The Throwback Series: The One Where We Finally Make it to The Tetons, Part 3

HAPPY AMERICA DAY!!

It was July 4th, and after another not so restful sleep (for me anyway), we got up a little later than planned. So we packed up and hit the road back into the park, deciding to just eat some banana muffins we had brought from home instead of taking the time to make oatmeal. After having to turn back around to retrieve Jordan's hiking boots from our campsite (he kept airing them out each night because they REEKED, and he had forgotten that he'd put them under the car), we headed toward Jenny Lake Trailhead.

The plan was to hike to Lake Solitude, which was about an 18 mile round trip hike. Again, we had perfect weather - nice and warm with beautiful blue skies and clear views of the Tetons as we made our way through Cascade Canyon to get to the Lake. The first few miles of the hike were pretty packed with people, as it lead to a popular waterfall and up a steep set of rocky stairs to Inspiration Point.

After that point, the trail got less busy but it was still well travelled as we made our way through the Canyon. Once we reached Lake Solitude we walked around to the far side to enjoy some PB & banana sandwiches away from the crowds. The lake was still pretty much ice/snow covered and only small areas of glacial blue water popped out here and there. Jordan's knee had been bothering him so he took this opportunity to have a quick ice bath in the Lake.

We made our way back to Jenny Lake, where we decided to take the ferry across to the trailhead/parking lot (since we had been hiking an average of 20 miles/day for the past few days). Once back at our car we freed our toes for the final time that week as we tried to pick which route to take back home. We finally chose to take the Beartooth Highway, and on our drive through Yellowstone, we saw a TON of buffalo along the sides of the road as the sun was setting.

When we arrived at Cooke City, the main street was closed off for July 4th fireworks, so we took a short detour and continued on our way. It was getting dark by the time we reached the Beartooth Highway, and with a dense fog settling in and few cars on the road, it felt as though we were suddenly starring in a horror movie. After a sketchy and slow, but also very cool, drive - we saw fireworks from Red Lodge as we made our descent into town - we arrived in Red Lodge (and we were STARVING). It was just before 11pm however, so the chances of a restaurant kitchen being open was slim. We stopped into one place that had an "OPEN" sign, but they were only serving drinks at that time. So, with no other options and still an hour to go until we were home, we went to the gas station to grab dinner. 2 for $3 hot dogs/sausages for Jordan and a turkey sub for me (anything would have tasted amazing at that point). We finished our drive with full bellies and couldn't wait to fall fast asleep in our own bed again. Thanks for an unforgettable trip, Tetons!!