Day 16, June 30, 2015, Jackson Hole, WY to DuBois, WY, 86 miles and 3800 feet of climbing.  One of the ways that I evaluate a good day is by checking to see how many pictures I took.  Today I had in excess of 120 and that qualifies as a phenomenal day!  I slipped out of the motel early and after finding an Espresso shop I entered into the Teton National Park.  There is a bike path that traverses the majority of it and at that time of the day I pretty much had it all to myself.  Within a couple miles I was treated to my first views of the snow covered Teton Mountain range.  Often times on this ride, views elicit a strong emotional reaction and today was no exception.  I got seriously “choked up” at what I was able to ride next to.  To say the view was majestic is an understatement.  I immediately began taking pictures, not realizing that I was going to be up close and personal with them virtually all day.  Being on a bike path, separated from the road way was a blessing.  Had I been on the road I would have been a hazard as I was constantly distracted by the enchanting views.  After we exited the park the mountain range was behind us and I was repeatedly distracted by catching glimpses in my rear view mirror.  We climbed most of the day and at mile 56 we reached the Continental Divide at Togotwee Pass.  The elevation was 9658 feet above sea level.  It was a long hard ride up to it but the payoff was a 30 mile down hill ride into DuBois  (elevation 6917 feet) and our motel.  If not for wanting to maximize my speed it would have been possible to coast the entire way without pedaling.  There was little traffic and no sharp curves so I could really let the bike run.  It was exhilarating.  Another incredible day heading east across northern America!

 

 

Entrance to a park in Jackson Hole, WY.  The town seems to have lots to offer and would be a nice place to hang out for a few days.

 

You may have noticed that there has been no mention of Espresso for awhile.  I have been in an "Espresso Desert" and have not been able to find any.  There were lots of opportunities in Jackson Hole.  This is my second stop on my way out of town.

 

My first view of the Grand Tetons.  As the day went on the views just kept getting better.  Look for the hot air balloons.

 

From the bike trail in the park.

 

Pic of Snake River in the foreground.

 

I saw this in my rear view mirror and had to stop a take a pic.

 

A herd of Bison insde the national park.

 

I made it!  If I understand my geography correctly it is now all down hill to the Mississippi River.

 

Towards the end of the 30 mile down hill run into DuBois.

 

Today's elevation profile.