Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

First complete day here in Teton Valley and we are off sightseeing.  When we checked in on Thursday the lady was telling us that two beautiful waterfalls to see were about 45 minutes north of here, near West Yellowstone, the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park.  We had planned to do the morning trek because thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon and wanted to be back in time to make sure the windows were closed - the temp was till in the high 80's and we left windows open for Grace. After breakfast, we drove thru hilly potato/rice lands and decided to stop first at the upper falls.  Very pretty and scenic.  Wasn't the wow factor we were looking for - have seen Niagara Falls and the really wow waterfalls were Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Hueston Woods Falls in Maine.  Those - unbelievable!  However, for those folks who have not seen many waterfalls - this would be very impressive. The upper waterfall is 114 feet high and about 200 feet wide.  Walk paths took you near the falls, we were disappointed we could not be near the base like we were at Hueston and Tahquamenon, but still pretty.  The sun came out and was a pretty rainbow created by the mist.

Upper Mesa Falls

Lower Mesa Falls

The water looked so clear you thought you could drink it.  The Upper and Lower Mesa Waterfalls are located on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River - the Snake being the river that flows through Yellowstone and the Tetons.  I would imagine it would be very cold since this is snow melt from the Tetons.  On our way back to Teton Valley Campground we stopped at the next small town closest to us, Driggs, and grocery shopped at Broulin's - we thought since it is a really small town (population 1926) we may only get the essential stuff until we get to Jackson Hole.  Amazingggggg!!! But as we now realize - there is major money here in the Valley - ski resorts, not far is Jackson Hole where a lot of money is, and this is the area for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, airplane glide riding, ATV trails, horseback trails, skiing, snowmobiling, etc. A truly sports person's paradise.

We got our thunderstorm later yesterday afternoon - the first rain we have experienced in the RV since January when we were camping at Picacho Peak.  Wonderful the hear the rain on the roof and to see and experience nature again!  The weather fronts that come through this valley are called the Pineapple Express - meaning that fronts come from the Hawaiin Islands eastward, providing heavy rains and thunderstorms during the summer months.  This is also the same frontal system that gives Phoenix area the monsoons in July and August. However, winter they get an average of 500 inches of snow - last winter only had 400 which is why everything is so dry now. The year before - 700 inches - that's a lot of snow!  We have experienced the Banana Belt (South Dakota) and now the Pineapple Express. Thunderstorms are predicted for today - we will sit tight, but tomorrow we plan to head over to Jackson and the Grand Tetons to do some exploring.  Fun!