Afton to Jackson WY

Entering the Tetons

The ride from Afton to Jackson was spectacularly beautiful. We followed the Snake River. A few big ascents and the subsequent descents. All manageable. It got a little tough entering the Jackson area. The bike patha was a rolling, twisting challenge. I had a particular problem in that i didn’t manage my battery power wisely and everything went dead, IPhone, backup battery and iWatch. I was riding blind and wasn’t completely sure i was going the right way. Fortunately, my riding buddy, Peter, waited for me and helped me find my way to the church.

A few sights along the way…

And here’s a picture to prove I really am doing this ride entitled ‘Old Man on a Bike.”

Sunday is a day off. I took an Uber to the only Catholic Church in Jackson, Our Lady of the Mountain. I guess there was an apparition of the Blessed Mother in Jackson. Who knew? Presumably, her message was, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” Which seems to be the spirit of Jackson.

After Mass they had a reception honoring the deacon. There was a nice continental breakfast and you never pass up free food on this ride. I met Dennis Quaid (circa 1995) and we had a nice chat.

Actually, his name is Matt and he’s a western guy right out of central casting. Rodeo rider, oil field wildcatter and outfitter. Also, not one to pass up free food. Offered me a ride back to the church. Great guy.

We strolled around Jackson Hole town center. Roadhouse Brew pub and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. They had a display of a bear that Jackson Hole resident C. Dale Petersen killed with his bare hands and teeth. Read the plaque for details. Pretty gruesome. I actually found it kind of sad. Then, we came across a place called Wyoming Whisky tasting bar where they were giving out bourbon from free. I took a sip. My buddies took multiple sips. Something you’d never see on the East Coast.

Tomorrow, a short 46 miles to Colter Bay. Starting to get chilly and we’re camping. Should be interesting.