Roughing it in Grand Teton National Forest
It is a funny feeling; not looking forward to moving onto the next location. That is the reality of this place to Kerri and I, we have been looking forward to the Teton Forest for months and now that we are here we are happy to sit idle for as long as we can.
You may be surprised to hear that since unhitching the Airstream back on Monday, the truck has not moved. Just like us, it has done nothing for four entire days. I can’t really say we haven’t done anything, it is just that it did not require the truck to do those things. After work we might take a small hike and explore, or enjoy happy-hour cocktails or stout, and if all else failed a night snuggling in the warm confines of the Airstream watching a downloaded TV show or movie has been perfect. It wasn’t all sitting around though; I did do a little wood chopping (I have an ax) and re-strung my kayak, something I have wanted to do since I bought it.
We have discussed moving up to the Upper Teton View area once the road clears of snow, but we are still unsure if we will. Yes, the view is second to none, but that same view will attract others. With neighbors comes responsibilities, such as keeping to dogs on a leash or the blinds lowered. Down here on Lower Teton View there is little room for any neighbors leaving a full 1+ acre all to ourselves which the dogs are loving… and the view is still mighty.
On Friday morning the truck was finally cranked up to drive the 1/2 mile to the Cunningham Cabin Historic Site, an 1880’s homestead in the Grand Teton National Park, which we snapped a few photos of before start our work days.
Friday afternoon finally brought me into town proper (Jackson) to acquire the proper permits for the kayaks to get their “feet-wet” come this weekend. Oddly enough, each kayak must be pass state “invasive species” inspection which consists of simply paying a $15 fee (per craft), going through a near-background-check, and then… no inspection at all. Basically, I could have every invasive species you could imagine stuck to my kayak and as long as I pay the $15 (and provide my DOB, SSN, weight, eye color, etc) I pass the inspection. Then, to top it all off, the National Park has a kayaking permit requirement too; another $10 for another sticker and another non-inspection. No worries, we get to kayak in Grand Teton tomorrow!
Looks awesome. Love the Tetons. Oregon had some wacky permit thing too we had to buy for our paddle boards.
So I was planning on trying to stay at the Upper Teton area in June when we are there, based upon your Campendium review. So the Lower Teton and Upper Teton areas are only about 1/2 mile apart? But the Lower Teton area is the less crowded of the two? Or am I just totally confused? Thanks!
You are correct. The lower is still very nice as long as you can keep it all to yourself. People do like to come target-shoot here, but probably would not if you are parked here. The Upper Teton has the better view but does attract more people camping. If you can get one of the two or three view sights, and do not mind some others around you (still good distance between sites) then it is still the premium place to be.
Simply perfect, looks like heaven.
A favorite and I’ve only been there once, this summer though I am heading up and over, can’t wait :)