Day 16: Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Grand Tetons; Yellowstone!
Sleezys here! This morning we woke up around 5:00 at Bear
Lake in Utah. When we woke up, it was a chilly 48 degrees and dark as the sun had
not come up yet. As we left the campsite
at Bear Lake with goodies from mail last night in hand and stuffed into our bags, we watched a breathtaking
sunrise over the lake. The way the sun hit the mountains was beautiful.
On our journey to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, most participants
were asleep until breakfast was served.
We were treated to yogurt, granola and grapes for breakfast. Ms. Beautiful told us about a great souvenir
shop called “Shirt Off my Back” where we could get t-shirts, stickers and
other apparel. We were all excited to see what Jackson Hole, or as the locals
call it, Jackson had in store for us.
As we arrived in Jackson Hole the old western feel of the
small but bustling town charmed us all. After a group picture and research presentations, we were sent off to shop and Grant surprised us by being there! We all spent
way too much and basically bought out the store, then we were off to find a good bison burger for lunch. After a
yummy lunch of bison burgers (along with other delicious foods) and a few
pictures with Jimmy from shameless, we were back on the bus heading to the Chapel Of Transfiguration in the Grand Teton National Park. Here we sang songs and took beautiful
pictures.
TWB in Jackson Hole!
Andrew F. presenting research
Caroline W., Anna M. and Cade M. doing some shopping
Luke H. with a nosebleed and a view
Trip 4 staff in the Tetons!
After singing, we loaded the bus and took off for
Yellowstone National Park. When we arrived at Yellowstone, we went to shop at
the Yellowstone General Store. Along with souvenirs, lots of ice cream was
purchased. Some popular flavors were Moose Tracks, Mountain Berry and Coffee
& Fudge Swirl. As we enjoyed our ice cream, we headed to watch Old Faithful
erupt. Because Old Faithful is the most consistent geyser, it is the most
commonly watched even though the park includes larger geysers.
Crandall K. presenting research by Old Faithful
Parker M. presenting his research
Luke H. presenting his research
Alex A. presenting his research
Abby M. presenting her research
Our group at the Lodge
When we began to head out of the park, the cooks prepared a
traveling dinner consisting of chicken Caesar wraps, chips, jello and Kool-Aid. While
enjoying our meal, we rode to the Little Grand Canyon. On the way, we made sure
to keep an eye out for elk, bison, bears and wolves. We saw two huge elk and
one bison.
After Yellowstone we stopped at the Painted Mud Pots and had a visit from Ranger William who told us all about the pots and the sulfur fields.
Ranger William
Upon arriving to the Little Grand Canyon, we recognized that
the Little Grand Canyon was obviously much smaller than the Grand Canyon that
we previously visited. The Snake River flowed over the canyon wall creating a
beautiful waterfall. The water was a clear blue color and everyone was eager to
take pictures of and with it.
To finish the day, we all loaded the bus and the vans and
began the long drive to Ponderosa Campground in Cody, Wyoming. Here, we will
bed down for the next two nights. We are hoping for a good nights rest because
tomorrow will be packed full of excitement and white water rafting!!!
