Mid-July Update

Grand Teton Natl Park file photo

We're fine.  We're told that Yellowstone and Grand Teton are more visited than last year (but less than 2021).  Being our first season volunteering in Grand Teton, we don't know - but it's BUSY!

Volunteering at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is busy, but satisfying. We're out in the woods more. It gets hot at the parking lot. Jump Rock is jumping with people. Bugs are out in full force in the woods. Moose are around.  We've seen elk along Gros Ventre road just east of the Gros Ventre intersection. Bears are active. Bison are out. People still stop in the middle of US89, get out of their vehicles, and take pictures of the bison. (Apparently, pulling completely off the road to take pictures is a foreign concept to many visitors.) People still don't take protecting their food seriously. One young bear has already had to be euthanized because it began to approach and swat at people for food. Wildfire smoke has arrived diminishing the view of the tetons. Wildland fire danger is high. Finally got to see pine martens. Visited Leeks Marina several times so far for pizza & breadsticks. We can still find a parking space and picnic table for lunch at Colter Bay. All the campgrounds are full, yet we still receive daily phone calls to the park (we rotate answering the main park phone line between the various visitor centers each day) trying to find a campsite. And despite being in this area for five summers, I'm still amazed at how little I really know about the park.  

That gets you up to date.  We're here to mid-September. Thanks for dropping by and checking in on us.  David

Jenny Lake visitor center - this is the bear that was fed and had to be euthanized.