TWB July 14th 2018 Experience: Day 16- Jackson Hole, Teatons, Yellowstone

Day 16: Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Grand Tetons; Yellowstone!

Yo yo yo sneezys are coming to you straight out the geyser!!!

Today was a glorious day that started off at Bear Lake on a bear-y cold camp ground at a bear-y early 5:15am (woooo). It was a peaceful morn as the counselors woke us up with a calm “good morning sunshine.” Our lovely Happy group shivered and loaded the bus with enthusiasm for a new adventurous day. On the vehicles, we admired the sunrise slowly climbing the horizon over Bear Lake. We then arrived into Idaho where Grant Deaton presented us with some aPEELing potato jokes. One could say we were very intrigued specTATORS. For breakfast, we enjoyed a scrumptious bagel with a healthy Nature Valley granola bar and banana.

After breakfast, we arrived in the adorable town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming where we had a HOLE bunch of fun. The adventure began with a group photo under the famous antler arches and the fun continued, as we broke off into groups to explore the town. We raided the discount racks of the HOLE in the wall stores and some even experienced their first taste of bison burgers. The Dopey group prepared a meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a side of fruit and cookies at the bus for those who did not want to spend their precious (and quickly depleting) money.

After lunch, the journey continued as we ventured to the Grand Tetons National Park. With the breathtaking Tetons in sight, we bonded as a group in the Chapel of Transfiguration. We captured some breathtaking views through the concave lens of our expensive cameras.

Back on the road, we made a rest stop at the unique Grand Teton Inn where we also enjoyed some spectacular views and filled our water bottles. Leaving the Tetons in the dust, we continued on to Yellowstone National Park. Upon arrival to the Old Faithful Lodge, we climbed three flights of stairs to snap an annual group photo. We then shot over to the Old Faithful viewing point just in time to experience the natural water phenomenon. We then moseyed down to the general store and enjoyed some homemade ice cream with fascinating flavors including: huckleberry fudge, moose tracks, buffalo chip, and mountain berry. We also invested in some Yellowstone apparel and stickers for our water bottles. Back on the bus, we dined with a traveling dinner of chicken creaser wraps (YUM) and chips (EXTRA YUM).

Then Grant informed us the fascinating news that a past participant and current park ranger (oh Mr. Park Ranger) would be giving TWB a special tour of the hot springs. With anticipation, we unloaded the bus and gathered around to share research while we waited for the park ranger to arrive. Abby Brown and Callie Bryant battled it out in their presentations on Yosemite National Park. Emma Schieck delivered her presentation on the Inspiration Point of Yosemite. Anna Michell talked about the Bridal Veil Falls. Hana Blair presented on the state of Wyoming. Margaret Gourley talked about Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Lily McGrath discussed the Grand Tetons. Gracie Hester, Kelsey Smith, and Sarah Tolbert battled it out on the Yellowstone National Park. Lastly, Makenzi Stiles presented research on Old Faithful.

Grant told us the prestigious educational accolades of our park ranger that included two degrees. With a Harvard degree in Geology and a Stanford doctorate in “Geyserology,” we anxiously awaited for our expert ranger. Upon arrival, we soon realized that we have been fooled; this was no Harvard man, but an Appalachian grad with a side career in Hollywood performance. This was our very own movie star, Daniel Calhoun. We toured the hot springs and admired the Twin Geysers and Leather Pool (which is actually older than the Old Faithful Gyser). As we finished our tour, we prepared with flashlights and water for a night hike through the Little Grand Canyon. Realizing we were tricked once again, we caught sight of a majestic waterfall at a close lookout point. We saw many natural inhabitants (Bison and Elk) rooming the land as we departed Yellowstone.

We finished the day traveling to the Ponderosa Campground in Cody, Wyoming were we’ll be staying for the next two nights.