So, what does one do when it's raining like crazy in the Grand Tetons? Bring your rain gear!

In the morning, I got lucky. It wasn't raining yet, so I could make coffee. I hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, nor did I have breakfast before I started my adventure.

Last time, we discussed the start of my solo trip to the Grand Tetons and my hike up to Inspiration Point, which was, of course, inspirational! We also discussed the Cascade Canyon Trail and Hidden Falls. Be sure to catch up on this experience if you haven’t already read it.

After taking a quick side trip back down the mountain to Hidden Falls, I decided to it was time to set up camp before the storms came in.

I started my day sometime between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., taking one last shower since I didn't know when my next shower would be. I headed to my car and started the trip to Grand Teton National Park Visitor center, about a 20-minute drive.

The sun rose over the mountains on my right as I left town. It was one of the prettiest sunrises I have seen in a long time. The sky broke from the darkness and clouds to produce different shades of blues, pinks, and yellows. I pulled over on route 189, the road you take to head to Grand Tetons, and watched the sunrise for a few minutes. The water was so still that it reflected the colors of the sunrise and the mountains. I didn't realize that the place I pulled over was a National Elk Refuge until I saw a sign.

After my exciting drive around Yellowstone Lake, I headed to Hayden Valley. It’s a scenic drive in Yellowstone where you can spot wildlife such as buffalo, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, and other types of wildlife Right before I got to Hayden Valley, I saw a lone buffalo on the right side of the road in a field covered in snow in the distance.

I pulled over and got out of my SUV, then stood in awe. I have never seen a buffalo this close before. I was at a safe distance, protecting the animal and myself. But I was in awe.

Who is the most famous bear? You might say Smokie the Bear or Yogi Bear, but have you heard of Bear 399?

While on my solo travels through Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, I picked up some information I want to share with you….