T Time

North of Idaho Falls the farm land along the Snake River becomes more lush, the colors intensified by the sodden clouds.

The powerful Snake River is dotted with rafters and kayakers.  As we drive hundreds of miles along the Snake we witness its changeable nature from placid to raging.

The interface between farming and conservation is challenging.  Wildlife specialists incentivize crossings for migrating antelope and stream protection  for Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

We delay lunch until we reach posh ski town Jackson, with it's trendy shops garbed in Western style.  Moneyed tourism has a big upside when you are looking for good food.

We are giddy about the menu at Persephone Cafe.  I order a BKR - bacon, kale, ricotta - sandwich and Ben gets a fab chicken salad sandwich with a cup of Intelligensia coffee.  We split a lemon ricotta tart.  Heavenly.  The mom and kid next to us order brussel sprout/yam hash.  Wyoming kids are tough.

Patrons leave little nortes typed up on the old manual typewriter.

This sums it up.

Ben notices as we leave that our favorite SLO County olive oil is featured among the choice products on their shelves. Yo go, Pasolivo!

Just outside Jackson we pass the vast elk reserve.  In a few miles, the alpen peaks of Grand Teton National Park tower over the valley floor and fill us with wonder.  

We will learn later about the tetonic forces that have created this magnificent and startling range.

 Now it just seems like a magical scene when you turn the page of a pop -up book.  Only this is real.