Grand Teton National Park

After living across the street from one of the Teton's most legendary climbing rangers, Leo Larson, and his brilliant writer-naturalist wife, Helen, for more than a decade, we FINALLY made it here to Grand Teton National Park. And, to quote Leo, Man oh man, I wish I'd listened and come here years earlier, as it is spectacular!

Seriously, is this the best vista you've ever seen?

Or perhaps you prefer this classic highway shot?

Even close up, nature is stunning.

Helen worked on many of the Teton's Visitor Center displays, including this one about climbing rangers and mountain rescues. Leo's pano photos are also a highlight of the many visitor centers here.

While in the Jackson area, we also visited the Teton Raptor Center to support their work in raptor rehab, research and education and to meet some of their bird ambassadors. This is a Swainson's hawk.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art provided a different perspective on the natural world that we have so enjoyed here in the Rockies.

This Carl Rungius landscape of the Canadian Rockies was one of my favorites.

I wish that I had more photos to share, but sadly, summer in the Tetons is super-crowded with tourists, and we couldn't find any parking spaces near Jenny Lake, Lupine Meadows or any of the other trailheads that we had identified. Instead, we drove on, opting instead for solitude at our friend Cathy's home in Wilson, just outside of Jackson, Wyoming. A pretty great alternative to the crowds for the next few days.

So now I'm here with Louie the Elk watching over me as I read, relax, and write a new play that I will workshop in Seattle next month. Life is, indeed, so very, very good.