June 17 – Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon

Drove into Riverton, Wyoming on the evening of the 16th with the winds blowing at about 60 miles per hour.  Steve asked a store clerk if this were normal.  The response: “Sure. It’s Wyoming.”  Got up early today and hit the road, following the Across America North route in reverse.  We mainly followed two-lane highways through spectacular Wyoming and then Idaho countryside.  Imagine the Alps sitting atop the Painted Desert. That’s Wyoming.  Incredibly varied terrain with white-capped mountains, buttes, mesas, rolling hills and deep red gashes in the earth.  Got some beautiful views of the Grand Tetons — though slightly covered with clouds.  Elliot and I climbed the Grand Teton back in 1996.  It was the first time I realized that Elliot — 13 at the time — was a natural at rock climbing, much better than dear old Dad.  From Jackson, Wyoming to Twin Falls, Idaho, we crossed two mountain passes. Both were fairly low — 6,500 feet and 8,500 feet — but they both included 10% grades.  On our bikes, we’ll go from Twin Falls to Jackson in a one day … one very big day.  In between the two passes, we stopped in Victor, Idaho to drink huckleberry milk shakes.  Very tasty and an excellent recommendation from our buddy, Timmy Davis.  Then onward across Idaho, picking up the Interstate east of Boise and cruising through to Baker City, Oregon.  Tomorrow, it’s on to Astoria.