Road Trip Day 6

After 5 days and many miles, we decided to sleep in! Our room at Jackson Lake Lodge is quiet and comfortable so it was easy to sleep. The patio outside the room overlooks a lovely stand of aspen trees, a nice place for a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the afternoon.

We started the day with breakfast at the Pioneer Grill, then set out to explore the park. There is quite a bit of smoke lingering but it seemed to lift a bit as the day wore on. Cool morning (in the 30's) that turned into a sunny warm day (upper 70's).

Our first stop was Jenny Lake. Normally, there is a boat that goes across the lake but it has already closed for the season due to low water levels. Between the smoky air, altitude adjustment and not being the best of shape, we decided not to go the full 3 miles to Inspiration Point so we hiked for about a mile in then back out. The lake is beautiful and in spite of the smoke, we could see some reflection of the mountains in the water. I would love to come back one day and hike farther.

Driving south, we stopped at the Chapel of the Transfiguration. Very peaceful standing inside looking out at the mountains. We made a stop at the Craig Thomas visitor center. There are markers inside that line up with each of the mountains. (but I still can't tell you which one is which...)

Since we hadn't replenised the picnic supplies, we started looking for some lunch and wound up at Dornans, just south of the park gate, for buffalo burgers. Good enough and we enjoyed sitting outside watching the mountains while we ate.

Next stop was Mormon Row, where a group of families once lived. Some of the barns still remain and there is a herd of buffalo there as well.

Driving back north, we stopped at a few of the turnouts then drove the Signal Mountain Summit road for a view of Jackson Lake and the valley. Came down from the mountain, crossed back over the Jackson Lake Dam, and headed back to the lodge.

Dinner was at the Mural Room and we had a window table with a lovely view of the sunset. Our meal was a nice ending to a wonderful day.

A few pics from the day: