Down to Jackson

The morning was unbearably cold. The fire which was left blazing the night before was only embers. Luckily the bears which people had warned about did not show up. I scrambled out of the tent to see Drew piling on wood to stoke the embers into a warmth giving flame. Within 10 minutes our shivers began to recede and we began to make a breakfast of scrambled eggs and pack our gear and tents, taking breaks in between to warm our hands. We had only descended a quarter of the way the day before after conquering the pass, this meant starting off this morning would be a long and fast fall to the valleys below. The sun had finally passed the mountain peaks above us, warming the crisp mountain air to a comfortable level.

Our descent down the mountain started immediately. Within 30 seconds we were flying down the road at 30 miles per hour sometimes 40, the pine trees turning into a green blur as we hurtled by. traveling at such speeds, you become hyper aware of the road far in front of you. A thin layer of gravel could mean incredibly painful road rash, a deep pot hole, broken bones. Regardless of the danger, the assistance that gravity provided allowed us to take in the amazing scenery in which we were traveling. The long and green valley below from which the immense Grand Tetons peaks arose from came closer and closer and we soon found ourselves pedaling. Even after a couple hours, the Grand Tetons seemed far off. The road led us south, toward the base of these mountains, it was here where I spotted dark brown dots ahead in a field, as we got closer we saw that they were Bison! On the right side of the road were the Tetons on the left, Bison. We lingered there much longer than needed. The town of Jackson was only 20 more miles, but it took us a while because of first a flat tire, second a faulty tube and third, faulty installment. lets just say it was frustrating.

The town of Jackson is entirely geared to tourism. Everything is overpriced, Hotels and food, and the people are much less friendly that the rest of rural Wyoming. Since today was Drew's last day with us, we got a Hotel to relax and filling (gluttonous) meal at Chinese restaurant. Drew has to catch a bus in the morning to Salt Lake City where he will catch a flight home. It will be strange to be back to only two people, but we are almost done. Well, time for bed!

Excited to make it down

Taken at 40 mph

Camping with the bears

A little close for comfort...