Day 11

Jackson Hole, WY

mileage – 0

walked – about 3 miles

What’s To Do?

I woke up early, craving a cup of coffee. I bounced downstairs to the lobby, excited by the advertised “Complimentary Breakfast, 6 – 9 am” placard in our room. I was met by small travel boxes of cereal, no variety, and room temperature milk. I filled up my coffee cup and approached the front desk.

Hi! How are you this morning?

A blank monotone responded, “Fine.”

Well, we’re going to need to stay another night. Our car’s in the shop. What’s there to do in Jackson Hole?

“Nothin.”

I stared at him, surprised by his lack of enthusiasm. Well, this is a pretty major tourist spot, isn’t it? There’s got to be something to do.’

“It’s the off season. There’s nothin’.”

Nothing? Absolutely nothing? What do the locals do?

“Well, I suppose you could get drunk at one of the bars. That’s what most of the locals do. I guess you could see a movie. Or sumpthin.”

I mustered a smile and thanked him.

Later in the day the auto shop called. The parts won’t be here before Monday; the soonest the car will be ready will be Tuesday. We have a week to spend in Jackson Hole. We walked to the Visitor’s Center, the ranger there basically offered the same advice the desk clerk did. With the additional suggestions of the free geological talk at the library tomorrow night. Or renting bicycles (though it’s still snowing) to traverse the ski trails. It could be a long week.

How we spent our day:

Walked 1 1/2 miles into town

Local brew at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (where the barstools are saddles – cute, but uncomfortable after the first few minutes)

Couple of games of pool at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (Lori – 1, Daniel – 1)

Another local brew, bought by the bartender, after he heard we were stranded

Walked to the Visitor Information Center where we viewed lots of dead stuffed animals

Walked to the Snake River Brewery for a rather disappointing dinner

Walked to Albertson’s Grocery to buy food to make up for the disappointing dinner

Walked to our home away from home, the Jackson Hole Super 8

Watched “Top 10” series on the Travel Channel (Top 10 Most Holy Spots, Top 10 Mysteries, Top 10 Haunted Spots, etc)

Called United to procure mileage plus tickets as soon as possible to anywhere tropical. Mission impossible.