It was a really, really cold start to the day, the temperature was only 33°F (0.55°C) and the car windscreen was frozen! ❄️🥶 But, we were well wrapped up for the weather, dressed in layers as the afternoon was forecast to be about 55°F (13°C).

We left at 6.30 a.m. and reached Snake River Overlook at 6.45 a.m. There were only two other cars at that time, so rather different to yesterday’s outing to Schwabacher Landing.

As we pulled out of Dornans, there was a huge line of cars heading our way but thankfully, they were all bound to Schwabacher. Good luck going down there was our thought!

We didn’t have too long to wait for the sunrise over the Snake River but in the meantime, got talking to a young couple, Jim and Lucy from Wisconsin, the Cheese State. They were telling us how they had seen two herds of elk at Jenny Lake. That’s typical, we thought. Everyone’s seen elk except us. 🫎🤷‍♀️

The sunrise on the Tetons was beautiful and more than we had hoped for!

The start of sunrise over the Tetons and the Snake River Overlook

Snake River Overlook at sunrise

We decided to try our luck once again by going to Jenny Lake to see if we could also be lucky. There is a scenic drive there and Si wondered if it would be worth doing the loop as he was doubtful any elk would be there as it’s a very small area of trees. I told him I felt it would be worth a shot, so that’s what we did!

You can imagine our surprise and delight when we turned a corner and saw a few people stood at the side of the road staring into the trees. Well, lo and behold, there they were, two bull moose eating their breakfast! 🫎🫎😀👏👏What a stroke of good luck on our last full day in the Tetons. 🍀

At last!

The Scenic Route has a speed limit of just 25 mph. Some people obviously don’t understand that and while we were photographing, more than one car, including a Porsche,  hurtled round the corner at about 40mph. We had to wave them down. 🤷‍♀️Some people just don’t think! 🤔

Why on earth would you want to drive at speed around a scenic area? It’s just beyond me. 🤷‍♀️

One lady actually went right up to them and Si told her not to get so close as they will attack. Then a Wildlife Ranger appeared and had to tell another lady the same thing. Some people think that because they look so lovely, they must be harmless. 🤷‍♀️

In yesterday’s blog there was a photograph of some horses. What I forgot to mention was that one lady went up and petted one of them on the nose and he immediately turned and bit her arm! 😱You can imagine how upset she was! 🐴😢

After all that excitement, we decided it was time for ‘second breakfast’ as Peregrin “Pippin” Took says in The Fellowship of the Ring. 🤣 We had breakfast before leaving this morning but needed more sustenance. 😂

We decided to go once again to a favourite of ours, The Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge. Excellent food with great staff.

Serving us today were Debbie from Florida (she served us yesterday as well) and she is here with her husband who is working as a river guide and Elena from Moldova. Elena is working on a J-1 visa (a non-immigrant exchange visitor visa used for approved work and study based cultural exchange programmes).

Elena on the left and Debbie

The season closes at Jenny Lodge on 4th October, so they will be saying farewell to each other to return to their respective homes and no doubt, will hope to see each other again when the new season opens next year.

To our surprise, we suddenly recognised one of the other servers. It was Jake from Wisconsin, who served us on our visit last year. We didn’t expect him to recognise us but he did! He had looked at our blog! Working with him today was Alina from Romania. She had served us yesterday too.

Alina and Jake

Si had a delicious omelette with bacon, peppers and mushrooms with breakfast potatoes and sourdough toast on the side. I decided on one Huckleberry pancake (that’s all I can manage as they are so large) and sourdough toast too. Plus, I had two cups of hot chocolate (I think they must have been Cadbury’s they were so delicious). Just what was needed after standing around in the cold for so long. ☕️

There was one more pleasant surprise in store for us as the couple from San Diego who we had talked to at breakfast yesterday was sitting across from us today! They were on their way to Yellowstone National Park today.

Question of the day …………… which States does Yellowstone National Park cover? Answers on a postcard please …………….. well, maybe not. It’s Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 👍 Ten points to those who knew the answer. 👏

We went into Jackson quickly and on the way back thought it was worth another to Gros Ventre to see if anything was happening. It just so happens there was action …………. more moose of course!

