Day 52 (D-9) Grand Teton National Park

"Mountains of the Imagination

Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park (1929) where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place."             (The U.S. National Parks Service brochure)

The naming of the mountains is attributed to early 19th-century French-speaking trappers—les trois tétons (the three teats) was later anglicized and shortened to Tetons.

Grand Teton National Park is one of the ten most visited national parks in the U.S., with an annual average of 2.75 million visitors in the period from 2007 to 2016, with 3.27 million visiting in 2016.

This year, 2017, they are expecting many visitors in August, with many people booking their lodging a year in advance.  Why?

The 2017 Solar Eclipse Across America will be visible on August 21, 2017 across the continental United States. The center-line of the solar eclipse will pass over Grand Teton National Park placing it in the path of totality. Visitors will experience the moon’s shadow rushing toward them with the Teton Range backdrop. The mid-day darkness is stunning and the sun's corona is awe-inspiring—observed only during the brief totality.

At 10:17 am on Monday, August 21st, 2017 the solar eclipse will begin over Jackson Hole. At 11:35 am the moon will pass directly in front of the sun blocking out most of the sun’s light. For the next 2 minutes—the exact duration depends on your location—the Sun’s corona will be visible around the disk of the moon.

We'll be back in France at that time, but with our memories of our visit we will be able to imagine the magic of the place during the eclipse.

My best,

Jane

_____________________________________________

-- pristine = clean and fresh as if new; in its original condition

-- stands monument = is a monument

-- the naming = giving a name to something or someone

-- rushing = going quickly, hurrying

-- backdrop = en arrière-plan, un fond

-- stunning = extremely beautiful, very impressive, causing astonishment

--awe-inspiring = amazing or magnificent; causing or worthy of respect and admiration; impressionnant, imposant