It had been two weeks since our last National Park. Withdrawal symptoms were setting in so we headed for Jackson Hole and The Grand Tetons. Actually, we had booked into an Airbnb in Victor, Idaho as Jackson Hole was eye-wateringly expensive as far as accommodation is concerned. No way in the world will we bring ourselves to pay £250+ for a Super8 Motel!!

This meant that we needed to drive the Teton Pass each day to access the park. It may have meant a drive of some 25 miles but it was through stunning scenery.

Teton Village is the Ski resort for Jackson and although we arrived at the beginning of the summer season there was one lift open and we were able to get up the mountain in the cable car to see the spectacular views. They get an average 6oo inches of snow here each year and as you can see a great deal of it was hanging around in June.

Grand Teton, different from all the other National Parks visited, is definitely up towards the top of the list for beauty.

We have been ‘Bear Aware’ throughout the trip but up until now bears were just cuddly brown things that were in the books and were never to be encountered ‘in the flesh’. However, in this area one of the rangers, in passing, just happened to say at the end of describing a hike we were considering, ” …and you’ll be fine. Just make sure you have your bear spray”

I’ve never heard of this product and didn’t know if it was something I should spray on myself. Did it come in a range of natural fragrances and was it on offer in Walgreens? It turns out that its a pepper spray, in a can that you should wear on your belt and use to spray an oncoming bear. At $50 for a can that sprays across 10-15ft for about 7 seconds it really didn’t feel like an appropriate deterrent for aggressive bears. The Rangers swear by it though and it reassuringly says on the can that it works!!

“Hey! Yogi. Put the picnic basket down or Boo Boo gets it right between the eyes.”

Over three years ago, we booked a cabin next to a lake for a weekend of rest and relaxation. We carried the booking for 2020 forward to 2021 and eventually were able to make the visit this year. While the setting was beautiful, the ‘resort’ proved to be more shabby than chic.

On enquiring about the trail along the lake we were advised about the wildlife.

“We’ve had some bears active in the area. Best to make a noise/ sing as you go. It helps keep them at a distance.” (Certainly, my singing would).

“Not a problem. I’ve got my bear spray.”

“And we’ve got local Moose but they will not be anywhere near here at this time”

“Fine. Thanks.”

“Oh and watch out for Mountain Lion. One is in the area teaching its cub to kill”

What do these people get off on? Frightening the living sh*t out of visitors just wanting to go for a nice Saturday morning lakeside stroll.

I duly set off, leading the way and leaving Pat to take on the tail-end Charlie role. An hour in we had only encountered friendly locals also taking advantage of this wonderful local natural amenity. A hello here and a How’s it going there. No referencing my singing prowess. And then it happened. As I rounded a corner, deep into the second verse of She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain, a large golden, shaggy haired animal loomed in front of me. It bounded and leapt at me from about 5 yards away. My heart pounded out of my chest. Adrenaline rushed through me.

Have you ever thought how Lion like a Golden Retriever looks. Well, they do. Believe me.

We were in Wyoming now. Cowboy country. Big country. The next two weeks would see us drive across from West to East and back again. Some 900 miles or so. The roads in this part of the US are long and wide and sparsely populated with trucks and cars. They are a pleasure and stress free to drive. Obviously, on such long journeys you need a game to play. I-Spy gets a little boring and repetitive with something beginning with “C”. Cattle. Correct. So we devised the game “Bus or House”. This involves guessing from as far distant as possible whether the vehicle closing on us is a 52 seater coach or an RV/Mobile Home. Amazing how similar they are here.

On the way across Wyoming a stay in Casper coincided with the National College Rodeo Finals. Yee Ha! This was a bit of real Americana. Starting with a prayer and the National Anthem. Some funny looks for not putting my hand on my heart. I did stand up! Two hours of bucking bronco, bull riding, steer and goat roping and horse racing around barrels. Fantastic fun. Real and not Disney. These were the elite of College rodeoists(?). All on scholarships and effectively professionals.

A week in Custer visiting Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain, whilst living on a 25 acre spread was just what the doctor ordered to recharge.

Custer did have one other major attraction in town.

Ice cream and a pie shop combined. I was a little apprehensive in the queue as I anticipated my Melton Mowbray and Raspberry Ripple.. No need to worry. Rhubarb and Vanilla goes together just fine.

Tomorrow we are off to Deadwood.

Now, where did I put that timetable?