The Grand Tetons

Today was spent getting to know this area; the southern part of Grand Teton National Park. I didn't realize that this majestic mountain range is only 50 miles long comprising South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton and Teewinot Mountain. The wildlife abounds. We found it interesting that with the shifts in the earth's plates, the Tetons are rising at the same time as Jackson Hole is sinking. 

Another photo in front of the mountains of antlers in the town of Jackson, Wyoming. 

The hills are alive with these beautiful mountain sunflowers. 

We learned that Grand Teton National Park was only formed in 1950 when the original 1929 park was united with Jackson Hole National Monument and then only because the United States government agreed to the following terms:

1. The airport would remain

2. Grazing rights would remain to existing families

3. Hunting would be allowed (since it's illegal to hunt in national parks it's called Elk herd maintenance now)

4. Succession of land ownership to families

5. No other national monument can ever be proclaimed in the state of Wyoming. (This is the only state in the union that can boast this)

Just as a side note we also learned that a president does not need congressional approval to declare a national monument but does need it to declare a national park. 

A view from inside the Chapel of Transfiguration

There is still one original family that owns property within the park boundaries

Menor's store still operating. 

A replica of Menor's ferry that crossed the Snake River. 

Since the weather changed we opted to come back to the trailer for some R & R instead of our usual 5 mile hike. Oh, and the fact that we have some awesome steaks to grill up🐮