Grand Teton National Park, WY

Day 36 – June 22, 2025

Miles traveled – 6504

My mother loved this place the best. She traveled a lot in her retirement, all over the world. But the Grand Tetons in Wyoming was her favorite place. She was able to go there 5 or 6 times. The very last time was a year or so after my father died. Landing in Denver, she was short of breath because of the altitude and because of a condition that she never disclosed to us. Despite our frequent offers to go back home to 500 ft elevation, she stayed on supplemental oxygen and elevated sleeping to remain in her favorite place for the entire planned duration. She never stopped smiling and enjoyed every minute.

David and I arrived in Jackson Hole, WY, just down the road from the park, in drizzly, chilly weather. Jackson is an iconic Western town in the valley below the mountain range. One of the disadvantages of getting old is that things change over time. What I remember from 50 years ago as a tiny town with people riding horses in the streets is now bursting at the seams. So many cars. So many stores and outlets and office buildings. I’m sure somehow that, if I were to see Jackson for the first time today, I would love it. I was actually ready to bolt for home at this point but David, intrepid David, reminded me how much I had been hoping to stop in to the Tetons on this trip.

So off we went up the trail into the mountains.

A few miles uphill and we came to this beautiful lake

Silence and beauty was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed. By the big trip, by my own breathing issues, by the longing to be home after so many adventures and challenges. As I stood at this amazing place, I felt something unwind within. Things that we stuck came loose and flowed outward as beauty flowed into me. So good. I started to cry and thanked David for talking me into coming up here. I felt my Mom’s presence.

This was the highlight of the Tetons visit. From the valley below, the peaks were shrouded in mist and clouds, so no spectacular photos this time.

Our campsite was cold but lovely.

Farewell, Tetons. I’ll be back.

Jane (written at home in Towson)