Alpenglow is when the light hits the peaks before the sun rises. It's reddish golden, strikingly beautiful and fleeting. In my opinion, it's something everyone should see at least once in their life!
When I left my hotel room at dark o'clock, it was 6 degrees. Too cold to pump gas apparently. Life is a bit harsh here. Not for the faint-hearted.
I went forth, north. Stopping at several turn outs along the way and ending my alpenglow tour at Snake River Overlook. There were moments where tears sprang from my eyes - a reaction to the breathtaking beauty and realization of my absolute privilege at being right here, right now.
For what seemed like an awfully brief time the view was heaven on earth, simply by being roadside and facing the Tetons. Then in the blink of an eye, low lying fog rose up and merged with accumulating clouds and just like that, it was gone... all gone. Instead of the Tetons with alpenglow, it was a grey veil hiding completely what was immediately behind. I decided to hang for a bit, because after all, if my vista could be gone so quickly, another course correction must surely be just around the corner, revealing once again what I came to see.
You know what else is super pretty first thing in the morning? Crazy frosty crystals all over everything... EVERYTHING.. making it sparkle and shine like glitter sprinkled liberally.
I walked through fields of glittery sagebrush to get to my moose subjects this morning. My feet kept warm and wonderful with insulated boots, merino socks and electric socks too! My hands in and out of gloves and pockets hiding electric handwarmers.
I was not alone... for better or worse.
The next stop was historic Mormon Row - a nice day for the perfect backdrop.
And finally, a meandering journey back to Jackson by way of shy mule deer in Gros Ventre and bighorn sheep hamming it up at the National Elk Reserve.
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