8/25/15
Was off to an early start this morning and the 30+ mile ride through Jackson Hole to rejoin the Divide route had me feeling renewed and strong. The terrain is relatively flat so it’s truly hard to judge whether or not my renewed energy is the result of a few days off or just easy riding.
Later in the day, the route diverted off the highway, taking me up and over a mountain pass, this will be my true test of how ‘renewed’ I am. Pleasantly surprised to find I was able to tackle the grade much better than ever. The break from the route not only let me see sights I’ve only heard about all my life, but it reinvigorated me physically more than I expected.
Sign seen leaving Jackson Hole
Of course, the day I peddle out of Jackson Hole provided the first very clear view of the Tetons.
Finally a nice clear view of the Tetons
Still a good view of the Tetons many miles later
Today’s stopping point was a weight of plusses vs minuses. The Togwotee Mountain Lodge would be the first real resupply point I would see out of the Jackson Hole valley. When I arrived it was still early afternoon but I wouldn’t see another camping area until the other side of the Togwotee pass.
This pass is a Divide crossing and is the highest since leaving Banff at 8,600’. Sitting at the Togwotee lodge I still had another 1,200′ in elevation to gain with eight miles of highway ahead of me. When I asked at the convenience store about the camping I was told it’s a decommissioned camp that is no longer maintained by the National Forest Service but many still camp there and it’s just a couple hundred yards behind the lodge. Was also told that I could buy a shower/hot tub pass from the lodge for five bucks.
It’s settled… I’m staying here for the night and tackling the remainder of the pass with fresh legs in the morning. Very nice people here at the lodge letting me lounge in the ‘Fireside room’ to use their wifi and just chill. The hot tub was a real treat after a day of riding. When I headed back to the camp area I met a guy riding horseback. He asked if I was camping there for the night and when I told him that yes I was, he suggesting that I try to find a camp spot close to the lodge because of a high Grizzly concentration in the area. Well, that new was not so comforting. I went back and checked with the people who work at the lodge. Was told that people stay at the old camp area all the time with no problems. Was also told that the guy I ran into is just a wee bit off his rocker… To put in nicely.
Hell, I’ve been in Grizzly country since beginning this trip so I set up my tent in the camp area. Now to see how going back to sleeping in the tent after being pampered by a real bed for a few days will feel.
Sunset over the Tetons from my camp at Togwotee
