Yellowstone 8/11/18 (Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole)

Today was our first day on the move with an end goal of getting to Jackson Hole with enough time to check in and get to the 6pm Shoot Out.  So as to not draw out the suspense, we made it!

Just as we finished breakfast, we noticed that our bus pulled up, so we decided we would grab our carryons and get them on the bus, and still have time to sip an extra cup of coffee.  There was only one problem with this plan - as we climbed aboard the bus, we saw that the driver was not Tristan.  I looked at him and said “You are not Tristan.” He responded that I was correct.  He then followed up by telling us that if we chose to ride with him, we would not have the enjoyment of seeing Yellowstone, but might get lucky in a casino, as this bus was going to Las Vegas.  We quickly backed down the steps.  We heard from a few others that they also made the same mistake!

Once we boarded the correct bus, we officially met Tristan our bus driver.  He spent some time in the Navy before starting his career as a bus driver.  He slid into his seat and off we went.

We headed up I-15 to our first stop located in Logan, UT.  I can honestly say, this is the only place I have ever seen a Chuck-A-Rama; not sure what This is, but that was not why we were in Logan - we are here to see the Logan Temple.   It is one of the earliest temples built by the Mormons and actually was completed before the one in Salt Lake City.  The grounds had fabulous gardens all around.  And during our visit they were having a wedding.  We noticed a large number of people standing outside the temple, and could not determine if the wedding was yet to start or had already taken place.   One fellow traveler asked and he shared what he learned with the rest our the tour group.  For Mormons, a wedding is called a Sealing and is only attended by the immediate family of the Bride and Groom.  Absolutely no children are allowed inside for the ceremony. The folks waiting outside were there to greet the newlyweds as they exited the temple after the ceremony, yet this can only happen once the temple doors are closed. We were told that this is done in order to not disrupt the next wedding ceremony, usually started immediately following the previous ceremony.  We left Logan before this occurred. 

We moved on by following the Logan River through the Logan Canyon.  We passed one cave that is the only home of a specific species of Big Eared Bats and, as such, are protected. A google search resulted in strange looking bats with ears so large that it looked almost like a flying dragon.  During the drive we climbed to  8000 feet.

Lunch was a pre-ordered bag lunch eaten at the summit overlooking Bear Lake.  It was stronglysuggested that we not eat the cookie provided for dessert, but no reason was given; we were assured that we would be glad we didn’t eat the cookies.  Back on the bus, we started the descent down to Bear Lake and the little town of Garden City.  Here we pulled into Hometown Drive-In where we were treated to a Raspberry shake, a local specialty; this was more than a mere milkshake - it could only be eaten with a spoon.  This was enjoyed while seated outside at picnic tables under sizable pear trees.

Back on the road again, we pressed on towards Jackson Hole.  One last stop in Afton, WY, this time for chocolate at Star Valley Chocolates.  The also sell ice cream and jewelry.  Although I did not see anyone getting ice cream, more than a few bought jewelry and ever more felt the need for chocolate!  We took a quick stroll down Main Street for a closer look at the world’s largest Elkhorn arch.

We made it to Jackson Hole around 5:15pm and checked into a Parkway Inn.  The Inn is very cute and decorated to match the history of the town.  Those that wanted to had just enough time to make the shootout.  We had reservations at the Silver Dollar Grill located in the Wort Hotel and had time to unpack (well - as much as you unpack when you are moving on the next morning) before heading to dinner.  After dinner, Bonnie and Howard returned to the hotel while Glenda and Mary toured more of Main Street.  I’ve seen the pictures of each that involve saddles and stuffed Bison. 

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