Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole

Hi, everyone,

Just when we thought we had left all the magnificent scenes behind, we saw the Tetons. Just a few miles outside the Yellowstone's south gate, we saw the first peaks with snow still visible near the tops. Unlike the mountains of NC or GA that you come upon gradually after riding through the foothills, there are no foothills of the Tetons. The mountains rise up sharply from the valley floor just west of the Snake River. The mountains are relatively young (6-8 million years old) and created by earthquakes that forced Jackson down (thus, Hole) and the mountains up. They are still moving skyward at the rate of 1 foot every 200 years.

We went out this morning looking for a suitable place for two out of shape 60 somethings to go hiking and found it at Jenny Lake. I've included some of the pics. There are many cyclists here because the valley is so flat and easily traversed on two wheels (for twenty somethings).

The town of Jackson has lots of shops, mostly fine western art and Patagonia outerwear, and at least 180 restaurants. The sidewalks are boardwalks like in the old western towns. There is no
Wal-Mart here (a retailer essential to RVers). It's a very expensive town; don't know how the locals afford it. I mean the blue collar hospitality industry workers.

Interesting thing happened. We had just parked our truck in town and started walking the boardwalk when we saw a shop with elk and moose antlers hanging outside. A man was standing outside working on one of the art pieces (made with elk and moose antlers). I remembered that old acquaintances of ours from Rincon had a son "out West" who did this for a living. I asked the man if he knew Kyle Anderson and the man said, "You're looking at him." How coincidental is that? He's been here for 15 years and makes a nice living creating the pieces (judging from the prices).

I've gone on too long today. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Carolyn