9.4.18
đź“Ť Grand Teton National Park, WY
Found a perfect campsite outside the park in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with quite the spectacular view. These are the moments when vanlife feels so freeing and exciting, I can wake up and open my door to views like this for free (well with the cost of gas). Had a work call in the morning, drank coffee and looked at the Tetons while thinking about some of the bigger questions in life and how we feel about ourselves and relate to others.
After that heady morning, I was completely thrown out of my routine. I have hiked countless times in my life, and as my friend and I headed up into the Tetons to hike up to Surprise Lake (5 miles each way, 3000 ft elevation gain) I had brought no snacks (a literal disgrace to my Snack Queen title), not enough water, and no jacket. Like seriously, how long have I been doing this for? It was all good, a quick reminder to stay present but also plan ahead and even if I think its going to be a “short hike” to bring all the core supplies. It felt like a good metaphor for the start to the trip, starting all over again from the basics and taking with me, bringing along all the pieces to myself that I want to continue forward with. On the hike we saw a grouse right in front of us on the trail, we hiked behind her for a while, and same thing with a dad and baby deer. We also saw a huge elk on the way back. No bears yet…