I woke up to a chilly backseat. The temperature had dipped below 40 degrees on the first of what I’m sure will be many frigid mountain overnights. I creatively got dressed in my established pocket of warmth (thank you, Dad, for the subzero sleeping bag) and drove into the Tetons.
My goal today was a moderately challenging hike along Jenny Lake, the second-largest lake in the park and one of the main tourist attractions. I’m in the habit of starting out early on the trail, but I waited an hour or so until the thermometer hit 50 degrees. The Teton range was initially shrouded in clouds—I drove through one on my way over—but they lightened up to reveal yet another stunning mountain/lake combo. Are you tired of lake and mountain pictures yet? Tough. I will keep posting lakes and mountains until the cows (and I) come home.
The hike was pleasant enough, if a bit crowded for an after-Labor Day excursion. What struck me the most was how physically capable I felt. After surviving Old Rag and forcing myself along trails ten thousand feet in the air, I was crushing it under more reasonable conditions. This morning, I felt as healthy as I have all trip. I resolved to stuff my face later as a reward.
I drove back into town to stock up on groceries and do laundry. I would wax poetic about the laundromat again, but I need the space to describe a life-altering experience. Apologies to the USA Subs steak bomb, but I had the greatest sandwich of my life tonight.
Egg and sausage crisply fried up. Ham with melted Oaxaca cheese. Mashed beans as a base. Onions, tomato, and avocado. Chipotle in adobo throughout. A soft bolillo roll, delicately daubed with mayo. I ate half. I should probably shoot the rest into space as the culinary equivalent of the Voyager gold record. I will spend the rest of my life chasing the flood of serotonin provided by this sandwich.
I’m camping in the Elk Wildlife Refuge tonight. Hopefully I’ll hear their haunting bugling at some point. Good night, everyone.
So glad your tastes are more “adventurous” than mine.
Now you can EAT it! 😉
Just looked at your Diet Coke blog.
Really, Jake, I’d rather be a WINE SNOB — it’s a lot more fun! 😉
So I had to look up “elk bugling” to see what it sounded like. I enjoyed a fascinating video on the list that was presented. It was shot at Rocky Mountain National Park. This is probably the time of year that you would hear them. Your sandwich looks and sounds so delicious! Next time I’m in Jackson, WY. I will order one. (But I don’t think I will be going there any time soon.) Keep sending pictures of lakes and mountains! I enjoy them all. It might be a good idea to start heading south soon to find warmer overnight temperatures! Love, Grandma
Did you hear the elk calls? This post led me to deep dive into YouTube and their sound made me think of the Polar Express.
I heard them once as I was waking up. It sounded like a metal bridge collapsing.