Jul 07, 2014

 

 

We enjoyed our time in Jackson Hole which reminded us somewhat of Queenstown in New Zealand with the timber buildings and timber walkways and lots of top end shopping options. This is also a snow resort as well as supplying a huge outlying ranch area.

Roadcraft lessons 101 - No matter how spectacular the scenery ALWAYS keep your minds eye on the road ahead, traffic and any other hazards:

1. Yesteray we experienced a car overtaking a car coming towards us in our lane and despite headlights and driving lights on our bikes and the car he was overtaking blasting his horn he kept right on coming. We were extremely fortunate there was actually tarmac to the right of the road edge line as there often hasn't been. Too shocked to do anything other than get the hell out of the way! Sorry to reeport that the same thing happened again with less notice today, again we had room to get out of our lane but we both gave him the finger! Felt better about that.

 

2. When the sign on the side of the road says 'Watch for Falling Rocks' it means it. This was a shot from across the street from our hotel last night. It was above a large cutting on the main road. Ouch!

 

We travelled through a series of National Parks through the mountains and gradually headed back to the Oregon Trail. This was the highest we got to and looks down the valley we are about to head down. The sign is self explanatory and you can also see the high markers for snow which were in evidence through most of the day. For a comparison Mt Kosciusko is 7, 310m high (2, 228 ft) so we were 320 ft or 98 m higher today than that.l

And the one we had just climbed through.

 

We visited the National Oregon / California Trail Centre in Montpelier ID (Sculpture at the front) which was interesting and we enjoyed the tour.The last Wagons to go through Montpelier was 100 years ago this month so the rail must have been a bit slow in this area. We were surprised to hear that wagon groups were so large, apparently 60 minimum and maximum 100. Also the enticement of free land in Oregon applied to both men and women so a couple were granted 300 acres each. This was awesome for women and was an enticement to get women out there I guess as women couldn't own property anywhere else in the country at that time.

 

The ride got very hot through the afternoon so we didn't stop at Soda Springs which was a camp spot for those on the trail. It looked an inviting spot with a good body of water. We moved on to Lava Hot Springs which was like an oasis in a reasonably hostile environment and we stopped at a picnic spot for a break. Norm took advantage of that and walked down to the river where the locals were out in force floating down the river in rubber rings........and his wife having a nap. Is nothing sacred? There was apparently a spot after the cascades with bubbles rising so might have been a good spot for a warm bath for the emigrants.

 

A look back along the main street of Lava Hot Springs as we left.

Staying in Pocatello tonight, a huge place. As some indication, we passed 4 Subway stores. Ha ha.

Bits and Bobs:

 

Heading for Pocatello 'We saw a dead skunk in the middle of the road, saw a dead skunk in the middle of the road, saw a dead skunk in the middle of the road and it's stinkin to high heaven!'

Last Night's Accommodation:

The Virginian Lodge, 750 West Broadway, Jackson Hole, WY 83001

A budget and quirky spot but has A/C Yay. Complex spread out over 14 acres and includes 200 + rooms, Restaurant, Saloon and swimming pool. Comfortable room and if I had remembered to pack my bathers might have made use of the pool. Room only but wifi and parking included.