Moose and elk! We got up early, took the ranger's advice and drove to Jackson Lake Lodge. As soon as we got to the deck we saw a moose in the distance. He was a gorgeous creature with huge antlers, munching on the willows. We also saw a gorgeous bull elk. After watching these two for a while, we climbed a hill where people told us there were good views of more elk. It turned out to be the female herd of the male. There were eleven adult females and two darling young elk. They were close enough for good views and we enjoyed watching them as they grazed and hung out. From time to time we would hear the male bugling; it's rutting time and he was making sure any other males around knew this was his harem! We even saw him rubbing his antlers on the ground; sharpening them for potential battle over the females?
After our wildlife fun we had a nice breakfast in the PIoneer Room of the lodge. It's like an old diner, all counters that weave in and out, a huge place. This was the first real breakfast we've had in several days and it was good, especially with lots of hot coffee after the freezing outdoors.
Back to our lodge for more laundry, checking email, working on photos, and keeping Tuna company. We'd seen the entire park so relaxed until late afternoon, then back to Jackson Lake Lodge deck hoping for big critters. We saw more elk but that's all. Even just standing there on the deck, though, is gorgeous. One can't tire of seeing Grand Teton and the other mountains in all their glory at different times of day.
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