Saturday, June 19, 2021

Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons!


 

It's that time of year again! It's TEACHER SUMMER TIME!!!! This school year was a little like. . .

but, please, let's never talk about it again. It's just better that way.

Dad and I got just about as far out of town in the continental 48 as we could get. We flew to Spokane, Washington, to see some more of our beautiful national parks! We mostly ran through Spokane but did stop off in the heat wave to see Spokane Falls.






From Spokane we drove to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, where we spent some time enjoying lake views, watching golfers hit an impossible island shot, and brainstorming "Visit Idaho" taglines.*




We continued east from Idaho for Glacier National Park in Montana. As always, devoted reader, I'm hoping you didn't come here for the information.** I've just got vistas. 














From Glacier we headed to the corner of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, for Yellowstone National Park! There was so much to do and we tried to pack it in as much as we could in the three days we were there. Highlights were the Mammoth Hot Springs, the various geysers and pools, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, and of course, Old Faithful!






















Was Dad let down by Old Faithful? Yes. He's hard to please and we should all keep trying. Was the entire park redeemed by Grand Geyser a little bit down the path? Thankfully, also yes!



From Yellowstone, we exited to the south, directly into Grand Teton National Park. The views were totally different and showcased the gorgeous Teton Mountain Range right outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.











As you can see, everything was beautiful! Yellowstone was definitely crowded, but Glacier and Grand Tetons were much less so. It was a delight to be out of the house and amongst humanity again.*** Speaking of humanity, we also spent some time with our animal friends!








And, before we go, a few shots of what it's really like when we walk outdoors.**** Not all glamour. And not all paths are really paths!









Thank you, America, for your beautiful National Park System! Which one will we go to next?!?!?
-KT

*Faves include: "More Than Just Potatoes!" "Idahon't Know Why People Aren't Coming Here!" "Imagine More" "Where the Boise Are" and "Actually, It's Pretty!"
**Long story short, the glaciers are shrinking. Get there ASAP. #climatechangeisreal
***Even if, at one point, that humanity included me going inside to grocery shop for the first time since March 2020. I have decided that since it was on a trip, it does not count against my grand avoidance total. 
****Remember that we never EVER use the "h" word.