Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Jackson, Wyoming sits right in the Path of Totality for the epic 2017 Eclipse event.  On Monday, August 21, 2017, the sun will be in total eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event for most.  Our tiny town is expected to overflow with the event.  Rumors of 40K, 400K, and today, I hear "one million" extra people are guessed to arrive here.  How can one even begin to guess?  We have been planning for over a year for the thing.  It is certain to be an epic occasion, one to be remembered - and for most likely, much more than just the sky going dark for a couple of minutes.

We have a local website, check it out at Teton 2017 Eclipse 

Just in case you had not heard!!

Western Tanagers Abound

Right now, these sherbet-flavored birds are everywhere!  Although the light was getting dim, under the wet low cloud sky day, I captured a few of these fine feathered specimens.  There have to be over a half dozen different variety of birds at the feeder right now.  Rusty capped finch birds, a bigger finch with a raccoon mask, buntings, grosbeaks, chickadees, and goldfinches.  Add that to a mass of buzzing hummingbirds - well, it's kind of like an outside aviary here right now.  Super cool!!

 

Amusing National Headline

Did you see Jackson made national news today?

Jackson Mayor Makes Bold Move

If this does not work, google "Jackson Mayor national news".

The Joys of Living in the High Mountains...

Official Cherry Tree Planting

There is at least one sour cherry tree planted at Jean Street, in Hoback, and now in Freedom.  It's kind of a Johnny Appleseed kind of thing for me.  My trees in Hoback bloomed like crazy, but sadly, there are very few cherries.  No bees?  Did they get frosted?  Who knows, but it is a huge bummer.  Anyway, the orchard starts at the new place!!

If I had time, and I just don't, I would stich these pictures together and show the view from the small house front yard.  Use your imagination!  Rain predicted up to the weekend - grow, baby seeds - grow!!

Farming

When you are farming, having good luck is not a bad thing.

Not having the right equipment, we hired our neighbor to help get the alfalfa in the ground.  The project started Thursday night.  Neighbor let Mike plant the next day.  He finished up as dark clouds roiled in from the west.  A strong front came through and a beautiful rain fell all night.

Let the seeds germinate!!  We head down there tomorrow to plant a new sour cherry tree and work on some of the zillion things that need to be worked on!

I just ordered Mike's birthday presents.  A weather station you can monitor on your iPhone and a webcam so he can watch the ranch from afar.  All that's needed is wifii for the place!!

The Rumor Proves True

The road is closed.

Indefinitely.  Addie, your drive just got longer.

Here is the release.  More to be found at GTNP's Facebook Page

Raging Rivers

The flood is supposed to crest on Thursday.  Warm temperatures have set this year's high water marks close to record-breaking.  The rivers roil with debris; logs, branches, entire trees go zipping down muddied rivers, tossing about manically.  Some folks are out there on the river.  So far, no river rescues.....  Reservoirs are filling up and water is getting released from dams; often, causing trouble downstream.  A road in Grand Teton Park is rumored close to being washed out.  Everyone is watching. 

Cool weather this weekend will slow the event to normal.  I will be off in Laramie training on Thursday and I will miss the crest.  Bummer.

You can find this interactive map at Click on various places to see flow . 

Discoveries

On the farm in Illinois, we had three peonies bushes.  Sprouting out of the ground, year after year, we would watch their golf ball size buds, covered in ants, split open in a dazzling ball of fluffy-looking flower.  These lovely flowers are old-fashioned, short-lived, elegant and sought after.

An old legend, passed on from generation to generation, is that a peony flower will not open without the help of ants.  Turns out this is simply legend.  The ants seek nectar found of the opening flowers; check out this article  Ants and Peonies 

I've planted at least a half dozen peony plants since I arrived in Jackson.  To date, not a one of them has bloomed.

Over the long holiday weekend, Mike and I got to spend quite a bit of time at the "Franch" - the name "Tin Cup Ranch" is in consideration.  We cleaned out some unbelievably gross couches out of the garage, cut a big yard's worth of grass, and found an amazing and most likely, very old peony plant.  It's dark red flowers are just beginning to open under the warm, western sky.  Here is a treasure!

