Pre-Hike

Compadres,

Smile like you mean it

This is just a quit hit this morning. I'm up and no one else is. We're lucky enough to be staying with Cousin Craig and his housemates, Brandon and Sarah. They're pretty much tops and we've been mining them for info. Thus we've got a 12 miler for this morning up Paintbrush Canyon to an alpine lake. Should be pretty stellar. I'll post pics after the fact.

Yesterday, Mallory and I did a nice little hike up to the Hidden Falls. Well, they were not so well hidden. After we completed the two miles to get to the base of the falls, we noticed a load of people coming up the hill (in the neighborhood of 100 tourists). evidently, they run a ferry service across Jenny Lake for all of the lazy americans. Takes 'em right to the base. Thus the last half/quarter mile was spent waiting on the fast food americans to wheeze their way up the trail. We (no joke) made it to the waterfall (which was roaring and tall and beautiful in the way that mountain geography is) and turned around and left, pushing our way back through the milling cattle. Now don't get me wrong, I know I'm a tourist as well, but JEEZ-US. A freaking ferry? It's a two mile walk people! Nothings sacred I guess. All in the name of consumerism.

The Hike to Hidden Falls

Anyways, it almost ruined the day. So on the way back, Mal and I get to discussing the state of tourism and its role in certain economies. Capitalist that I am, I'm defending it, even though I hate the way it is abused etc... Prime example, Jackson, WY, the Gatlinburg of the west. Total Kitsch. But hey, if the yocals wanted to turn this town into a cheese ball carnival in search of a dollar, more power to 'em. I guess. Anyway, Mallory's not quite of the same mindset. Alright, I'm ranting. Enjoy the pics. More interesting stuff on the way!

The Grand Tetons