Nine Mile Hike to the summit of Munger Mountain. Vicky and Kevin finally make it to town!

 

What a day I had here in Jackson Hole!  Sadly, Betsey and Dick had to fly back to Sarasota after enjoying a few days out west.  I was also up early to join Craig and Carol for another great day of hiking.  We set out early for a 9 mile hike to the summit of Munger Mountain.  Katherine Estes, if you are reading this, you would have loved this hike.  We were able to hike all the way to the summit because the remaining snow from the winter had melted.  The climb to the summit was intense and there were many times we could not find the trail and had to "bushwhack."  To "bushwhack" means to walk through whatever is standing in front of you.  At times we were forcing our way through vegetation that stood as high as my hips.  This is not an ideal way to hike, but we eventually found our way back to the trail.  Even while "bushwhacking",  we were surrounded by beautiful views.













The nine mile hike took five and a half hours, which included a 30 minute break for lunch at the top of the mountain.  The hike was definitely a workout.  I burned 1937 calories and that means it was a good day.  Craig is a wonderful hiking leader and put all of us through our paces.  Due to the warm weather (they think it is warm when it is 78 degrees and no humidity) and up hill climbs, it was very important to stop and drink water often.  There were 5 of us on the hike and it was fun meeting Craig and Carol's friends.  I met Lisa who has a home in Teton Village and travels here often from her primary residence in Washington DC.  Lisa brought along her dog Beta, who was filled with enthusiasm to be out in the mountains on such a beautiful day.  A full time resident named Liz also joined us.  Liz is an experienced hiker who works in Teton Village.

Lisa making sure Beta gets enough water

As a result of the snow having finally melted, all types of flowers are in bloom.  Not good for my allergies but make for an interesting hike.  There were beautiful flowers every where along the entire hike and Carol had all the info to introduce us to each type of flower.  I can now tell all of you that the state flower of Wyoming is named Indian Paint Brush.

Indian Paint Brush - The state flower of Wyoming

Teaching us about the flowers

Carol and me checking out the flowers

                          
After two and a half hours of hiking up hill, we finally arrived at the summit.  We could see for miles and miles  in every direction and it was quite beautiful.  At the summit, we took the opportunity to sit, relax and enjoy lunch for thirty minutes. It was a really nice place to enjoy lunch.

Having lunch at the summit of Munger Mountain

View from summit

Beta enjoying the view during our lunch break

After enjoying our lunch and taking a bit of a break, it was time to head back down.  Going down hill can be really tough on the knees but with frequent stops we were able to make it.  The down hill segment of the hike was filled with interesting sights.  At one point, we came across the largest ant hill I have seen.  I wanted to step on the giant ant hill just to see what would happen but was afraid I would have been attacked and carried away by millions of ants!

Giant ant hill

On the way down hill

I was so glad to see cows standing up

The hike was just great and I was dog tired by the time I made it back home.  After a few hours of rest and a shower that felt great, I joined Vicky Johnson, her sister Marla and Kevin Maisch for dinner.  Marla has a house here in Jackson Hole and Vicky and Kevin are renting here for the next two months.  They are also getting married out here on August 7th!  All three of them live in Florida and were THRILLED to be out of the heat and humidity.  We had a great dinner at Nora's in Wilson, WY.  I am so glad that Vicky and Kevin are here for the next two months!

Kevin, Vicky, Marla and me - great margaritas!

Wilson on Dwellable