A Motorcycle Tour PDF Print E-mail
Saturday, 30 September 2006 16:00

The forecast for the area was perfect to do some more motorcycling and yesterday it seemed to us that we should make the most of it. We headed out fairly early for the Grand Teton National Park, taking a route that looped up through Jackson, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park before it brought us back to Idaho Falls. Though the temperature was about 24C (75.2F) we knew we would be facing much cooler temperatures as our route climbed to as high as 8,400 feet and so we dressed accordingly.

Yesterday was National Park Day in the US and even though we have a pass we didn't need it. Consequently, between the free admission and the gorgeous weather both parks were pretty busy. The Teton Mountains are huge; as high as 13, 770 feet and they tower over Jackson Lake and the valley known as Jackson Hole. The town of Jackson is a prosperous town, complete with high-end stores, shops and restaurants; a real tourist destination both in the summer and winter. We didn't feel the need to stop to walk around; though I'm sure it would have been interesting.

Once we entered Yellowstone Park, we rode without our helmets on for several reasons; #1- we could (there isn't a helmet law in Wyoming (or Idaho for that matter)), #2 - the speed limit is never higher than 45 MPH, usually it is 35, #3- it felt good to have the wind blow through our hair (what there is of it). We passed several active geysers, including Old Faithful, a couple of buffalo herds and several elk (one herd and several just hanging out alone), stopping periodically to take pictures.

In West Yellowstone, we re-helmeted and then headed back to Idaho Falls, arriving home around 7:00 PM having riden 533 kilometers. This morning we packed up and drove to an RPI park just over the state line in Utah; Camperworld Hot Springs Resort in Garland. We are out in the middle of nowhere but we are only here for two nights. Today was a perfect opportunity for Rick to do some exterior cleaning of the Moho while watching NASCAR and for me to get caught up on some computer work.

Oh and by the way, for those of you who read our coffee blog, this morning we couldn't find an independent coffee shop that was open, so this week our Sunday morning tradition will be moved to Monday.