Yesterday’s final photo – at over 7000 feet on the Taghee Pass, just before Mike rescued us from the approaching apocolypse – had a welcome to Idaho sign, as well as a Great Divide signboard. So yes, we have turned back east slightly, back into Idaho. I didn’t want to feel we were rushing through without smelling the proverbial roses. So we spent today heading south in order to do a grand circuit of the Grand Teton mountains. Being red blooded males away from home it seemed important to view the Tetons from all angles! 

But first I have to mention last nights hotel. It was a beautiful wooden fishing lodge, right next to the Henry Fork river. This was the view from our room.

   
 Today the ride was in three parts. First idyllic pine woods, down a lovely river gorge, with deer and birds all round. This was on a scenic byway with little traffic.  

 
Then onto rolling farmland – wheat and Idaho potatoes. But always with great views of the Tetons. 

   
And finally, after 80 miles, a 2500 foot climb up the Teton Pass, the top half of which was consistently at 9 and 10%. This tops out at 8430 feet, our highest yet. A Motorist was moved to high 5 us and take our picture.

   
 In the process we climbed into Wyoming, our next state. From the top there was a screaming 5 mile 10% descent. We reached 48mph, equalling my record. Another motorist was moved to pull along side at the bottom and tell us off for going so fast! 

A much better day than yesterday – mainly because the strong W wind was across us most of the time as we headed south, not in our face. And the roads were smoother and quieter.

Stop press. Just had the best meal of the trip so far in an asian restaurant. Chicken and veg stir fry with noodles. Yum. Jackson is full of posh tourist shops – a nice place.