Si jumped out and made his way to where everyone was gathering. I stayed in the car this time and told him to wave violently if there was any wildlife apart from moose, elk and deer. No wave was forthcoming so I knew it was probably moose ……… again! It was!

Do you think this moose is laughing at him and saying “here again Si?” 🤣

Si heading back after the moose laughed at him! 🤣

Cottonwood Trees and little river

Aspens, already dropped their leaves and Cottonwoods

One interesting fact for those who do not already know ……………….. if you are ever in need of water, find a Cottonwood tree, as they always grow near water! 💧🤷‍♀️

So, today is our last day here at Dornans. Such a lovely place to stay and great that it is a family-run business too. 👏

Tomorrow we start our drive back to Las Vegas, via Salt Lake City, where we will overnight before reaching Las Vegas on Friday. We will spend four days there before flying home on Monday.

So, it is with a heavy heart 😢 that we say “goodbye” to Dornans, Jackson and the beauty of the Grand Tetons …………. until the next time, and leave you with this wonderful photograph of the Grand Teton and the Cottonwood trees in their annual Fall colour of brilliant yellow.

Tomorrow is a long driving day, so will try and take pictures along the way for tomorrow’s blog and then on Friday will  ……….. “See you in Vegas Baby!”🤗

We did in fact start early this morning! Up at 5.45 a.m. and out at 6.30 a.m. It was very cold, 34°F (1.11°C) and there was ice on the windscreen. ❄️ We decided to dress in layers as we knew it would get warmer in the afternoon.

When we arrived at Schwabacher Landing it was as we expected, packed with cars and people. When we come in April/May, we just turn up, park the car and walk down. Not today. One good thing was a lot of the people stopped at the start of the trail, thinking that was the best spot for photographs, but we know differently and walked to the middle of the trail before walking on to the end.

We had arrived at 6.50 a.m. and although it was a very foggy morning, we could still the top of the Grand Teton. We set up the tripod and waited for sunrise. Alas, it didn’t happen. One minute we could see the top of the mountains and the next, the clouds had descended and stayed. 😔 We stayed for about an hour as the sun started to move round but then decided to give it up as a bad job.

Even though Si didn’t get the photographs he was hoping for, I think these are still very good.

This what we were hoping for, or similar, without the snow. This was taken on an earlier visit.

Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing

Although we didn’t see the elk, we did hear them bellowing. If you listen carefully, after the plane flies over, you can hear the elk bellowing.

We did meet some interesting people though and spent time chatting. One lady is travelling around in a camper on her own. Brave lady indeed! I don’t think I’d like to be camping out at night on my own.

One man told us that he had arrived at about 5.50 a.m. and it was dark. He had to go back to his car to get something and when we came back down the path he heard a growl and there right next to him in the water was a huge elk. He stopped in his tracks, they looked at each other and the man went slowly on his way. Sadly, that huge elk did not return.

Another man told us that he and his wife had lost their way to Schwabacher but had managed to get a magnificent picture of the sun over the Tetons before the cloud descended. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time!

One surprise to us was how low the stream was. As it’s the end of summer, it’s all evaporated. Usually birds nest there but not at the moment. That’s a Spring thing.

It’s been like that all day, one minute the clouds are low, then they rise high. It’s very dramatic.

Oxbow Bend was on our way to our next stop so we stopped once again for a photograph. You can never have too many photographs of that lovely place.

Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend

A lady told us that all the yellow leaves on the trees at Oxbow Bend had disappeared overnight! These are the trees today. 

Now that we were chilled to the bone, even though we were wrapped up warm, we went again to The Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge for breakfast.

Si had eggs, bacon and breakfast potatoes and I had a Kid’s meal of scrambled eggs, sausages and breakfast potatoes. That all set us up for our onward journey. We also bought a cinnamon roll as a treat.

Si’s breakfast

Sand’s breakfast

Again, we sat next to a very interesting couple from San Diego, California. The lady told us that a couple of days ago, she had been up Signal Mountain and saw a large group of elk. We decided we should return there to see if we could have any luck.

