Grand Tetons National Park & Snake River

I know this blog is supposed to be about hiking but this week I wanted to take a step back from hiking and talk about some other outdoor experiences I've had even when I wasn't able to hike. 

Last summer, my dad and I flew out west to Grand Tetons National Park, and while I'd originally planned on hiking, an MCL tear didn't allow for any hiking that summer - I could barely get around the airport, let alone hike in a national park. But even without being able to move around very much, it was still a great time. I plan on going back this summer and thankfully I'll actually be able to hike this time!

Even though I wasn't able to hike, I was able to go fly fishing which was just as good, if not better. Once we got tired of driving around through the mountains, we crossed over into Idaho where we rented a boat for a day trip down the Snake River.

While we were there, we got hit with a sudden storm and temperature drop, and unfortunately for me I didn't pack an extra set of clothes or a jacket. It was a long several hours before we were able to get out and into dry clothes and that definitely wasn't fun, so I'll be mindful of that this summer. 

Despite getting caught in a thunderstorm, I still had a great time and was able to catch way more fish than I ever anticipated. As someone who grew up used to bass fishing in small-town ponds, catching large trout on a river with lots of rapids/currents was definitely a different experience. 

I had a great time last summer and can't wait to go back next summer where I won't just be fishing but also hiking and getting some climbing in while I'm at it.