Trish & Phill's Tandem TransAmerican

Tour 2003 

Jul 5 Dubois - Grant Village Lodge (Yellowstone)

We left the Hostel this morning after photos and signing the visitors book. Cant speak highly enough of our hosts.

We set off for Jackson Holes in the car the bike on a trailer that Craig had brought along. Within a mile or two we ran into Lara from the Adventure Cycling group, she was not at all well and faced an already strong headwind. We gave her a lift and tied her bike onto the trailer too. She was very grateful and we know what it's like to be struggling in the wind so where more than happy to help her out.

Our path to get into Jackson Holes takes us along the road past the Snake River and the Teton National Park. The tallest of the peaks is called Grand Teton and Grand they are indeed. This journey was so picturesque it is beyond description, you just have to be there  really beautiful, even had snow on the top. 

Jackson is geared up for the tourist trade. I saw a couple of bus loads of Japanese tourists and had to remind myself I was still in Cowboy country and not back home. The town looked really nice and I looked at photos of what it is like in the winter - even better. Every shop seamed to be trying to outdo the next to display dead animals heads. Moose, Deer, Buffalo, Elk, Bear, even a lion were all on display and where meant to inspire people to buy things I guess. It reminded me of a restaurant we visited a while back where a flee bitten looking moose head was mounted over the salad bar. I did not eat salad that day.

We had lunch in a bar "Million Dollar Cowboy Bar". I asked the waitress for none smoking seats, she looked at me as if I was stupid and reminded me "this is a cowboy bar". Cowboys must have good lungs then I suppose just ask the "Marlboro Man". The seats at the bar were all saddles.

By observation I think the cowboy has now got ride of the horse and bought a Harley Davidson motor bike. The clothing is strikingly similar. Headwear has changed from hat to bandana but the attitude it right there I'm sure.

Leaving Jackson we again pass the Teton range again. We stop off at various places to sight see and photos. The road continues into the Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone is showing signs of the serious fire that went through a while back. A lot of the mature trees are gone but young ones are popping up everywhere. We eat and spend the night in the Hotel within the Park. The Restaurant overlooks an enormous lake. The ever present mosquitoes make the planned stroll along the shore line impossible so it's off to bed early again.  

Page owned & maintained by Trish Collins email to  trishphill@aapt.net.au.  Last Updated 28/07/2003