The drive up to Signal Mountain is long, lots of curves and very narrow. It wasn’t too busy today. We didn’t have any luck at the top, but on the way down we saw two large elk. By the time we had stopped the car and jumped out, they had retreated into the woods. So, once again, no chance to get any photos. During our quest for pictures of elk we have discovered one thing, they have very pretty little bottoms. 🤭

Signal Mountain

Some photos from our trip back this afternoon.

Si’s favourite view of Grand Teton

Sand taking in the view over the Snake River at the back of our cabin

For dinner this evening, we will attempt to get a table at Pizza and Pasta here at Dornans. It’s been another long, busy day so we don’t really want to have to drive too far.

It wasn’t very busy and we found a table easily.

Si’s pizza

Sand’s moose bread

We didn’t eat it all of course, so brought some back with us.

Si took this video inside of Pizza and Pasta with the magnificent view of the Tetons.

While we were eating, there was a sudden commotion and everyone jumped up from their seats and raced to the windows and doors. There was a large bull moose chasing a female right past the restaurant.

When we left, we were told that they were down by our cabins! We gingerly approached the cabin and others were out with their cameras and sure enough, the bull was right in front of our cabin. The cow and baby had retreated to the back of the cabins.

Bull moose in front of our cabin!

Bull moose

We didn’t manage to get any decent photos of the cow and calf. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. 🤞

Zoya, the manager, came out and told us the bull had arrived at the cabins at 8.30 a.m this morning and had spent a lot of the day lying in front of the cabins. We missed it of course, as we were down at Schwabacher being disappointed!! 😂

Zoya’s office

She said he will do a loop and come back in the morning.

Tomorrow will be another early start, as we want to drive to Snake River Outlook for sunrise. 🌄 This will be a first for us at that location.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to join us on our adventures. Tomorrow is our last full day here in the Tetons 😔 before we start our journey back to Las Vegas, so will try to make it an interesting one. 😀

Our easy day started late this morning, 8.30 a.m.

After a quick breakfast we set off for Jackson for shopping and lunch. It had rained heavily over night. Our first day of rain since we arrived, and it was chilly, and misty, but the rain stopped and it warmed up a little.

Misty over the Tetons

The Aspens and Cottonwoods looking lovely at Gros Ventre.

Misty over Jackson

Trees going into Jackson

Our shopping in Jackson was very successful as was lunch. We returned again to Local and both had Wagyu Philly Cheese Steaks, shaved New York steak, sautéed onions, white Cheddar fondue on an amoroso roll. You need a good roll for a good Cheese Steak and these were perfect. Soft enough to soak up all the juices. 😋

Si with his Philly Cheese Steak

Yes, another one!

We agreed, they were the best we’d ever had, outside of Philly itself that is. 😋 Plus, my Amaretto Sour was the best I’ve had so far. 👍

After lunch we went to the Post Office to post a letter. Well, we will never complain about our Post Offices back home ever again.

We were told that Post Offices in the U.S are underfunded and we found that out today. Every time we visit this particular one, the queues are huge and I mean huge!

Today, there was just one lady serving and she was very efficient, but the queue kept getting longer. Eventually she called for help and it turned out that about 90% of the queue were made up of people collecting parcels.

Si asked a lady if there were any stamp machines and she laughed out loud. 🤭 No such thing as stamp machines apparently. She offered to go out to her car as she thought she may an odd stamp we could have, but alas, no. So we stood in the queue for about 25 minutes until we could buy our stamp.

One good thing was that when we paid her, she didn’t have the right change, so she let us off five cents!

We then decided, on the way back to the cabin, to call in to Gros Ventre to see if there was any wildlife action. That was when our troubles began ………………

A couple of days ago, a message flashed up in the car saying one of the front tyres needed air, so, we went and pumped it up and all seemed well. 🤷‍♀️ Until this afternoon that is, when the message flashed up again. This time the air reading was even lower, so we thought we must have a slow puncture.

