Smaller wildlife

This little chipmunk scurried around our shoes and bag when we took a water break on the ascent up to Amphitheater Lake. Chipmunks are "chiselers" in Jackson speak and quiet common.

We stopped in our tracks while going up to Signal Mountain two weeks ago. This insect was about as big as a fist. Locals call this a Mormon cricket but it's actually a larger katydid.

The world at two miles high

Yes, that's snow in the background. I decided to take a dip at 10,000 feet at the halfway point of our 10-mile hike. I surfaced from the full-body submersion and yelped. Holy cow, it was cold. Snow melt empties into Amphitheater lake, which is surrounded by forest, rock and mountains on all sides, most notably Grand Teton in the background. 

Here's a shot of Jason right before we stopped at the lake for lunch.

Signal Mountain

 

The 3-mile ascent to Signal Mountain's crest was worth every step. Halfway there we met up with a family from Wisconsin and climbed into a wooded area before they slowed and we went our separate ways. It's always amazing how friendly people are when you are sharing a day's goal and an appreciation of the the surroundings. 

These panoramic views from the top are Jason's work. He captures the valley with the Tetons directly behind him. He also snapped the one with the sunlight streaming through the trees as we hiked down.

We saw a moose on the last .5 miles as we crossed a park road. He was enjoying his dinner by a pond, but grew agitated with the swelling group of spectators armed with cameras. He started walking toward us. Everyone had a vehicle for escape, except us. I took off in a jog, but Jason warned me not to make sudden movements. The moose actually just wanted to cross the road, away from the audience. He disappeared into the forest.

Boys' Fishing and Girls' Hike

We had our first visitors last weekend when Jason's family came out to explore Jackson Hole with us. While the guys went fly fishing on Sunday, Amy, Carol and I hiked around Leigh Lake. The crowded Jenny Lake parking lot confirmed the decision to do the less-trafficked Leigh/String Lake trail. We trekked for nearly two hours, pausing to take photos.