We're off early today for the long ride to Jackson WY, the southern gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It was a brisk 7 degrees when we left. We stuck mostly to Interstate highways to avoid ice and snow. So ... we headed north into Montana again - crossed the 45th parallel, which marks the point halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Then we headed west through Bozeman and Butte, south through Idaho, and then east along the Snake River into Jackson. The ride along the Rocky Mountains was lovely - lots of snow and pretty good wildlife watching - more elk, coyote, deer, hawks and eagles. We got into Jackson in late afternoon, with enough time for a walk before dark. Jackson is the main population center in Jackson Hole, the high mountain valley encompassed by two ranges of the Grand Teton Mountains. They valley is 80 miles long, 15 miles wide, and is bisected by the Snake River. Jackson is the center of activity for ranchers in the area, as well as vacationers - mostly skiers at this time of year. The architecture is basically western, with wooden sidewalks and elk antler arches. Otherwise, it's street after street of expensive shops.
