Jackson, Wyoming

After being home for the past couple of months, Alison and I were going a little stir-crazy. When Alison saw a headline announcing Yellowstone was opening the south entrance we planned a trip. We decided to make Jackson, Wyoming our home base for the trip. Kristin, Dan, and Skylee decided to join us for our trip. We were thrilled. They also were looking for a getaway and we were excited to spend time with them.

On Thursday night after work we packed our car, dropped Tex off with Blake and Debbie, and hit the road. We took I-80 and I-84 route along the Utah, Idaho, Wyoming borders. This route goes through some beautiful country. This time of year it is so green. We took it all in as we drove. This route goes right through the Bridger National forest and we were driving through right as the sun was going down. What a way to start the trip. When we got to Star Valley the sun was still setting and it was perfectly illuminating the Star Valley temple. This temple is really beautiful and it is situated right off the main highway. We pulled over and enjoyed the scene before continuing on our way. We arrived in Jackson ~10pm and headed right to bed. 

I woke up the next morning and went on a long run around Jackson. When I got back we headed over toward Jackson town square. On our way to the square we found a place to eat breakfast. They had some outdoor seating. We enjoyed breakfast outside on a warm summer morning. When we were done eating we wandered over to the town square and took a picture by one of the elk-antler arches at the corner of the park. Then we wandered around town visiting the shops. Most of the shops and restaurants were open. Each shop had signs indicating masks were required (we wore our masks). They also had hand sanitizer at the entrance and throughout the shops. There were also signs explaining social distancing protocols. They weren't hard to follow as none of the shops were particularly busy. 

Covid was on front of mind at the shops and restaurants around Jackson

Before long Kristin, Dan and Skylee arrived. We met them over at the town square and made sure they got their elk-antler arch picture. Then we took them over to a candy shop we discovered during our earlier wanderings. Alison had been on the lookout for a candy shop and was thrilled when we found one. However, we had only just begun looking around when she realized this would be more fun with Skylee. We told the owner we would be back with our niece. Alison was right, the candy shop was more fun with Skylee. They had a buy one pound of taffy get one pound free special going on so Skylee got to take a basket and fill it full of taffy. She also found one of her favorite candies - chocolate coins. 

Skylee is a photogenic kid

After the candy shop, Kristin wanted to visit a nearby jewelry store. This store was advertising some stacking rings. Kristin and Skylee both tried them on and Kristin fell in love. She decided to buy a ring for herself and the sales person threw in a ring for Skylee as well. Skylee was so excited to get her first piece of real jewelry. She is the cutest. 

Then Dan wanted to peruse some of the outdoor gear stores. We didn't have a lot of time, but he was able to find a Patagonia hat for Skylee. She is a pretty lucky little girl.

Our big activity of the day was white water rafting. Originally, we were all going to raft together, but because of the high water on the snake river they had to raise the minimum age limit to 10 so Skylee could not do the whitewater excursion. Instead, Kristin, Dan and Skylee did a scenic rafting trip while Alison and I went on a whitewater adventure. I had done this a few times (although it was later in the season) and Alison had never done this before. At the Dave Hansen whitewater headquarters they fitted us for wet suits (the water was ~40 degrees) and then put us on a bus to take us to the rapids. They adjusted their policies because of covid-19. Each group had assigned seats on the bus, and there were empty seats between each group. We were also required to wear masks at all times on the bus. 

Love these views of the landscape around Jackson

We arrived at the boat ramp and were given life jackets. Our guide, Billy, then gave us a run down of safety procedures. Once our life jackets were on they allowed us to take off our masks. Then we loaded into a raft and we were on our way. The river was really high and was moving fast. We didn't realize this, but we were there during the peak of the river. It will never be higher this season. As a result the waves were intense. We had so much fun running the river. The rapids were thrilling. We also had a good group on the boat and our guide, Billy, was excellent. He told us a little bit about how covid has impacted Jackson. He works at the ski resort in the winter and runs the river all summer. Because the ski resort had to shut down early this year he told us he joined millions of Americans in filing for unemployment. He also said Jackson wasn't nearly as busy, especially because there are very few international visitors. Billy was a fun guide and good at what he does. He made sure we took fun routes through all of the rapids. We would love to do more whitewater rafting. 

When we finished rafting they bused us back to Jackson. We met up with Kristin and Dan at another outdoor gear retailer. Dan loves outdoor gear. We were all hungry so we found a restaurant, The Merry Piglets Mexican Grill, and got some dinner. It felt a little strange sitting down and eating in a restaurant, since we haven't really done that for a few months. This particular restaurant seemed to have a system down. They had tables spaced and blocked off. They also had a QR code on the table. To see the menu you scanned the code using your personal device. The staff were all wearing masks. The food was pretty good and we all cleared our plates. Kristin and Alison both ordered the same thing. When the waitress came to take our plates she asked us if we enjoyed our meals. Kristin commented empty plates don't lie, to which the waitress responded - Wow, most people can't finish that meal! Kristin kind of did a double take and we all had a good laugh. 

Alison found this stuffed bear and had to get it for Holly

After dinner Alison and I had to drive out to the airport to pick up a rental car. We decided to rent an SUV so that it would be more comfortable for us all to drive through Yellowstone together. This was an excellent decision. Skylee wanted to come with us. On our way to our car Skylee noticed an ice cream shop. She told me, "I am not really that hungry, but I do have room for a treat." We got her an ice cream cone. 

Skylee wanted to get pictures by all of these statues near the ice cream shop

Our rental car was a Ford Expidition Max and it was awesome. It was so roomy and comfortable. We took it back to the hotel and loaded it up. Skylee came to our hotel room to watch a show while her parent's went grocery shopping. When they got back we called it a night. We planned to get up really early for our day in Yellowstone.