Luckily, we were just passing Jackson Airport where there happens to be a Hertz office. Well, those who follow the regularly will know that we have had problems in the past and Hertz have not always been that helpful!!

Today was no exception. It so happens that the Hertz office in Jackson is a franchise and not a Corporate one, so they were unable to help!!

We paid for 24 hour emergency cover at the start of the hire so thought it would really easy to get help in the event of an emergency. Just goes to show how gullible we are! 🤷‍♀️

We couldn’t get through to the emergency number on the mobile, so asked if we could use their phone to call them. They were very obliging and said we could.

Long story short ……………. after 30 minutes, they agreed to send someone out to change the tyre. Bad part, they said we would have to take the damaged one on a 138 round trip to a place called Ammon to get it mended or drive to Idaho to change the car completely!! 🤬

When the guy arrived to change the tyre, he discovered that the spare one was only a space saver and said it would be too dangerous to drive all that way at 45 mph and we would probably be stopped by a Ranger anyway.

Our back-up plan was to drive into Jackson to Jackson Tires (American spelling) and get them to check out the puncture to see if it could be repaired. This is what the guy also suggested would be the best option. So, we went to Jackson Tires and they were very, very helpful. In 30 minutes the tyre had been repaired and cost us just $33 (£42.00).

They said we must have had a very large stone in the tyre that had dropped out and that was causing the air to slowly leak out.

Why Hertz could not just have told us to go to the nearest facility and get it sorted is beyond me. A strong letter will be sent when I get home! 😡

On the way back we stopped off in Gros Ventre and sure enough there were the moose again. So, more moose photos I’m afraid. 🤭Sadly though, no elk. 😔

The Chase Begins

Gros Ventre

Can you see the elephant?

The clouds on the way back turned black and ominous, so we stopped at Mormon Row again so that Si could take some photos. There were three brides and grooms having their photographs taken too.

Moulton Barn

Moulton Barn with bride and groom

Tomorrow will be an early start, 6.30 a.m. as we want to be at Schwabacher Landing for sunrise. 🌄

Thanks for reading. 🤗

It’s been a long, long day! We were up at 4.45 a.m. and out the door by 5.30 a.m. and on our way to Yellowstone. We arrived back this evening at 6.00 p.m. 💤

Early morning moon

The temperature started at 36°F (2.22°C) so a little chilly and layers were definitely needed, but by this afternoon had risen to 73°F (22.77°C), so much warmer. 🌞

We saw two mule deer 🦌 along the road and we think they were the ones we saw yesterday, as they were in exactly the same spot. We also saw a large elk 🫎, but by the time we had turned the car around to photograph him, he had vanished into the trees.

It was pitch black and there were only four other cars heading in the same direction as us. We were surprised how quiet it was. 🚘 Only made dogs, Englishmen, photographers and  Park workers would be out at that time of the morning! 🤷‍♀️

We had some rain on the drive, but it didn’t last long. 🌧️

It took one hour to reach the south entrance to Yellowstone, we sailed straight through, no queues at all and another 1.5 hours to reach the trail head to Mystic Falls Trail. When we arrived, there was only one other car parked, a father and son from Florida.

We had to take an alternative route to see Mystic Falls as the original route, via Biscuit Basin, has been closed since 23rd July 2024 due to a hydrothermal explosion at the Basin. A hydrothermal explosion is a violent natural event that happens when superheated water trapped underground rapidly turns to steam and shatters the surrounding rock.

That must have been a sight to see! 🌋

Yellowstone has rather a lot of bears, more than the Tetons, so as soon as we hit the trail head, I took the bear spray out of its holster and carried it, all ready for any action. 🐻 It so happened that we didn’t see any animals on the hike to the waterfall. The path was mainly very open so we would have seen if we were suddenly accompanied by a furry creature! 😱

On the way to Mystic Falls

On the way to Mystic Falls

Mystic Falls

Sand at Mystic Falls

Si at Mystic Falls

I’m calling “Hey, hey” to alert any bears that we are there so they will not be surprised if they suddenly come upon us.

