TRIP - DAY 7

I slept in today. Last night I took my first pill of gabapentin and I slept like a baby. I have been having feet problems and last night after that hike, I could barely walk on my right foot. I soaked it and then decided, what the heck, take the pill. I have been really resistant to take gabapentin because my dog took it and she was practically comatose. I didn't want to be like that on this trip. 

It wasn't as cold today. I've been putting the heater on that heats the pipes and good thing the weather got down in the 20s and would have frozen the pipes. That is the last thing you want to have happen. The heat in this van is awesome. We are so toasty. 

When I woke up, I stepped on my foot and there was only the tiniest amount of pain. I was shocked. You know how you expect something and suddenly it isn't there? That was me. 

I decided not to tempt fate so no hiking today. Instead Sunny and I drove all the way (what we could with the snow road closures) around the park. Here are some photos: 

Isn't it beautiful!?

After a full day of driving, stopping here and there, and eating lunch in the van, I was ready to head back. 

I did another two loads of laundry; this time it was shirts and jeans. They are drying. 

It's my last full day in the Grand Tetons. Tomorrow on to Yellowstone. Can you believe my first week is done? It's going by too fast. 

Until tomorrow...

TRIP - DAY 6

First full day in the Grand Tetons and I decided on a hike. I got all my stuff ready: heavy coat, long sleeved shirt, boots, hiking socks, gloves, and backpack. I was ready to go. We drove to the spot to hike to Taggert Lake. I wanted to go to Jenny's Lake but that part of the park is still closed. To be honest a lot of the park is still closed. 

I don't know what expected but that much snow and ice, I did not expect. The path was either muddy, snowy or icy or in some places, all three. I didn't bring my poles (big mistake) and really needed them when I slipped on some snowy ice and fell on my butt in a puddle of mud. (Can you say puddle of mud?) I got up and my whole backside was wet and muddy. Later I tried to wash that mud off my underwear and I don't think it is coming out. 

I hiked 1.6 miles through the snow and ice to get to s beautiful lake covered in ice. To be honest, that round trip 1.6 miles felt more like 5 miles because I had to take small steps to avoid falling again. For the whole day I walked 15,000 steps which equates to about 7.5 miles. 

It was so beautiful. And cold. But wonderous. Worth the hike to see such beauty. 

I drove around the park a bit and here is the Snake River. 

When we got back to the campground, I asked for dome help to empty the gray water tank from some staff. Then I emptied the black water cassette myself. 

I decided that I better do some laundry and got out my washing machine. It is a manual washing machine but it is super easy. Does get the clothes clean? I say clean enough. The clothes smell clean and look fine. I'm camping so do I really care? 

You put the clothes in with some water and detergent. I use a no suds eco detergent that comes in strips. 

I washed one load with underwear, socks and a shirt. I hung them I the bathroom because the bathroom has a heater vent and things dry really fast (pretty much overnight). 

Until tomorrow...