Today, the weeds on the 60 tillable acres were sprayed.  Soon, half the acreage will be planted with an alfalfa grass mix.  What to do with the other 30 acres??  We don't have enough pipe to water the entire place.  I have been researching dry farm crops.  Sunflowers?  Millet?  Peas?  I don't know what there will be, but leaving ground bare and fallow is not this farm girl's idea of good farming!!

Annual Physical Work Capacity Test

No doubt, an annual physical test of a firefighter's health, stamina, and general physical ability is good practice.  The test, called the work capacity test, pushes the firefighter's heart to its capacity, stretches muscles to their maximum load, and requires significant lung work.  Most of us hack for a couple of days afterward! 

Geared up in bunker gear, air tank, helmet and gloves, the firefighter starts at the far end of the course, pulling an in-charged fire house 200 feet.  The hose is dropped and a hose pack picked up, thrown over a shoulder, as the firefighter commences a three story climb up the training tower.  Thighs screaming, lungs aching for air, the firefighter reaches the top of the tower, sets the hose pack down and pulls up a rolled fire house to the top of the tower, then hand over hand, lowers it to the ground.

Descending back down the training tower, the firefighter has a brief opportunity to recover.  As soon as ground is hit, the Keiser sled is next.  Climbing on the rails, the firefighter takes a sledge hammer and pounds a weight down the sled.  Once achieved, a walk across the course to a ladder which is picked up and carried to the tower, erected, and then replaced on the ground.

The last task is to pull a 185 pound tire down the course and return (uphill) to the finish line.  At this point, the firefighter is in a breathless state, tugging and pulling and putting out the maximum output. 

Finished!  For another year!!

Janet expresses her great joy for this test!!

To Be Human

She was pushing a wheel chair filled with the wrinkled and frail body of an incoherent old woman.  The old woman’s eyes closed shut in her white face of cascading wrinkles.  There were three, they traveled slowly, south down the wide, concrete sidewalk, out for a walk in the afternoon sun next the road which traveled next to the sea.  The streets were lined in over-pruned sycamore trees, their fingerless knotty fists punching at the blue Mediterranean sky overhead. 

I noticed the bird first.  Sitting on her left shoulder, its feathers gray like the woman’s hair who pushed the chair.  A red cloth lanyard draped from the bird’s foot to the woman’s wrist.  With delight, I looked into the woman’s eyes and she stopped our group with the warmth of a friend. White eyed, the bird peered at me as her owner commanded his tricks.  Drawing me in close to the bird, she ordered the handsome bird to kiss me.  A gentle peck on the check – we all shouted out in glee! The bird and I gave each other a high five.  Cheers from the group!  She handed me the fine feathered friend and it cradled in my arms like a baby, peering all the time with those white eyes above the black shining beak.  The bird, back on its owner’s hand, gave a squawk and we cheered again in delight.  What a priceless gift!

This connection of human beings.  Her world so far from mine.  We do not share languages, we do not share countries.  We share only the act of being human.  We connected through the delight of a parrot.  Her gift was priceless. To be held forever in my and our group’s memory. 

Thinking about this wonderful experience on this, my birthday.  

And the Flood Season Begins

Finally warmer weather.  This is the confluence of the Snake and Hoback River.  And so, flood season begins.

The view downstream....

What did you do last weekend?

We helped brand cows!  Saturday, up early to move cows at the Walton Ranch.  Beautiful morning.  First time on my trusty mule, Gus.  He was great and it was just one of those breath-takingly beautiful mornings.  Then, jump in the truck and head to Alpine to brand friend Benni's "herd".  Twelve moms and twelve babies.  More of a back yard setup, this work was a bit more complex.  Happily no one/no cow was hurt (beyond castration and branding) and we zoomed back to Hoback Junction to get in the shower so we could make the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet.  A nice fundraiser with oodles of people and prizes.  It went on a little long, ending at 10:30pm.  Home to sleep fast.

Up and at it on Sunday to be on our trusty steeds for the 8am move the cows at the Walton Ranch, which was again quite beautiful and fun.  Gus was a bit more wound up with 18 other riders working the cows, but we all did just fine.

Branding, castrating, shots, and ear growth hormones over and over again as we worked our way through close to 200 calves.  The cows get worked as well.  Finished up to an amazing lunch with BBQ ribs, giant dishes of beans, potatoes, salads, and wonderful desserts.  Put all that with a Mike's lemonade, and you are worthless the remainder of the afternoon.  We came home and passed out for about an hour!!

