We're Going to Jackson

Luggage handling is one of those behind the scenes aspects of group travel that is under appreciated but is nonetheless vital to the success of a tour. Counting and checking each bag by name and not count as it's brought to the coach by hotel porters ensures we have each and every bag before we depart. Why am I rambling on about this? This morning, I didn't check off one bag so I asked the porters to check to see if it was put out for pickp late. While they did that I found the person whose bag was not checked off and asked what the bag looked like. Black and white polka dots ensured it would be found if it was on the coach. It was. I just missed it between checking and helping the drive load. All's well, so off we go.

Golden Corral is one of those places that handle large groups very well.  We had gotten a few minutes behind earlier in the day (they were so into the scavenger hunt we had trouble getting them on the road) but the Golden Corral in Rawlins, Wyoming had us in and out in no time with hot, fresh food and plenty of it. We filled our bellies and were on the road in under an hour.
The Chamber of Commerce in Pinedale, Wyoming served as a welcome rest break after lunch. Earl the Grizzly Bear was on display in the lobby as were a number of booklets, pamphlets and assorted other bits of information on the area. If we had a bit more time, Pinedale would have been a nice place to look around. There were plenty of shops, restaurants and watering holes just waiting to be patronized. Ah well, we're on the way to Jackson so maybe another time. Thanks for the hospitality, Pinedale. We'll be back.

We arrived in Jackson, Wyoming on schedule. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is going on this weekend so the town of Jackson was filled to capacity. Well, not really, but there are a LOT of people here, including the Travel Masters. We let off the coach at the town square in the shadow of one of the elk antler archways for three hours of exploring and dining in historic Jackson center.

Before setting off we all gathered under the elk antlers for a group photo. Once taken, it was off to dinner. Several of us went to the Local Restaurant for a tasty burger, buffalo burger, that is and a cold tasty beverage. Cooked to perfection and delicious we all left satisfied. Walking around the square we stopped to admire the many art galleries and their fine collections, most a bit out of our price range. Fun to look at nonetheless. A single scoop of wild huckleberry ice cream completed my dining experience. All that was left was to head to our home for the next three nights, Togwotee Mountain Lodge in Moran.

On the drive to Moran we got a preview on tomorrow's activity. We entered Grand Teton National Park from the south and traveled up US route 26, keeping a watchful eye out for wildlife. We did spot a small bison herd and even a few elk grazing. Just enough to whet our appetite for tomorrow.

It was totally dark by the time we reached Togwotee Mountain Lodge. I was greeted warmly and after working a few logistical details we unloaded the coach and proceeded to our rooms. No elevator so we took the stairs.

After arriving our rooms we found out no AC so we opened a window. As I sit here writing this, the room is now cooler than any we've been in so far, even with AC. The rooms are comfortable so I am expecting a good night's sleep.

Grand Teton National Park tomorrow with Ana's Grand Excursions guiding us. Can't wait!