Munstream.adventures: Grand Teton National Park (and Yellowstone NP) part 1

We've arrived! 

I'm going to back up a bit and share the journey to land campsites in the Tetons. We really wanted to stay in the park as we knew it would cut back on driving time and traffic stress, and it would give us an opportunity to linger longer in the evenings and not feel like we had to rush back because of a long drive ahead. (Think sunsets, late evening swims, lingering happy hours, ice cream with a view.) Our main option was Colter Bay where there was water access, laundry, a general store, and a couple of restaurants, the hang up: rumor has it, full hook-up campsites are nearly impossible to get. I'll save the boring details, but we strategized and landed the campsite... for 9 nights. We didn't think we would need it nearly that long and intended to modify, but in the end, it wasn't long enough! We loved every single second of our stay in GTNP, it was a dream summer adventure. 

We arrived later in the evening on Sunday, July 9th after a pretty seamless day, I'd say the only real hang-up was our lunch attempt at Stinker Stores Travel Stop where the only option was a warm gas station burger. We did our best, Dave doused his in prepackaged onions and mustard and was happy as a clam. We were so excited to arrive at the park entrance and our minds were blown at the beauty of the Tetons and the way they just shoot up out of the flat surface. Our campsite was perfect, located on an end giving us plenty of space for our hammocks and to spread out. We found pizza asap and then a beach for a sunset swim. We had no idea what was in store for us as we turned the corner for the beach. The sun setting behind the mountain range lit up the sky behind them in the most incredible way. The kids swam/giggled in the frigid water and Dave and I cheersed to pulling it off. 

We stayed in Colter Bay on Monday and jammed in as much as possible. We started out the morning with a 'HEY BEAR' hike around the Lakefront Trail where the girls were simultaneously nervous about bears and embarrassed by Dave's "HEY BEAR!" approach to keep us safe. The kids hiked in their swimsuits and took advantage of every swim access point they saw. We followed it up with a kayak/canoe outing which was much easier said than done, the wind is no joke and we had a very dramatic experience. We finished the day with dinner and and a showstopper sunset at Signal Mountain Lodge, it was a great day. 

Tuesday was a top day for me. We got up bright and early in order to catch the peaceful views at Schwabacher's Landing. It's a tucked in lookout, the water is like glass and it catches the most incredible reflection of the Tetons. We followed that with a picturesque 4 mile bike ride to Jenny Lake for a general store lunch and then a ferry over to the Inspiration Hike Trail. It was a relatively short (1.5 mile in and out) but steep hike up to the 7 thousand feet lookout. There was some iffy terrain and the kids were nervous, I loved how they looked out for each other. We biked back, uphill and in the wind, Sully lead the way like a champ and Piper and I held up the back end while we jammed to T. Swift to pass the time/distract us from the challenge. We made our way home and had an easy dinner close to the campsite. It was a really great day.

We ventured to Yellowstone on Wednesday. The drive was beautiful with wildlife and scenery, but slow at times. We made our way to Old Faithful Inn for lunch and memorable lobby vibes. We walked the boardwalk and observed the many geysers before making our way back to Old Faithful where she was adorned by hundreds of fans who beat us to the good sitting spots, we arrived just in time to watch her blow. We were impressed with the natural phenomenon. We hustled back for ice cream and a glass of wine before driving back the Tetons and for pizza at Leeks Marina, a great spot not too far from Colter Bay, right on water. The kids had so much fun playing around on the dock while we were waiting for Dave to order food and the weather was perfect. It was another great day of exploring. 

We went into Jackson for Sky King Mountain fun on Thursday and it was a highlight for the kids. They did a ropes course and were way above ground and loved the challenge. Greta pushed every limit, running just a bit too fast, depending on the harness to save her life every chance she got. The kids mastered the course in no time and loved the adventure. We came back mid afternoon to shower up and catch the one and only dinner reservation of the week at the Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge. The meal was fancy and fun, but the lobby views were out-of-this-world breathtaking. We snuck out during our meal for a sunset photo and knew where we would be going immediately after dinner. We loved the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the patio while the kids played on the trails nearby, but the real treat was when we made our way to the car... a hotel guest from California was playing the piano with some of his friends and was taking requests. On a whim, I requested Taylor Swift, and he knew Love Story...and so did Piper!!  She sat down and sang with them. She had a shy but delighted expression when the pianist requested a shout out for Piper. The only one in the room who was prouder than Piper was Dave who willingly slipped the guy a generous tip. This was a trip highlight for all of us. 

So excited to be here! 

Our first views at Colter Bay.

Off to the beach for a sunset swim. 

Jackson Lake, breathtaking sunset. 

$4.50 to wash, $3.50 to dry, yikes! 

Lakefront (HEYBEAR) Trail 

Kayak/canoe adventure. 

Signal Mountain Lodge sunset.

Schwabacher's Landing

The bike ride to Jenny Lake. 

Inspiration Point...we did it! 

Navigating the terrain as we made our way down. 

Back at the campsite, surrounded by 5-6 Airstreams! 

Greta living her best life. 

Off to Yellowstone! 

Old Faithful Inn for lunch.

The most stunning lobby. 

There she blows! 

Back for another sunset and pizza at Leeks Marina. 
This was right before Sully lost his shark shoe.  

Sully at Sky King Mountain.

