Fun Hike With Blogging Friends - Heron Pond & Swan Lake

(Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park) 56 degrees, blue skies

Beautiful Colter Bay

We spend a delightful day together last week with one of our blogging friends, Al and Karen, hiking out to Heron Pond and Swan Lake.  This is the first time we have met, however, we felt like long time friends. Karen writes a great blog called Wish Upon A RV Star. We have a lot in common: 1) frequently workamp 2) RV Dreamers having attended separate rallies 3) love to kayak 4) love dogs 5) enjoy exploring new places and so much more. It's like we've been friends forever which frequently happens when you finally met a blogging friend.  

Karen, Al,  and John

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast with great views at Signal Mountain and then set out to Colter Bay for our hike. The weather  was chilly but the blue skies made everything seem so perfect.  Bear spray was taken along just in case.

The hike is easy and runs along some of the beautiful shore of Jackson Lake. It's a loop trail, however, be sure to follow a hiking guide because at times it's not clearly marked. The trailhead has several options and the one we choose was about 3 1/2 miles in length with little elevation change.

Wildflowers were blooming and we saw a few birds mostly from a distance (Trumpeter Swans, Bufflehead, White Pelicans, Cinnamon Teal, and lots of Canada Geese. ) 

Large Beaver Dam

Heron Pond was very pretty.  Check out the clouds reflecting in the water.  Water lilies were plentiful and about ready to bloom.  

Heron Pond

                                                                                                                                                           

Mount Moran

A short time later we came upon Swan Lake. We stopped several times just to drink in the spectacular scenery. John says this is his favorite hike to date.  

Swan Lake

The last part of the hike went through a very lush forest.  The light was dappling through the trees and I'm sure there were fairies hiding in the tall grasses.  :)

One last view of Jackson Lake and the mountains was seen as we wound back to the parking lot. There were a few folks kayaking and canoeing in the lake.  It's still a little too chilly for us but we'll soon be out there.

Afterwards we followed Al and Karen back to where they are workamping this summer - Luton's Teton Cabins.  It's a beautiful ranch with nineteen cabins constructed by the owners about 19 years ago. They gave us a nice tour and told us about their job responsibilities.  It's hard work clearing all these cabins, however, the owners have been great to them and it rewarding working for a place which provides a top notch experience (rated 5 stars on Trip Advisor). Check out their recent blog which tells about their new job and location.

Next week we are planning a trip to Yellowstone with Al & Karen.  We are really looking forward to it.  Check back soon for more details.