And just like that, the weekend is over!!

SOLD!

After 21 years, I have sold my beloved AFrames on Jean Street.  They have taken very good care of Mike and me.  Quite the process, this real-estate stuff.  The closing for the AFrames was on Wednesday.  Today, we bought 80 acres with 2 houses, one airplane hanger, one huge shop, two barns, and farm equipment and have enough money left to begin planting and growing alfalfa.  It is really quite remarkable, the whole thing.  I am sad and happy and astounded. 

This is Mike's place.  Not sure if to call it a farm or a ranch, we have named it our "franch".  First priority is to get a crop in the field.  Alfalfa, once established, is productive for about six years.  The objective is to produce some good hay. 

Just on the other side of the Wyoming border, the place sits at the base of Tin Cup Pass just inside the Idaho line.  The past owners will stay at the main house while they decide their next move.  The other house, a smaller 1000 square foot house needs some work.  Priority number two. 

Here is a view, looking north.  Mike's Franch.  I think we did pretty darn good!

  

Pictures, Pre-Launch

Once one starts fishing in the Derby, there is no time for picture taking.  Shoot, there is hardly time to eat lunch.  I went the entire derby without peeing!!  Always a proud accomplishment!!  Here are some pictures from before and after the 0700-1600 hours derby.

And The Winners Are.......

The Derby day is predictably not a nice day for weather.  Saturday was predictable.  The 0700 launch time had choppy water and a breeze from the north.  By noon, whitecaps tossed frustrated fishermen (and two women) about, trying to keep lines from tangling and boats from getting sideways to the gale.  Overcast and cold, some boats snugged into protected bays and coves while changing fishing strategies.  

Tanner caught a winning cutthroat (17") to earn our boat second place and take home a $1200 prize money check!  

Let the fishing season begin!!

Saturday Weather REport

You've got to love the humor in the weather report for Saturday's fishing derby.  Wind makes fishing pretty hard.  Easy to get tangled up.  Hard to keep lines straight.  Can be very frustrating.  We'll do the best we can do.  When I checked in with my Captain this morning, his boat was not working.  He seemed confident he could fix it in time.  Here is a picture from the past from beautiful Jackson Lake.

Smoke is doing well.  Speculation is that he may have a torn ACL.  He seems happy and not in pain.  We will get him in for further examination.  In this picture, he is still a pup.  Awhhh!!

FDIC Video

During my FDIC presentation, I was filmed for this posting.  Here is a bit of my presentation.  Have a great day!!

Bits from FDIC

Too busy to post.....

May is a nuts month.  Derby is this weekend.  The ice is almost off Jackson Lake.  Signal is the only open dock right now.  We are hopeful Leeks will open by Saturday.  Lots of planning and details getting worked out.  Check out our Facebook page at JL Ice Off Derby  On top of this upcoming event, there is work, a greening yard, a need-to-be planted greenhouse, a garden that is not getting planted, and fence to fix.  Too much, too much!!  Have a great weekend and for my Illinois family and friends, I hope the rain quits one of these days!

Pack Test Success!!

Three miles.  45 pound pack.  In 46 or less minutes.  I got 'er done on Wednesday with my friends from Station 4.  We had an awesome "hike in the Park", admiring the grizzly bear mud tracks down the very road we hiked!

This old lady can still do it!!  My knees feel great and I wasn't even sore the next day!  Advil, energy drink, and great stories along the way!!

Yet, in another classroom....

Today we began a local car seat technician class in Jackson Hole.  It's a rare offering, condensed to three, rather than four, days with 9 students enrolled.  I recall Michael once saying, "the car seat program is the most important thing you do, Kathy."  I'll never forget him saying this.  It has stuck and continues to inspire me to push this program forward.  We finish with a car seat check-up event held in conjunction with the annual Teton County Health Fair . 

Smoke displayed great improvement yesterday, running up the hill when I came home, looking happy, wagging his head.  I am suddenly hopeful he may make a full recovery!  Still being realistic, but very happy to see my friend feeling better. 

Back to class!!

Home. Again.

Traveling to Barcelona gave me a whole new reality when it comes to US traveling! Just like that - I am home!  No glitches.  Remarkably!  I heard that after out plane left Indy, many flights cancelled due to the stormy weather.  Phew.  Got into Denver and it was snowing.  Our flight was delayed as we had to be de-iced.  Mike patiently waited in Jackson, visiting with other friends picking up family.  It is always so good to be home.

