Part two, Wyoming

A lot has been written about the advantages of travel in the “shoulder” season. I started wondering about the term and why the “off season” is referred to as the “shoulder”.  I found a few explanations. One, because it is too cool for t-shirts but not cold enough for long coats, therefore cover your “shoulders”. Another referenced the shoulder of a bell curve, the curve being the place between seasons, guess that makes sense. Wherever this term came from, I can tell you, shoulder season is awesome so long as you are ok with numerous and fast changing weather conditions. Be prepared and all is good.

Jackson Hole as it turns out, is not a town. Since planning our trip, I was under the mistaken impression we were going to the town of Jackson Hole, the star of Wyoming and home to Hollywoods who’s who. That, in fact, is the town of Jackson, the "Hole" refers to the surrounding valley area. 

My internet sleuthing comes up empty when trying to determine the whereabouts of the celebrity homes in the “Hole”.   The likes of Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, Harrison Ford and even royalty by association, Pippa Middleton, all purportedly have homes in the area and can be spotted in and around town on a somewhat regular basis.  Despite our best efforts, we find no evidence of any mountain McMansions other than the occasional entrances to some long and dusty private roads. 

Part two of our Wyoming stop and a must see destination, is the town of Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park, both fantastic this time of year.  I am not sure I would feel the same in June when the small town and area balloons from 10,000 to 3 million people! 

Jackson is straight out of a movie set with its boardwalk streets, western store fronts and mountain backdrop. There is an abundance of great shopping, art galleries and dining. The ski hill is right there, appearing as though you could ski off the hill and down onto the main street. We had 70 degree weather and sunshine the morning we arrived and could see fresh tracks on the hill. The “shoulder” made it is easy to park, walk around without crowds, find a great place to eat and best of all, enjoy talking with the local proprietors.  

Entrances to both the Tetons and Yellowstone are only a few miles away. Yellowstone was not on our agenda this trip but we did want to check out the Tetons. We take a 45 mile scenic loop through Teton National Park where Buffalo are hanging out on the side of the road, totally oblivious to our presence. We stop many times to take in the views which are spectacular, especially in early May when the range is still mostly snow covered. 

The entire state of Wyoming scores a 10 out of 10 as does travelling in the "shoulder" a few weeks ahead of the crowds.

Cats are good, nothing really much to update. Thank goodness!! 

Until I write again, Cheers!

I think it might have been the very last day on the hill.

The famous Cowboy bar. We went in, meh, not impressed.

John trying not to laugh at something!

"Oh give me a home, were the Buffalo roam"

Lots of turnouts to stop at and no crowds!!

A little bit of freedom, and my luck, he stays close by.