A Float Trip

One of the employee perks at Grand Teton Lodge Company is float trips. I went on one Monday, and had a great time. The guide's name is Mike, and he was so smooth in his commentary, jokes, and presentation I could only marvel that his enthusiasm doesn't wane with so much practice.

There were seven guests, myself, and Mike. He kept the boat totally under control while standing up and giving facts as well.
Monday was a beautiful day for the trip, which took three hours. The next couple days were interspersed with snow and rain. They have tarps and rain gear to protect the clients, bringing everything back to the laundromat to dry it out in that event.


Other perks with this company include horseback riding, bus tour to Yellowstone, and bus Tour of the Grand Tetons.

Hiking On a Snowy Day in the Grand Tetons

I actually had Memorial Day off, so packed up and hit the trail around Emma Matilda Lake. This is across the street from Jackson Lake Lodge. Friends warned me of snow pack, and it was snowing now.

Bear spray, fire starter, rain gear, snacks and water bottle, camera and hiking poles I head out for a memorable trail.

At first its wide open, no problem finding or navigating this sagebrush and pine tree habitat. Plenty of Elk, plenty of moose, geese and male grouse drumming for females.

I headed around the north, more remote, side of the lake. Swinging around the east edge, I slogged through meadows and crossed foot bridges made of huge logs cut in half. But, little did I know what awaited me.

The snow pack and few footprints made travel slow. Post holing and frozen feet aren't so bad if you at least know you're on trail.

Once the trail became totally snow covered and no foot prints or trail markers were found, I decided to maintain the westerly direction, the lake on my right shoulder, the sun at my back. It was early,

 just 11 a.m.

I sought the most open path, and finally came across other footprints. Who ever created those prints seemed to have a good sense for the trail because every so often a portion of earth tread way would show.

All day I took photos, sang, and hiked. Periods of sun, sleet, rain and snow made things interesting.

Back home at the dorm, after a shower and downloading of photos, I calculate the hike of 11.5 miles.

A wonderful way to spend the day off work. 

Views With a Room

This is my portion, I call it my Room Cubicle here in Grand Tetons. I love my own space, and my room mates are very nice. We share a large room which is divided into four cubicles. A bath room is down the hall for the whole dorm.

A rainbow from last night's solo hike along Christian Pond.

Griz Prints in the snow ( actual video posted at my other blog, http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com ) were fresh and a delight. This was taken on a day hike with a friend near Colter Bay.

One of many photos taken near the Bay.

News From Home

Working here in the Grand Tetons is very interesting. I do miss home, though and look forward to reading e-mails my life partner sent me. Recently he set up a camera to take shots of the wild hogs that have been ravaging the shooting range. The camera worked great, giving nearly 80 photos of a herd of wild hogs. I never thought so many were on the loose in our neck of the woods.

There were nursing mothers, piglets and bores. A group of approximately 15 were there when this photo was taken.

Here in the Tetons, the snow is beginning to melt off enough to allow some longer day hikes. I carry my bear spray when alone, and make noise when visibility or hearing is difficult by streams.
The rivers are up, raft trips will begin soon.

I love my Cirro Jacket by Brooks-Range. Its proven to be both comfortable, light weight, and warm. It really cuts the wind, especially on those cold morning walks to work. I wear it over my chef's coat.
http://brooks-range.com See the initial review on March 24, 2011 blog.

I used it while driving out to the Tetons. The zipper pockets really came in handy, without being bulky. It's one of my favorite all time jackets.

Grand Tetons in May

I took this

photo from the Jackson Lake location where I'll be working in the Bakery.

Its still pretty cold here. Good thing I brought plenty of layers.

We have people from 26 different countries checking in for the summer season. Spanish is commonly heard.

Everyone is really nice. The food in the Employee Dining Room is very good, with lots of fruits and vegetables for healthy eating. Then, of course, there's always ice cream for desert, or cake.

As the snow melts and trails dry off, most of the people here plan to get out an hike, do float trips, horse back riding and enjoy town of Jackson.

You can check out seasonal jobs at

http://coolworks.com

One thing that's a little hard for older folks is the dorm situation. The rooms here have between two to four, with bathrooms down the hall.

This does take some getting used to  and its not for everyone. Sometimes a person outgrows the desire to share small spaces as well.

Webcams Rock

A friend posted this website, and I'm going to enjoy watching the cams. As I leave warm Georgia for the Grand Tetons in two weeks, its really hard to imagine snow and cold out there. I mean, my garden is edible right now!
Check it out:
http://www.jacksonholenet.com/webcams/

Extreme Sports

Darcy Africa is doing amazing things. I first read about her in an Outside 2007 Buyer's Guide I picked up last week. It was free at local library.

She was 32 in 2007, and completed the Grand Slam, an ultra marathoner's dream of four 100 mile races.




http://www.backcountryrunner.com/bios/darcy-africa.phtml

The Outside Gear Guide is a great resource, and humbling. So many sports, so many gifted athletes, and extreme human exploits.

It's good to get a taste of various sports. I've done some snorkeling, running, long distance biking. One of my most memorable experience is completing a Double Century
(200 miles in one day on a bike).

This summer I plan to learn white water kayaking. A person who will be working with me in the Grand Tetons taught that sport. With the Snake river in our back yard, we should get plenty of opportunities on days off. My wet suit and helmet are on my packing list.