Smoke seems to be improving.  He is still gimpy, but moving around better.  I think he dislocated his hip.  Vet visit next week.

We met one of the 5 Chief candidates in the airport.  Todd, from Moline, Illinois, and his wife Heather.  Our organization will get a look at them tomorrow night.

So happy it is Saturday.  A full day tomorrow to figure out what to do something with!  The sun slipped behind Munger Mountain tonight as I sat in an outside chair - wine glass in hand - my eyes closed to the brightness and my body warming to the rays.  The grass is greening, the hummingbirds are no two instead of one.  Spring is coming.  Spring is coming.....

Last Night in Indy

Black clouds cut by lightning knives from the sky and quarter sized rain drops finish off this Friday evening.  I have been darn busy here at FDIC.  Too busy to post - obviously!  Apologies for that.  The sea of firefighters is impressive.  The convention center is impressive; lined with vendors pushing their products.  A stadium filled with apparatus did not get viewed, for all the other activities.  I have been overwhelmed. 

The presentation went well this morning.  A man from Sweden, couple of guys from Aspen, one from Idaho - a total of a bit over 30.  Every class has an evaluation form for the students and we instructors are allowed to review them.  I was pleased with the reviews and nudged in a couple of suggestions for an improved presentation next year.  It is an honor and privilege to have this opportunity to be a FDIC instructor.  I am humbled.  I come home with an Instructor's name badge, a certificate, and a FDIC challenge coin....soon to be framed and posed with great pride on my wall. 

Opening session was standing room only.  I heard there were over 5K people there.  Bobby Halton gave an impassioned speech on Duty.  Bag pipes brought in the flag and played "Amazing Grace" as the names of the 2016 LODD were displayed on the big screen.  Not too many dry eyes in the room right then!  Here is a picture of the crowd.

Six degrees of separation happened too often to be believable!  Ran into some firefighters who said, "hey, we know someone who used to live in Jackson!"  Of course, you have to ask who - they work alongside Freddy!!  We laughed and laughed, making the connection!

Tonight, on the way home in the bus shuttle, a pile of guys exit, leaving one lone man who moves from the back and asks, "You're from Jackson?"  I nod.  "I applied for the Fire Marshal job out there a few years back!"  He didn't realize he was talking to the person who got that job back then!  We shook our heads in amazement, that in this throng of firefighter mass population, he and I would happen chance to meet!  Crazy!

When I travel, Jackson Hole is my identity.  I can strike up conversations with anyone!  This morning on the bus ride over I had the nicest conversation with Mr. Roper.  A black man, born and raised in Montgomery Alabama, we shared our enjoyment for morning, as the sky turned firey red on the eastern horizon.  His daddy was a cotton farmer.  He and his wife have been married 52 years.  We chatted on and on sharing life's joys.  It was a really great way to start the day.

Packed up and alarm clock set for 4am (groan), I am ready to return to Wyoming.  Sleep well, my friends - old and new. 

Our Dogs, Our Friends

Ruby, the young dog, is becoming impatient.  She wants to play again.  Smoke is putting weight on his bad leg/foot, but is still wobbly.  This is going to take awhile of healing.

I'm off tomorrow to the BIG EVENT!  Off to Indiana for the biggest firefighter event of the year!!  FDIC  Promise to post often!

Smoke Status

Friday.  Smoke is kind of walking about.  Having a bunch of Prednisone aboard, he is very food-motivated - even more than normal!!  His leg that we feared was paralyzed is now responsive to pain.  We have reason to be guardedly hopeful.

This night before dear friend Jen's birthday is one to watch for meteors.  Our plan is to get out of bed around 4am, crawl into the hot tub and look east in hopes of sky show.  The sky is always a show for me, but throwing in a meteor or two makes getting out of bed very easy!!  Happy Birthday Jen!  I hope you too enjoy meteor showers from your amazing hot tub!!

Enjoy the weekend and spring!

Update Report

This morning, at 2am, Smoke peed!  It was a big deal because it told us he is not paralyzed in his back end.  This morning, he walk-wobbled to eat his food.  His left leg still is not working right.  We are guardedly hopeful that leg will come around.  For now, we are relieved that putting Smoke down will not have to happen.

