Thomas and I arrived in Jackson yesterday afternoon right before the heat of the day rose to 80 F. (27 C.)
Before I say anything on experiencing the town and it's nightlife, I have to comment on the wonderful weather we have had this week. The sky has been almost perfectly blue and unmarred by any significant clouds. Only the occasional wisp of white has revealed itself before being dissolved by the glaring sun. Have to go shopping for more sunscreen and some lip balm after this radiant week.
As we have left the high elevations of Yellowstone Park and approached Jackson through Grand Teton National Park, the number of deciduous trees has jumped into a myriad of fall colours. There were small patches of aspen as we traveled through Yellowstone showing a range of colour from the early yellow stages to blush red. Once off of the high plateau of the Caldera region the surrounding forests seemed to explode around us with every leafy plant giving it's own display of yellow and red tones. My favorite views have been from bridges that cross over dry riverbeds where there are large trees growing on small islands and adding splashes of multifarious yellow to the grey rock. At our last stop in the Signal Mountain Campground the ground cover around our site and throughout the area was wonderful, every plant showing it's own fade from green to yellow then red.
Grand Teton National Park reminds me of Jasper National Park, but it has it's differences. Our last crossing of the continental divide in Yellowstone brought us to an elevation just below eight-thousand feet. Having climbed that high resulted in a coasting ride down to Grand Teton. As Jackson lake came into view we glimpsed the mountain range that makes this park famous. Craggy peaks and sheer rock walls dominated the western horizon and rolling hills to the east and south hemmed in a stunning valley. With the number of fish we've seen in the rivers from the bridges I am regretful that I didn't allow space to pack a fishing kit to try my luck for a trout dinner. The rivers and forest are teeming with life. There is quite the contrast from the perceived fire and brimstone of Yellowstone to the rugged mountain splendour of Grand Teton.
As we past by the largest peak, Grand Teton itself, the Jackson hole ski resort came into view just further south. It looks good. The runs were long, with the longest run at over one kilometre it would be a place to improve your riding very quickly.
Last night we went to the Snake River Brewpub and shortly before leaving had an amicable conversation with a retired cop and his wife from California. They were so kind as to buy our dinner and drinks! My bias against Americans is taking a beating as we continue to meet more and more nice people.
Cheers
