GROS VENTRE - TROIS CENT CINQUANTE.

My morning was marvelous. When I rolled out of my tent, Micheal made me a breakfast burrito. Shortly after my morning munch, Kaitlynn arrived. She drove straight through about fourteen hours from Tacoma. We jumped into her car and drove to the entrance to secure our own campsite. The line was sixty vehicles deep. Regardless we joined the pileup and crossed our fingers. Michael and Misty found us in line on their way out. They informed us that we could stay on the lot if the campgrounds sold out. Thank goodness for them, because the sites were all sold out. We returned to site three hundred and fifty. Kaitlynn took a nap, and I got some work done. While I was typing away on my tablet, several uinita ground squirrels scurried around me. 

When Kaitlynn woke up, we decided to head into town. Rather than having to reorganize her car, I decided to bike the ten miles into town. We met at a small bike shop downtown. My back tire tread was worn out, and a few days in the shop is a good storage spot. With that taken care of, I needed a shower. Thanks to fellow campers, I learned that the recreational center in town offers seven-dollar showers. It was the best seven bucks I ever spent. Folks, never take those hot showers for granted. Feeling refreshed, we made our way to a restaurant just off the main square. Cafe Geneva was a lovely little spot. We shared the beet salad, roasted mushrooms, mac and cheese, and fries. I also enjoyed an espresso and an IPA. Who would have thought that the best espresso of the trip would be in Jackson Hole, Wyoming?? It had a fantastic flavor, but the crema was lacking. It was the best of the trip, but it still paled in comparison to that chocolate cake crema-filled espresso from Crepe Du Luxe.

The next order of business was to gather various supplies for our sejour. We stopped at Albertson's and resupplied with food, alcohol, ice, firewood, and etcetera. Now we were prepared, and it was time to do some sightseeing, while the sun was still shining. When driving north on Highway 191, you roll along The Teton Range. These grand mountains stretch for about forty miles. We stopped at several viewpoints along the route to soak in its beauty. One viewpoint was next to a horse ranch. Luckily the horses were friendly and allowed us to pet them. It was a magical moment. There were more animals to see, so we continued to the main entrance of Grand Teton National Park. We paid the thirty-five dollar fee granting us seven days of access to the haven. We drove for a bit on a gravel road and saw some evasive elk and a mighty moose. 

We were losing light and began our return to camp. We stopped at one last viewpoint. Those nighttime mountains surely make you question your very existence on this godforsaken planet. We arrived back at camp to a nearly empty vicinity. There was a note from Michael explaining their departure. They even left some useful supplies like water, trash bags, firewood, and more. This is the definition of Iowa compassion and Hawkeyes having each other's backs. I will never forget this act of generosity. The world may seem chaotic right now, but kindness still prevails! Thanks again, Micheal and Misty. With the site to ourselves, we lit the fire and helped ourselves to a tiny dinner. We ate cherry tomatoes, black olives, and some artichoke dip. It was an extensive day, and sleep came effortlessly.