Day 15 (Monday, July 4th (Rolling in to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Happy 4th of July to all.   As we left this morning, the town of Idaho Falls was abuzz with people gettting ready for the 4th of July Parade.   This is the big holiday in this part of the country.   Everyone has flags and most towns have a parade.

We started the day in Idaho Falls and headed East on a flag lined parade street.   Our destination today is Wyoming and our route takes us toward the long climb up Teton Pass and then the descent into Teton Village and Jackson Hole.   The views were absolutely spectacular which more than made up for the threatening weather, the cold headwind and two long climbs into the Jackson Hole area.   This was billed as the most difficult day of the trip, and now that we have completed the ride, we more than agree.   Here are some highlights of the day:


Riding East into the sun at 6 am


Here is a distant view of the mountains that will lead to Teton Pass


The weather looks ominous - Rain after 14 days of sun?

Terry, Mike and Barry...the sun comes out

The first of the large hills today

Following the Snake River to Teton Pass

Barry and Terry after a long hill

Approaching a bridge on the Snake River


Idaho Mountain Views from the Snake


Terry and Barry on the Bridge overlooking the Snake.


The first SAG spot, at Pine Creek Summit 6764"(after a long climb)


At Pine Creek Summit, our first peek at the Teton's from the Idaho side


Fourth of July Celebraton in Prattvile, ID.   Barry and Adrienne dancing to the music.


The locals were attending the 4th of July town cookout


Approaching Teton Pass - the Wyoming State Line


Wearing our America By Bicycle Jerserys to celebrate the 4th!


And now the long climb up Teton Pass  (This is our longest climb so far)


Grades in Teton Pass of 12% and more.....pretty steep


Here is a view of the pass with our cyclers coming up (look closely)

Finally the Summit of Teton Pass!

And from the pass, a great view of the Teton Valley and Jackson Hole area


After a 5 mile downhill as speeds of 50+ mph, we arrive in Teton valley.   Here is our first view of the Grand Tetons.


We cross the Snake River as it roars thru Jackson Hole.  The Snake is over it's banks with snow melt and debris.


RAP on the Hotel lawn in Jackson Hole

At days end (about 4:30 pm), we pulled into our lodging (The Point Inn and Suites) in Jackson Hole after 89 long miles and 5,500 feet of elevation gain, yet one of our most beautiful days.   We all celebrated the 4th of July at dinner with a toast to our beautiful country, its people and those all over the world who have come here to help make it so.   As Ronald Reagan once said "France is a Land, England is a People, America is an Idea".    May we strive to keep it so.   Happy 4th of July to All. 

Tomorrow, we cruise through Teton National Park and then cross the Continental Divide at Togwatee Pass (9,658"), then we cruise down the Wind River into DeBois Wyoming.   This is Shoshone Country and the sacred land that the early Indians named Absaroka, their paradise.   Great photos coming.

More Tomorrow,
ME