A three legged dog?  Friend Seth has had one for 16 years!  Old Griz is still alive and kicking.  Smoke is tough enough......we hope to see that leg come back.

Will keep you all posted.

Thank you for the notes of concern and love and thoughts toward Smoke's recovery.  I believe your kind energy makes a difference.

Smoke

Just the other day, I watched Ruby and Smoke playing with each other and said how nice it is they like each other so much.

Yesterday, as they chased each other around the Walton Ranch, Smoke crashed into a piece of equipment.  No one saw it happen, but he laid there kie-yahing in pain when Mike and Tom ran out of the shop nearby. 

The emergency visit to the vet found no broken bones, but Smoke has lost the feeling and use of one back leg and perhaps even worse, his entire back end.  The vet has him on prednisone in hopes the swelling will go down and we will be able to see some changes for the better.  Mike and I are not optimistic. There may be spinal column damage.

Our hearts break over this accident.  Smoke is a wonderful, kind, sincere dog.  He is not even five years old yet.  We hope for the best and prepare for the worse as this gray and rainy day ticks on. 

 

Spring Stories

The picture below, taken of the elk relaxing in a field, was after a 70 degree temperature was observed on my car thermometer.  Today it is snowing.  Seriously.

Chicks have arrived!  They were born on Monday.  On Thursday, all are still alive!!

Captain Trumbower in the News!

The members at the Hoback Fire Station have been promised a new station for a long, long time.  Promises, promises.  Former Chief Willy Watsabaugh used to say, "that station is so small, the volunteers have to use a shoe horn to get inside!"  That's not too big of a stretch!!

If you are local, remember to Vote Yes for JHF/EMS SPET so maybe someday these committed, loyal volunteers will get a new firehouse.

Click here to read the article News Today

Hibiscus

One of my traits is that when I get into something, I get into it!  Take, for example, hibiscus.  The infused tequila turned out surprisingly delicious!  So, how about strawberry hibiscus jam?  Why not?  I didn't follow any rules - why it may not set up real jam-like! - but the stuff is an amazing color and tastes just as amazing.  Go find some dried hibiscus flowers and give this a try!

Wash, hull and thinly slice two pounds of strawberries.  Throw in 3 cups of sugar and let it sit in the fridg overnight.  Take a blender (I used my Nutriblender) and buzz up 1/3 cup of dried hibiscus flowers (dry), then add 1/2 hot water to bring out the color and hydrate the tiny flower pieces.  Let them chill in the fridg too.  Next day, throw the strawberries in a sauce pan with a thinly sliced lemon (I used a Meyer lemon).  Boil until you realize you really probably should have put in the pectin!  Take a package of SureJell and mix it into the hibiscus fluid.  Stir well, add to the boiling strawberries, bring to a full boil and taste!  This is really, really good jam with a beautiful color! 

I think if I did this right - the SureJell way - it would be jammy.  Still, thick and delicious, I don't think it will go to waste! 

I am so Human!

Argh!  Today, I realized I set up the Derby Facebook name wrong.  Darn it!!  Don't go following or liking the one I sent earlier.  Please check out, follow, and SHARE this one. 

The right link to the Derby!!

To err is to be human.  To acknowledge it is to be humble.  To be humble is to improve....maybe!! 

Your Chance to Win!

The Jackson Lake Ice Off Fishing Derby is happening again this year.  To raise some money for an even better event, a local rancher kindly donated a steer, butchered and processed, to raffle off!!  Raffle tickets are $10 each, 3 for $30 or 10 for $100!!  Hah!  Check out our Facebook page at JL Ice Off Fishing Derby

If you get some and win and you are out of state, well, you'll just have to come and visit, taking or flying a cooler of meat home.  Or, you could just buy some to support the event and if you win, we could figure out a local family to donate the steer to enjoy......

Come ooonnnnnnnn!!  It's a great, annual event, celebrating the Joy of Fishing!!

Wet Weekend

There is a big spring storm on the western horizon promising to make the weekend good for a trip to Idaho Falls to go a-shopping, desk work, and hot tubbing.  I love sitting in the hot tub in the rain!!  We are just left of the A in the purple Absorka. The red below is to indicate a winter storm warning.  We just get to watch the winter storm (ie; winter storm watch is purple).

