. The antlers on this moose were absolutely enormous. I would guess they weighed in at 80 pounds or more. Swati and I were now alone watching this guy when he decided to slowly stand! He took his time but finally was up on all fours. I couldn't believe how big this animal was! He slowly made his way into the creek for a quick drink and then slowly walked off behind some trees. As I looked at Swati I realized we each had ear to ear grins on our faces. A small moment I shall cherish forever.
Dull dinner:
We managed to make it back to the boat with plenty of time to spare. We decided to have dinner at the Signal Mountain Lodge restaurant which is on the way back to our lodge. We scored some outdoor seating overlooking Jackson Lake. The sun was hanging low and the shimmering affects off the lake were quite romantic and made for a perfect setting. If only the food and service matched the ambiance... I had a rather boring salad and lack luster cup of chili while Swati wasn't too impressed with her soup and wrap. Furthermore, the wait staff forgot utensils and my beverage and weren't very apologetic. Either way we didn't let that ruin what has already been a great day of adventure.
