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The Tetons contain the largest vertical drop in the U.S. and one of
the largest in the world. The amazing thing about them, as can be seen from
the photos, is that there are really no foothills. The Tetons simply rise
right up out ot the plain. |
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Roads wind around the peaks, in search of a mountain pass. Despite
appearances, the plain itself is already quite high. |
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The extent of the timber line is obvious in this photo. After a certain
elevation, the vegetation just seems to stop. |
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Curving around a grassy mountain base, with a bald summit in the background. |
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The area is pretty well forested, as are all of the alpine areas in
this part of the country, including Yellowstone Park. |
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The rugged appearance of the peaks is a signature of fault block mountains.
These are formed by a fault which uplifts on one side and drops on the other.
This gives the potential for large verticals, as exist in Jackson Hole. It
also produces ragged peaks as the earth on both sides of the fault is cracked
and torn. |
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Despite the oppressive heat which seems to be following us, the peaks
still retain some snow. |
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Looking more like something out of the Swiss Alps, than anything you
would expect to see in the United States, these unsymetrical peaks are a
challenge to climbers. |
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Part way through the Tetons, we come to Jenny Lake, which is unique
in that it comes right up to the mountain bases. jenny lake is named for
a girl friend of one of the French trappers who were the first Europeans
to live in the area. |
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Jenny Lake touches the well forested base of the Tetons. The Tetons
were named by imaginative trappers (or perhaps they were just lonely and
too used to solitude) who likened them to a woman's breast. it makes me wonder
what french women of the early 1800's must have been like. |
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Jenny Lake makes a fine reflecting pool for the mountain peaks. It
is also a great place for boating, fishing, and it's surrounding woods are
great for camping. It's not so good for swimming, however, since the water
can be rather cold. |
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A notch between two peaks would seem to be a natural pass for traveling,
but such is not always the case. Sometimes such a pass leads to an impenetrable
canyon. |
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My brother sits along the edge of the path. There is a stone stairway
leading down to the edge of this peaceful place. The water, though cold,
is inviting and obviously clean. |
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Some of the more gentle slopes of the Tetons, reflected in Jenny Lake. |
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Passing over a brook on our way from Yellowstone. The whole area is
filed with mountain streams. |
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Looking back towards the Tetons, as we approach Yellowstone Park.
They are clearly visible, though somewhat tree shrouded, from the southern
end of the park |
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The last of the exposed granite peaks can be seen melding into the
grass covered hills. |
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The mountains level out into gentle hills, but we will soon be climbing
into the high mountain plateau of Yellowstone Park. |