October 6th, 2015
Facts about Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park received its name from early 19th century French trappers who called the Teton Mountain Range “les trois tetons”, which means “the three breasts” or “the three teats”. The peaks Cunningham Cabin, Grand Teton National Parkthey were referring to were Grand Teton, Middle Teton and South Teton, which definitely stand out, especially when viewing this massive range from the Idaho side (west side). The name was later shortened to “Tetons”. More than likely however, the Shoshone Indians many years earlier called the entire mountain range “Teewinot”, which means “many pinnacles”. But the name “tetons” stuck, and became their official name, whereas the name “Teewinot” became the name of one of the prominent peaks in the range.
Cycling Stats
Start Point: Lewis Lake, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming, United States of America
Destination: Signal Mountain, Grand Teton NP, Wyoming, United States of America
63.14 km trip, 3:57 time, 54.9 km/h maximum speed, 16.0 km/h average speed
What happened…
Andrew writes: Our circadian rhythm has swung to the point now where we are asleep before 2200hrs and awake at 0600hrs. Today that meant that we had packed up, eaten breakfast, and were ready to depart camp by 0830hrs. On our way out the campground we noticed Peter was rebuilding the campfire from last night. We had a full Thermos of coffee and so with a small fire to keep us warm in the dim, grey, misty morning fog, we passed it around and warmed up our insides too. Then we somehow just managed to stand around, drinking coffee for the next three hours. Catherine complained that my coffee was too weak, and she certainly brewed up quite a strong batch; much to my liking! So there we were at 1200hrs, ready to head out on the road!
It was mostly downhill today, as we descended first though Lewis Canyon, and out of Yellowstone’s southern gate. It was a bit of a grind the rest of the day, with a big hill at the start of Grand Teton National Park, followed by rolling hills around Jackson Lake. Jackson Lake was impressive, with the Teton Range clinging to the western shore, and rising high above. Unlike other mountain ranges that we have ridden past/through, the absence of foothills and the sheer height of these Great Tetons make them truly impressive.
Many of the campgrounds in this park are closed for the season, but fortunately Signal Mountain is open. We pulled in but the camp was full, and there is no hiker/biker section. Amanda and I ended up poaching a spot on someone else’s site, and they didn’t show up until later that night anways so we didn’t get busted. While Amanda set up our tent I wandered over to the General Store for some food. Enter Casey and Janet!
Casey, from the nearby town of Wilson was hosting Janet and had brought her up to the park to go hiking, biking and paddle boarding. I chatted up the two lovely gems, and Casey invited Amanda and I to stay with her in Wilson (instead of nearby Jackson) for a warm shower, internet etc. After dinner, Amanda and I headed over to the ladies campsite for a roaring campfire, some drinks, and great company. Jimmy from Philadephia made an appearance towards the end of the night too! Great fun!
Amanda writes:
Spending more time with Catherine and Peter was fabulous. While we were packed up and fed by 9am we stayed until noon chatting. Such a treat to hang out with like minded people. If only we were all headed in the same direction.
The ride was beautiful. After leaving Yellowstone we entered into the Teton’s. So incredible! Mountain ranges on our right and flat fields on our left. We have never seen such grand mountains without foothills. Just spectacular. We arrived at the campground and as Andrew mentioned we sort of stealth camped within another spot; again I’m amazed how at ease our playing outside the rules comes. No harm to anyone so it’s easy. As I was setting up the tent Andrew returned from buying groceries with two women. I wasn’t shocked, it’s not uncommon for him to return with other people.
Janet and Casey were awesome! Hanging out with them by the campfire reminded me of chilling with my hockey gals. Easy and fun conversation. I’m sure Andrew wished there were guys there because it was a lot of estrogen mixed with beer and wine which can sometimes be awkward for men. In any event I wish that I had more time to hang out with those two.