Post ropes course fun. 

They all conquered the boulder at the nearby city park. 

We took a gondola ride to the top for ice cream, happiness all around. 

Post dinner hike at Jackson Lake Lodge. 

The most majestic views. 

Munstream.adventures: Wall Drug and Devil's Tower

This is definitely our most anticipated trip of the summer, we're giddy with what lies ahead. Our final destination is Grand Teton National Park by way of Devil's Tower National Monument. The planning began late last summer when Dave secured two July weeks in a row. We planned our route and chose a stop over at Devil's Tower because it seemed like a good half way point and it looked interesting. We made the reservations we could and then sat on our plans until the Teton's booking site opened up (six months prior to our arrival date). 

We're off! We were on the road 10 minutes ahead of schedule (worth mentioning ;)) and made our way to Wall, SD for a late lunch. I still get a kick out of Wall Drug, such a funny touristy place. People watching is my favorite, the food is a distant second (haha!) but it serves it's purpose and is just enough of a stop to feel like we get the wiggles out. 

We made it to the KOA just outside of Devil's Tower in time for an easy dinner, followed by mini golf at the campground, one of several rounds, and then an early bedtime in anticipation of a big hike the following day. The KOA's proximity to Devil's Tower can't be beat, it is literally at the entrance, but the RV sites are tight and lack fire pits because of this, and the pool had been under construction at the time of our visit, fortunately the mini golf and ice cream shop made up for it's shortcomings. 

We got up the following morning and had a Blackstone breakfast before making our way to the Monument. Note to self, get to the monument for an early hike rather than lolly-gagging around all morning because National Monuments in July are busy and the lot will fill. Lesson learned, hopefully. We embarked on a quick (4 mile, Piper would not consider that quick :)) hike around the monument on the Red Bed Trail, we were ready, hydrated and fed, nothing could stop us! Except we chose the initial downhill shady route which meant we finished on the uphill portion of the trail in the sun. It was a beautiful hike with wildflowers everywhere and the topography changed to red clay beds (hence the trail name), we saw beautiful meadows and canyons in the distance. Fortunately Piper is easily distracted with silly stories and music (You Belong Among the Wildflowers by Tom Petty). We played trivia and found random ways to make the hard parts of the trail more tolerable and in the end, WE DID IT! Everyone was feeling a sense of accomplishment. We enjoyed some much deserved downtime at the campsite before more mini golf, dinner, ice cream and then a campsite cleanup in anticipation of an early start the following morning. 

It was a great first leg, we are excited our arrival in the Tetons!  

Loaded up and ready to go. 

National Park Nerd

Snack stop! 

Jackalope in Wall, SD. 

Fridge Art ala Piper. 

Mini golf at the KOA. 

Red Bed Trail Head

The final push up the sunny hill ;). 

Sunset bikeride...

...and ice cream stop. 

Thats a wrap! 

Fourth Fun

Our 4th fun was low key this year as the weather was gloomy. Alex and Mandy had a small gathering so we were able to enjoy some fun, but also appreciated the brief summer slowdown. Cheers to another year of family and festivities! 

Colorado Getaway

Dave and I found an opportunity for a little get away while the kids were in camp and he had a bonus summer week off. For simplicity sake, we wanted a quick, one hop flight, so we were limited to a few options. After a quick google search, we found a fun concert at Red Rocks, lined up childcare and plans were in motion. Easy peasy! (Thank God for our amazing babysitting crew.)

We flew to Denver on a Tuesday afternoon and took the tram into downtown and to Union Station where we had a relaxing happy hour at The Cooper Lounge. It was a great way to get the traveling jitters out, then we Lyfted to Cherry Creek where we stayed at a hotel called the Halcyon. Its a boutique hotel with and awesome rooftop and a room with a patio, top notch. We checked in and settled and went for dinner at Hillstone where we had the best gin/lime/sauv blanc cocktail and an interesting meal (artichoke, french dips, and sushi...why not!?) it was all delicious. 

We woke up the next morning and went for a Cherry Creek stroll before coming back for a late breakfast at Syrup where we shared a variety of good food (breakfast tacos, french toast, and cocktails). We followed it up with some shopping and then a rooftop pool slow afternoon. We read, met some cool people, and sipped on Rose. Dreamy. We wound up the day and landed at Quality Italian for dinner which was conveniently located in our hotel. 

On Thursday we borrowed bikes from the hotel and took the Cherry Creek Trail into downtown Denver, we grabbed lunch near Union Station at the Thirsty Lion and did a little shopping and looking around the area before riding our beach cruisers up hill for the entire ride back to the hotel. Omg. We were not prepared for that, I have never been so envious of e-bikers (ha!). We got back and took a much needed afternoon snooze before grabbing a drink at the lively and charming Forget Me Not cocktail lounge, a lite dinner at the bar at Kini's, a Mediterranean spot which was delicious, and finally to Red Rocks for the Head and the Heart. What an awesome experience. The venue, the band, the college-Suzie-hippy-carefree dancing all night. I want to go back and do it all over again. 

We returned on Friday after a few delays to happy kids who missed us, but also had a great week. Life is really good. 

The Cooper Lounge

Breakfast spread at Syrup. 

Afternoon at the pool,

Quick call with the kids. 

The looooong bike ride back.

Dinner

Red Rocks

The Head and the Heart