The Simple Things In Life

It doesn't really take much to make me happy.  Round ice cubes!!  How cool are these?  Inspired from the wonderful visit to our new favorite place to drink in Cody, Wyoming - the Juniper , I decided that I needed round ice cubes.  This is the first batch.  I think one will look awesome in an Old Fashioned!! 

The weekend is supposed to be wet and cold and rainy.  Joy.  Hope your spring is greening up and warming up better than this high country mountain town!! 

Find joy.  Cool down with a round ice ball!!

Beautiful, delicious, and fun!

Allow me to introduce you to a very nice drink.  Found in our local free restaurant magazine, Dishing See More Here , I was inspired by this drink's beauty and a glass decanter from Phyllis Breen (decanter on right edge of photo below).

 

 

Here's how I made this Spicy Hibiscus Margarita:

 

Giving the lovely glass vase a job, I put 3000 ml of Silver tequila in the vase (this is two bottles).  Then I added 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers (found at the local whole foods grocery store in the herbs and spices section), and 2 quartered habaneros ( with seeds) and let it soak for 24 hours.  In the world of ritzy-titsy hoity toity folk, this is called infusion!

 

The next day, 24 hours later, I poured the pretty pink colored stuff through a screen, throwing away the findings.  Now, the tequila, pink and beautiful, had a display case (the vase) to proudly show off its color.

 

So, time to build a drink!!  Fill a shaker with good ice - the kind you buy from the grocery store (I am a true ice snob, did you know?).  Add to the shaker:

- 2 shots of infused tequila

- 1 shot Gran Marnier

- 1.5 shot sour mix (I make my own by juicing half lemons, half limes)

- 1.5 shot simple syrup (I make this too Simple Syrup )

 

Shake this up and chill it down!  Rim a beautiful glass (as seen above) with lime juice, edge it with sugar (I used the coarse natural sugar), and pour in this nectar of the gods!  Enjoy!! 

 

Have I said how much I like this drink?  Alden, please share with Paige.  I see this drink being a big hit at  My Favorite Bar in Cody, the Juniper

 

We'll be thinking of you, Seth & Alden, as we build these drinks up to share with Todd & Janet for dinner tonight.  We'll be eating the first steaks from the steer Mike has been feeding to get ready for butcher, T-Bone! 

 

 



Road Trip

After a long and productive week at work, I took a few hours off so Mike and I could do a road trip to Soda Springs, Idaho.  One might wonder why anyone would venture off to this non-descript, not known for much, dusty little town.  We drove up and over Tin Cup Pass, saturated with the spring melt off.  Folks are worried about water this year.  There is water everywhere and a whole bunch more in the high country.

The two lane narrow road winds and curves its way toward Soda Springs.  "No Gas for 77 Miles".  The sign holds true.  Two "towns", unworthy in my estimation to be called towns, are observed on the way.  Henry and Wayan.  Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge sits atop this pass in what looks like a giant caldera.  We note to research the geologic past of this area, curious how this big flat valley came to be atop this mountain.  Water pushes through culverts and seeps closer and closer to the road.  Geese wonder where to nest.  Sandhill cranes flap their long wings across the lake.  Ducks bounce happily atop the abundant water.  This place makes one want to drive up and visit during the summer to see how it will look then.  See more about the refuge here Gray's Lake Refuge

Man made benches of tailings welcome one to the tiny town.  Phosphate mining is big here and Monsanto keeps many of the 3K populous employed.  There is a diner with good food, an old hotel, a Dollar Store, a Morman insurance salesman, and a steely blue eyed lawyer in this town.  The town is known for its soda water, found by those coming across the Oregon Trail, bubbling out of the ground.  The story of the town's attraction, a spouting geyser playing copy-cat to Old Faithful, but indeed, quite predictable, as it is on a timer, and really does go off on the hour, 24 times a day!  We hang around to watch.  We were not disappointed!

 

I will say - with a bit of disappointment - the history of the town Soda Springs, ID History is more interesting that the town.  It's kind of a sad, run-down place with people living in houses that appear to be just getting by.  A couple of gas stations, two grocery stores, two Mexican restaurants, and the place within reach of Jackson (!) where one can go to get the paper work and finger printing done to get one's TSA prepass. 

 

Now you know why we ventured off to Soda Springs, Idaho!