I started going to this spot with my husband almost two decades ago. Back then, it was the most peaceful location with perfect solitude, as phones weren't cameras yet and our parks were not overcrowded like they are now. As the years passed, the park changed. I told myself that it had gotten too crowded here and everyone was taking similar photos of the Tetons and I should just stop going. But here's the thing - when you spend a lot of time in nature and make incredible memories, the places don't leave you. It isn't as simple as saying I won't go back. They become a part of you.

After about 20 trips to the Tetons since the late 90s, I realize I still need to visit this spot. On some visits, I just sit here in the middle of the day when it quiets down. Other times, I will share this space with many photographers from different viewpoints. On this night in early summer 2021, during the height of Covid, I met up with two of my good photography friends here. We shared a dinner outside at our favorite local spot with view of these majestic peaks, and then went to shoot sunset. It was early June, and the park wasn't too crowded yet. The three of us had this spot to ourselves as we picked the right pull-out for it. It was an incredible reminder of how important nature is to me - how important the memories I make are - and the chance to make new memories, like this evening with two landscape photography close friends. We had a pretty epic sunset too and we were all just so happy taking in the moment together. Sometimes it is ok not to let go...