On the way down from Mystic Falls

We decided the next order of the day was breakfast, so drove to the Old Faithful Inn. Our waiter was Spanish and told us that he had travelled to quite a few cities in England. He’s working at the Inn for the summer. One interesting thing was that he had never heard of Gibralltar!!

We both had the Hiker’s Breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon or chicken sausage, toast and fresh fruit. It was okay, but we have had better. Still, it filled our empty stomachs.

Breakfast

Our next hike was to the Old Faithful Overlook. It was a short hike but with a sharp incline. We had just seen Old Faithful erupt at ground level, so that meant we had to wait approximately 90 minutes for the next one.

While we were waiting, two ladies arrived, they were sisters who came from Iowa. We talked about the film ‘Field of Dreams’ and how we had visited the farm where the film was made. It turns out that they have a friend whose father’s home backs onto the baseball field! Again! a small world! 🌎

We also discussed the film ‘Bridges of Madison County’ with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, but they had not heard of it. A wonderful film for the ladies. Tissues needed. 🥲🤧

We then had a very interesting conversation with a brother and sister who were visiting with their grandparents. It certainly helped pass the time while we waited. 😉

Eventually, Old Faithful decided the time was right and started his eruption. A magnificent sight to behold.

Old Faithful shoots water to a height of 106-184 feet (32-56 meters), with an average height of about 130-145 feet (39-44 meters) and can last for 1.5-5 minutes with a water volume of 3,700-8,400 gallons (14,000-32,000 litres).

Our final hike was a very short one to see Moose Falls at Crawfish Creek. It is a 30 foot plunge waterfall located on Crawfish Creek. Just by the Park’s south entrance.

Moose Falls

It was a wonderful thing to see. 🌋

We then started the long drive back to Dornans and took some photos along the way.

Tonight we dined at Pizza and Pasta, here at Dornans. It’s the first time we have managed to eat there. It’s very, very popular. The view is magnificent, overlooking Grand Teton.

We shared moose bread to start. Mozzarella on 12″ pizza crust with garlic and thyme, served with a side of Marinara Sauce. Si then had the Garlic Chicken Linguini, tossed in a creamy garlic sauce with chicken and roasted tomatoes, topped with shaved parmesan and I had Linguini with meatballs, topped with shaved parmesan. 

Si’s chicken pasta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sand’s meatballs and pasta

Well, we all know what that is! 😋

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent food after a long day. 😋

That’s all for today folks. I think a leisurely day is in store for tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us on our adventures. 🤗

The day started warmer than yesterday, 41°, and no ice on the windscreen. 👍

So, last night, we did another drive around to see what wildlife we could find.

Thought this was a lovely shot to start off the drive

We started off visiting Mormon Row again. This time to photograph the other barn, the T.A. Moulton Barn but alas, our hopes were dashed. They are currently ‘improving’ the facilities at Mormon Row. Well, I say ‘improving’ facilities, but there have never been any facilities, apart from some rough parking. Anyway, they are working right in front of the barn so no photographs were possible. Here’s one taken last year.

We didn’t see any wildlife until we turned the corner to the area known as Gros Ventre. There were dozens of cars and loads of people! What had they seen …………… a couple of moose, of course.

They were right on the side of the road. The bull moose was chasing the cow around a bush. He went one way, she went the other, trying to avoid him and then they both met up. Only for the cow to take off again, trying to avoid him. They nearly ran on to the road, it was quite the sight to see.

The traffic was so bad that at one point we couldn’t move backwards or forwards. Luckily, two Rangers arrived to sort out the mess.

We managed to park up, way down the road, but by the time we got back to the site, the moose had ran back into the undergrowth. Si did manage to get this picture of the bull.

Bull Moose

Jackson at night is a lovely sight to see so we decided on a quick drive round the square, but we were a little early for the lights. We did manage to take this photo of the famous  Million Dollar Cowboy Bar though.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Sunset over the Tetons

On the drive back to our cabin I took this photo. Have you seen the 1988 film ‘Field of Dreams’? This shot reminds of the very final scene when all the cars arrive at the farm. 🤷‍♀️

We visited the site in Dyersville, Iowa, many years ago and walked out through the corn, just like the ghosts and even played baseball.

