[Co-written by Adam & Sheri. Delayed posting due to zero service in the National Parks!]
Driving from Custer State Park to Casper, WY was one of the most boring, eventful drives we’ve had thus far. Just rolling hills, arrow straight roads and not a lot of livestock.
After the 5 hour drive, we ended up in what appeared to be a large parking lot transitioned into a KOA (Kampground of America). As blah as this place seemed, the staff was extra friendly, the views were not half bad (had a great display of the moon and stars that evening), the neighbors were quiet, the small backyard playground structure proved entertaining for Maia, and the place even had a LAUNDRY ROOM! Sheri sent Adam on a 10 minute walking round trip to do a small wash.
Eighteen-wheelers rumbled by on the interstate opposite the fence throughout the night. Adam saw some pronghorn antelope crossing the RV park early the next morning. He attempted to run the heat in the RV when he woke up, and for some reason it set off the fire alarm — startling Maia & Sheri awake at 6:45am.
We headed into town to explore a bit and to find Maia her first pair of cowgirl boots. Casper is a small, spread out city, a western town not constrained by geography, as it gently rolls out for several miles in each direction. Kind, friendly, salt-of-the-earth people live here.
After doing some grocery shopping at Albertson’s and researching a western-style store, we found ourselves at Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters. This place has been around for 101 years, and is family owned and operated. Freda helped us out — she is one of Lou’s 7 children. Her 97-year old mother still comes in daily to help out, and all the siblings are still very involved with the family business. The store offered over 1000 different styles of adult-sized cowboy boots, and the entire downstairs area was dedicated to children. We were the only customers downstairs as we picked out some PINK cowgirl boots for Maia. She was so excited, she wouldn’t take them off!
Upon checkout, Freda used an old carbon credit card trace machine with a crank handle. Most of the people shopping for boots in the store were legit working ranch folks, getting their next working pair. Needless to say, we walked out of there with a pair of boots for each of us, plus some new clothes for Sheri.
After heading out of Casper, the next couple of hours’ drive was some of the most drastic changes in landscape that either of us head ever seen. We made a quick pit stop in the small town of Dubois, WY, nestled in a valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains. The air felt so good in our lungs and on our skin.
We crossed through Bridger-Teton State Forest just before getting to Grand Teton. Larch, Oak, and Aspen trees changed their colors in time for the Fall. The spectacular mountain ridge horizon made the mountain ridges coming into the park look like measly little hills. Mist rose from the smaller valleys. Bear aware signs everywhere.
I tried to capture the breathtaking scenery ahead of us on my phone camera, but it just doesn’t do it justice. You’ll have to visit this place to see for yourself.
Night was upon us and the chill was starting to take over again, so Adam dropped us off at our cabin in Colter Bay, a lodging area on the east side of Jackson Lake. This was the first time we were set to stay in one general location for more than one night, which meant less driving, which meant more time to relax and enjoy an activity or two. We were in bed and asleep by 9pm. Seriously, we know how to party.
Next morning we were up bright and early to do a lakeside hike in Colter Bay. Sheri just couldn’t get over the insane mountain backdrop. Maia was drawn to the lake, playing on the shore and throwing rocks. We spotted Common Mergansers, Canada Geese, and a Bald Eagle chillin out on an island (flew off before we could capture him on camera).
As we walked down the path, a small red squirrel ran straight toward us with a pinecone in its mouth, running away from another squirrel. At first I thought maybe he would jump off the path to avoid us, but no — he ran directly to the toes of my sneakers, jumped on Adam’s feet, and scurried away.
We headed back to the cabin to check out, then drove a quick 15 minutes up John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway to our next destination, Sheffield Creek Trail. This technically wasn’t part of Grand Teton, but snaked into the adjacent park, Bridger-Teton State Forest.
Coming into Sheffield Creek was a one lane dirt road, in fact we did a bit of off-roading with the RV!
Sheri was on edge before the hike even started. All the bear aware signs were beginning to psych her out. Maia in the hiking backpack on daddy’s back, and some bottles of water in Sheri’s backpack, we started on the lightly trafficked trail. We did some practice claps in preparation for potential bears, when a couple heading back down rounded a corner.
“Was that for us?” the guy called out.
“Nope” we laughed. “Just a drill.”
They proceeded to tell us we were the only ones they’ve seen on the trail, and had spotted no wildlife. That put Sheri’s mind at ease. We continued up about 1.5 miles straight up…the high altitude had us breathing long, slow breaths.
Once we reached the top, Maia had her sandwich and we observed a hawk soaring above. We could see Snake River winding across the valley below. Heading down, we spotted a cocky Spruce Grouse.
When we returned to the base of the mountain, Sheri took Maia to say hello to the horses before heading into the Headwaters area of the park for a quick break and snack.
The Welshs Voyage West! 