Up to the Tetons, WY

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ~ Henry Miller ~

Tetons-6

Today were ecstatic moments, all day and let’s not forget “now”. Highway 89 is a jewel of a blue ribbon laid out, ornate with the small villages I could easily spend weeks laying around if only cooler, taking in the presence of the old tired homes and stores with front porches in need of paint and windows where faded curtains hang, some empty, rusting trucks and cars in their driveway, some harboring still the friendly locals always ready to chat. That is with Spirit of course. We are away from the heat. No more. We are near the Tetons looking for Grassy Lake Road, we previously, I believe a year or two ago were expelled within minutes by the army of mosquitoes. We are going to try it again. We must.

the lake-5 

Living on the road. We stopped at this little park where two kids were fishing. Spirit engaged them into a conversation, they had arrived at 5am, trying for carp and catfish. Ten maybe? Twelve? I did not ask but voiced my respect toward them as such a better pastime from video games in front of a screen. Cool kids. Intelligent ones as we spoke about also trout fishing, photography, and end up giving them one of our card photo with the Journal’s address printed on. It made my morning, kids are so wonderful, I was a kid with them.

kids fishing-2

the lake-7

Life on the road. Beautiful continuance of 89 from Montpelier to Paris through Geneva. I was born in Montpelier (France). We lived near by Paris (France) and I went to Culinary School near by Geneva (Switzerland ). How odd… all three towns in one day. Memories.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake-5

Life on the road.  89 did not stop winding through the well carved mountains carpeted with luscious greens. We meet the bread man on the summit. He knew every road crisscrossing this present Paradise we have been sailing through. Long chat. He opened his truck and gave me a couple loaves of bread. Natural, no preservatives. A "Sprouted Wheat" and a "Multi-Grain". Thank You Paul. Karma as you said. It was dinner tonight with a couple slices of cheese and the sweet water from Show Low I use so sparingly. I know, some might say, it is just a couple loaves of bread…. It made my afternoon. It is the difference between traveling and going as we do without a schedule, only the constant awakening of the senses.

Caffe Ibis

Caffe Ibis-2

Life on the Road. A sign on the outskirts of Montpelier. "Fresh Roasted Coffee". Warehouse type of a building. A must U-Turn. Ah! The smell as I walked into the more than pleasant office. A cup of coffee appeared. What a “welcome” as the owner Mike and I started chatting. I love people with a sense of spirituality. Yes Mike, I am lucky to have found this path showing me the road to a resemblance of sanity. Of grabbing Life by the horns. Mike’s wife and mother have passed away not too long ago in his arms. We understood each other, we are both members of this "Elite Club" as I call it. I left with a nice bag of freshly roasted coffee. This made my Day. “Caffé Ibis

Grassy Lake Road camping

Grassy Lake Road camping-7

Grassy Lake Road camping-3

We now found "Grassy Lake Road". I was told at the Grand Tetons gate it would be closed. I had to check it out for myself. Took a nice spot by the river. A few trees as we are in the shade and it just does not get any better than this. The tent is up, the food is put away in the  provided solid steel Bear closet type container, there are a couple bathrooms and all is free. The army of Mosquitoes must be resting after the welcome committee greeted us initially, before we sprayed ourselves with the Deet free spray I carry. The previous campers have left a note which says " Grizzly Bear 20 yards from this site, morning July 2. Please store your stuff. Thanks!". No, "Thank YOU", how thoughtful. I am wearing my Bear spray, ready, just in case as Spirit will if so emit his usual warning growl minutes ahead.

Grassy Lake Road camping-4

Grassy Lake Road camping-6

Tomorrow "Adventure Trio" will meet us. Sandy, Terry and young Jack on two motorcycles. How exciting as they are my Heroes, no doubt I hide a bit of my envy. A Family that rides together stays together. And, oh! Yes, I am wearing my head mosquito net, I am prepared this time and so is much wood for a nice fire…. come and join us, dinner soon.

Grassy Lake Road camping-8

"I have had a great deal of interest in my photography over the years, for which I am grateful. Their sales are of much importance funding this Journal. Yes, please feel free to purchase one or two… or a few. I have been adding some photos lately, there will be more as I sift through about 100,000 of them. Take a look. “Smugmug” stands for quality. Thank you”

Grassy Lake Road camping-9

Ara & Spirit

Be Safe and well
Peace, Love, Courage

Update: this is only a test from phone.

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9 Responses to “Up to the Tetons, WY”

  1. DC Stultz Says:

    Ah, the Tetons. It’s been 40 years since I visited, but I vividly remember 1) the beauty and 2) the mosquitoes. (Although the mosquitoes are worse in the Everglades during the summer — there you have to take out your knife to carve a peep hole to see where you are going.)

  2. Shawn Says:

    As usual Ara, great photography and I enjoy your writing.

  3. Louise Says:

    I recognize that campsite! Right where we set up our hot tub along the river. I’m so glad you had a chance to stay there.

  4. Sandy Borden Says:

    A magical weekend had by all. We feel very, VERY privileged to have camped alongside you for the weekend. Fabulous food, conversation and understanding was had by all. We feel truly blessed to have you in our lives. Travel safely, my friend.

    Cheers,
    Terry, Sandy and Jack

  5. hobopals Says:

    Ara, be very careful. There was a fatal grizzly attack in Yellowstone, today. http://tinyurl.com/6x9vcpu

  6. michael ultra Says:

    Thanks Ara and Spirit,
    You never said what was wrong with your bike. It’s all fixed? I laughed at DC’s comment. He’s right. The worst mosquitoes are in the Everglades. As usual, your pictures are beautifully done.
    Michael Ultra
    http://www.rv0777.com (come over and see us, sometime)

  7. admin Says:

    Hi Michael. I had written it a few times I thought. The final drive/shaft/u-joint and peripherals just gave up!!! Thanks for asking.
    Hobopals… I was aware of it about half an hour after it happened. Sad about it all.
    And all… thank you for your comments. Ara & Spirit

  8. Ed Says:

    Our paths almost crossed once again. I went past the Tetons on July 3rd. I’m now in Lander, WY where I know that you have friends. If you come through here during July I would like to meet you. Still catching up to current with reading your blog but check SPOT from time to time to see where you might be. Give Spirit a good ear scratch for me and you take care.

  9. Chantel Cherie Maurer Says:

    Hi there Ara & Spirit,

    So glad that you were able to come visit us at the Ibis! I wish we were able to chat more while you were here. If you’re ever passing through Logan, UT again, please stop by and enjoy a cup 🙂 Thanks for posting the pics! I hope you’re enjoying your journey, makes me want to explore the world a little bit more. Thanks for the inspiration. Mike would like me to tell you that he is not the owner, although he does impact the business immensely 🙂 The owners Sally and Randy would love to meet you someday! Happy sipping to you, and hope we cross paths again someday.

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