Mon Aug 1, 2011. Jenny Lake, Tetons; Jackson, WY

Rain, rain, and more rain.  We woke up periodically to the sound of rain hitting the roof of the tent and all of us (dog included) chose to hit the snooze button.  When we finally couldn’t hold bladders any more, we got out of the tent to swamp foot – a small lake had formed outside our tent!  A steady rain continued, so we went on a driving tour south through the park to Jenny Lake. 

Jenny lake reminded me of a Switzerland/Glacier Park like view.  One side of the lake was met by towering, glacier covered peaks with waterfalls flowing down into the lake.  It was quite a sight and would have been even more remarkable had clouds not covered the upper half of the mountains.  We had to remind ourselves that the blue sky – snow capped mountain vistas known of the Tetons were just one side of the story: we were “lucky” enough to witness the cloudy, rain filled mountains.

Cloud covered Mount Moran

Jenny Lake on a stormy day

Since we wanted to spend some touring Jackson, WY anyway, we decided to take our rain day into town.  Many of the art galleries welcomed us, even though we were lacking showers and were clearly not capable of a significant purchase.  One of my favorite artists (again, per Chelli and Loren) Carol Hagan (http://www.carolhaganstudios.com/chhomer2.html) from Montana was well-represented in one of the galleries.  The bright colors and impressionist take on grizzlies and other wildlife brings nature to life in a new way.  Some day we’ll be back for your grizzlies, Carol!

A food review: happy hour (2-1s at the Cadillac bar) and burgers from Billy’s next door.  The 1/2 pounders they serve up with waffle fries are a deal!  The line at Billy’s was out the door around lunch time, but we went back in the evening, found a seat in the Cadillac Lounge, and ordered burgers. 

We thought we’d spent enough time in Jackson and headed back “home” to our tent at Colter Bay.  Of course, right as we hit the Teton National Park entrance, the rain started up again – just as we’d left it in the morning.  Another wet night was in our sights.  The washers and driers in Missoula, MT are in for a serious work out!