Couch surfing in Wyoming

In May of 2023, I had reached out to Liz of Wildliz.com. I was wondering if she had ever considered doing a tour of Washington, to explore all the National Parks. I had a great experience on one of Liz's tours in Delaware. We were there to photograph horseshoe crabs and l just loved her whole vibe. She explained her plate was full for 2023, but she asked what my feelings were about Wyoming. The home of the Grand Tetons and the amazing Yellowstone. I was so in. She then offered me a pull out couch in her AirBnb. I was grateful for the offer and jumped at the chance to make it happen. Liz was working on a personal project and let me know she would be available for some exploring, but that a majority of it would be on my own. I booked a flight and rented a car. I had plenty of time to figure out a schedule to see both parks. I was counting the days until August.

Liz is a tree loving nature girl. When she grabbed me from the airport we headed to Gros Ventre campground in Grand Teton National Park. We would be tent camping for two nights. One night here and our second night at Grant Village campground. It rained and poured both nights. Pretty hard. The first night I stayed in the tent and night number two, I slept in the car. I don't know if I have ever felt that cold. Teeth were chattering and all. I'm a nature girl but also love a warm bed. Liz is so knowledgeable and just makes it happen. Creature comforts are not her concern, but you can bet we had coffee ready every morning.

Our first stop was Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park. Schwabacher Landing is one of the most famous spots in Grand Teton for seeing wildlife and the most incredible scenic views. It is right along the Snake River and it’s views can't be beat. After our first morning exploring, Liz told me to cancel my rental car. I was excited that we would be spending the week together. Liz is an adventurer at heart and has so much knowledge about absolutely everything. I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong.

Jenny Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park. The lake was formed approximately 12,000 years ago by glaciers pushing rocks that carved the canyon.

We were just driving along, and there were the most beautiful white pelicans. They were on Yellowstone lake. Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. The lake covers 136 square miles with 110 miles of shoreline. Pelicans were high on my wish list, so I let out a squeal and she immediately pulled over. The pelicans, the scenery, the whole vision was beautiful to me. I was able to get some shots I loved and also videos I love to look back on. This was an amazing first day. We drove down Moose Wilson Road and I was able to see my first ever moose. Insert the waterworks. The bonus was, she also had her baby with her. I was so in love. I have always wanted to see a moose and there she was.

It was raining when we got to Black Sand Basin. I didn't mind at all, because it kept the people away. The Black Sand Basin is named after its black sand, which is made from black volcanic rock (obsidian). The black sand is formed when the lava cools too quickly. We had some amazing photography opportunities and I enjoyed taking some slow motion videos of the geysers. This spring is way too hot to enjoy a dip in, as it can reach 200 degrees. These temperatures can be fatal. We also visited Old Faithful or as I called it,” not so faithful” because we never saw it erupt. Next we headed to Grand Prismatic Springs, which was beautiful to see. I would have loved a little sun and less rain here. The pictures I have seen of it with blue skies are incredible.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the first large canyon on the Yellowstone River downstream from Yellowstone Falls. The canyon is approximately 24 miles long,

Later that afternoon, we headed to our adorable Airbnb in a small little one moose town called Pinedale. I loved my little pull out couch and so did my boy Buster. He was either under the bed or on top of it. He's such a good boy and I loved the company.

In the afternoon, Liz had just gone to have the car serviced nd I was facetiming Rob. I was just walking back and forth on the road and just chatting. He was asking if I had seen a moose yet and said yes just not very close. The universe must have been listening. I looked up and saw a moose walking behind the airbnb. I said 'Holy fuck a moose" he totally thought I was kidding. I threw my phone in my pocket (with him still on facetime) oops and ran inside for my camera. I went through the gate and sat on the ground waiting to see what the moose was going to do. He just laid down in between a truck and the wall across the street. I took way too many photos and videos of him and by the time Liz came back, I was crying once again. I watched him for about an hour as he rested and then he just stood up. He started coming towards our yard and that's when Buster noticed and started barking to say hello. That moose walked straight between the houses. So close I couldn't use my camera so I switched to my phone. He ended up in front of the house just eating and enjoying himself. I watched for what felt like forever and he walked away slow and confidently...... It was one of the best memories I have with an animal.

After my time with the front yard moose I was still riding the high and looking through my hundreds of pictures when Liz decided it was time to go. One of the places Liz was excited to show me was the CCC ponds area. It was right down the road from our airbnb and I was promised another moose sighting. We were just strolling along for awhile and I saw some great new birds for me, like this adorable calliope hummingbird. I was so busy watching the hummingbirds, that I didn't pay attention to the moose that had come up right behind me on my right. I heard moose are unpredictable and can just charge unprovoked. I froze, I wanted to run but wasn't sure if that would set him off. It was a large bull moose with those glorious antlers. For some reason I thought not to make eye contact. He looked at me and then just kept walking. He got to the edge of the tree line and just started snacking. I was able to get my favorite picture below of him on the birch trees. I was completely shook up if I'm being honest. We kept walking the length of the trail. The rain started again, so we decided to head out. We got almost to the parking lot and there was another bull moose eating. That's two in one spot and three in one day. I can’t believe they were so close. I was in heaven.

Soda Lake wildlife area is about 6 miles from Pinedale. It was here that I saw my first Pronghorn Antelope. One of the coolest looking animals I have seen. There was a family of 8 of them. My favorite was this picture of just one who was the lookout for the rest of them. The weather changed quite a few times while we were there. I was a big fan of the changing clouds. Our time ended with a rainbow and it was the cherry on top.

Liz had done some research and was interested in going to the Pilot Butte wildlife management area. It was 23 mile loop of rough terrain. There was one sketchy moment that I let my anxiety get the better of me. It was the only panic attack of the whole trip. For me, thats a win. There were amazing sights and cool encounters with the wild ponies. It was totally worth the hours of driving.

We did a day trip into Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park. It was a long day of driving (thank you Liz). It was so filled with wildlife. We saw bison, a female badger with babies, coyotes and some distant grizzlies. I would love to be able to visit Yellowstone in the Spring for babies and in the Winter for that beautiful icy background.

Foggy mornings make me happy. That is all.

One of the landmarks I wanted to hit was Mormon Row formerly known as the Town of Grovont. It did not disappoint. It was a blue sky day and I was grateful. There's so much interesting history in Wyoming.

I highly recommend just going to Wyoming with no real goal in mind. Just get in the car and go. No plan just drive. Liz was amazing at just taking random side roads and random turns and it was perfect. I feel like it's the perfect place to just see it all.

There was coffee, Buster, Liz, ice cream, moose, grizzlies, pronghorn and sunshine. Perfection. Add Wyoming to your list. It's so good.

Until my next adventure. Stay tuned and make your dream list. Later loves.