Scottsbluff to Jackson, Wyoming

We woke up to a snowy landscape! Magic. On the road early again towards Jackson, Wyoming, where we've booked into one of the resorts in the ski town, near the Grand Tetons national park. 

The weather report indicated snow enroute and so we chose to travel via the I80, but when we stopped for fuel the gas station attendant convinced us to take the smaller highways. He said that we'd be safer as the truckers speed on the interstate without full regard for the snowy conditions. 

Scotts Bluff

An early stop for breakfast at Penny's Diner, a beautiful example of the traditional American diner, with pressed metal ceilings and silver skin. Scrumptious breakfast! 

Snow, snow, snow. Perhaps not the best for long distance travel - about 8 hours to cover today - but beautiful to look at. It sits lightly on the pine trees like Christmas, and on the windward side of tree limbs. The road itself wasn't slippery and we encountered only light traffic on a Saturday. 

Snow fell until after lunch, then just rain showers. We travelled the high plains of Wyoming (up around 5,000 feet above sea level), feeling as though we were on top of the world. 

There were glimpses of majestic snow covered mountains in the distance, but mostly visibility was low in cloud and rain. 

We saw deer and horses and cattle, and many nods to American Indian and pioneer history in the information boards and place names. 

Some of this journey is along the Oregon Trail, formed in the 1800's by traders and then emigrants as they travelled westward towards rich farming lands. 

The western side of Wyoming is truly spectacular. Mountains reaching 13,000 feet, painted desert cliffs, milky green rivers bubbling furiously downstream, hills that look like they are covered in antler velvet. 

As we entered Teton County we crossed the continental divide at over 9000 feet, it was snowing heavily and the temperature was 28F. 

This has been the most spectacular drive ever. Wyoming is my new favourite state.

All of a sudden the weather lifted and we saw the mountain range looming majestically in front of us, the snowy ridges lit by the sun. We are in Ansel Adams country!

We saw deer, elk and bison, who were much bigger than I'd expected. 

The town of Jackson is similar to Aspen, nestled into the mountains, the ski runs still partially covered in snow behind. 

We have arrived in true shoulder season - between the closing of the ski runs and the start of the summer activities. Some shops, restaurants and activity centres are closed for their holidays. 

Our hotel is fabulous. The best so far. Warm, comfortable, lovely staff, excellent amenities, including a restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious dinner.