This was our first overnighter and we decided to do something easy -- a 4.5 mile "stroll". We call is a stroll since the trail is mostly flat, gaining only about 150' the entire way. The trail goes past String Lake, then Leigh Lake and ends up at Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes -- all in the Grand Teton National Park. The goal was to mostly test out the new equipment and work out any bugs.
It was raining lightly when we were in the parking lot, but looking around it seemed that the bad weather was south and we were going north. We could have cancelled, but at this point we decided we could test the gear for rain too. Throughout the stroll, we wore rain gear, but mostly to stay warm, it was about 58F. Gear on, then gear off, as the weather changed from chance of rain to some sun.
The rain was mostly light or not there, nothing like a downpour or consistent steady rain. But upon returning to Jackson the next day, we realized that we really did "just miss" real rain. The rain gage on the porch read about .2" of rain .. a lot for this time of year.
Maybe a few too many pictures, but heck, it was fun to be out again.
Very nice views from the hike.
Starting out prepared for rain
String Lake reflection in shallow water
Kevin reflecting on Mt Moran .. a climb he did almost 40 years ago
Rain gear off
Rain gear back on 15 mins later
Trapper Lake - surrounded by meadows and wildflowers
Purple and yellow -- that's Monkshood -- take a good look, it looks like a monk's hood.
At the campsite. It was nice, yet due to newly instituted backcountry fees, it was the most expensive campsite so far this year!
View from the campsite... creeping fog
Alicia's new stove and pot -- she is very excited about them
Morning Latte -- yes, she is trying to perfect campsite coffee.
The next morning -- in the sun and blue skies
Heading back
A close-up of Monkshood
Leigh Lake again -- this time in nicer weather
The merganser family