So, what have we been up to today?

We decided to have breakfast out this morning and went to The Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge.

View of the Tetons from Jackson Lake Lodge

We chatted to two very nice ladies who are here on a coach tour. One was from Asheville, North Carolina and the other from Philadelphia.

Si had the bacon, cheese and egg sandwich and I decided on the huckleberry pancakes. Oh, how I love anything huckleberry! Everything was delicious. 😋

From there we decided to travel a road, never before travelled by us, the Pacific Creek Road. We had no idea what was awaiting us and as it turns out, there was nothing down there apart from trees. Hey ho! 🤷‍♀️

On the road to Pacific Creek Road, we came across two Mule Deer enjoying their breakfast on the side of the road.

Mule Deer

Mule Deer

So, we turned round and went back to Oxbow Bend as there were not so many people there today. It was beautiful in the sunshine but nothing will ever compete with Si’s sunrise photograph.

Oxbow Bend

Sand at Oxbow Bend

This is the sunrise shot Si took back in June 2019!

The Oxbow Bend shot!

After that we went to Signal Mountain. It stands at 7,727ft (2,355 meters) above sea level. The views all across Jackson Hole are wonderful. We were surprised that it wasn’t busier!

A man offered to take our photograph and it turned out that he once visited the Virgin Atlantic HQ in Crawley, Sussex. He works for Delta Air Lines, who own 49% of Virgin Atlantic and the two airlines operate a close joint venture partnership. We, of course, always fly Virgin. Small world again! 🌎

Sand and Si on Signal Mountain

We decided to visit the Signal Mountain Lodge for lunch and met another lovely couple (we have been very fortunate in meeting a lot of very charming people this year) sitting on the next table to us, who have been coming to the Tetons since 1977! They were visiting from Iowa.

Si had tacos and I had fish and chips (a half portion!). All was delicious. I had a Huckleberry Fizz (none alcoholic). You see, I don’t drink Amaretto Sours all the time! 😂Si had beer.

Everyone we have spoken to today have all said about the lack of elk. No one we’ve spoken to have seen any. Where have all the elk gone? 🤷‍♀️ Answers on a postcard please!

Tomorrow, we plan on a very early start, leaving here at 5.30 a.m., as we are driving to Yellowstone National Park to do three specific hikes. We have visited Yellowstone a few times, and as it is bound to be very busy, decided we didn’t need to visit places we have already seen, but to choose hikes we have not done before. 

Watch this space!! 🤔

As always, thanks for taking the time to follow our blog. 😊

Today started rather chilly, but soon heated up and it’s like a lovely summer day at the moment, with the temperature at 64°.

First of all, I must finish yesterday’s blog. You will recall that we were setting out to see if we could see any wildlife at dusk.

Well, our determination was rewarded! Driving back, we passed where the bison (buffalo) usually hang out and where the day before we had not seen any, last night they had arrived in their hundreds! 🦬👏 It was a sight to behold.

The Tetons with a jet stream above

We saw elk, but they were too far away to be photographed.

Also, we saw two brides and grooms having their photographs taken on the side of the road with the Tetons in the background. 👰🤵

We stopped off at Oxbow Bend on the way back too.

Evening at Oxbow Bend

So, to today’s adventures!

After breakfast we set off ,but not before clearing ice off the car windscreen! ❄️ It was 31°.

Here are some photos taken on our drive to Phelp’s Lake this morning.

Geese

On the way, we received a Public Safety Alert telling us to only use bottled water until told otherwise or to boil water for three minutes before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or making ice!!!!!! What on earth!!?? We have never received such an alert in our entire lives. 😱

When we went for lunch we were told that there is some kind of bug in the water supply but it should be corrected within 24 hours! 😱

We decided to hike to Phelp’s Lake. Our regular followers will recall that this is where, on a previous visit, we hiked in the snow and Si stepped down a very deep hole, got his foot stuck in tree roots and I had to dig him out with my hands. 🙌❄️

Well, no snow today so the hike looked completely different. The road we usually take to start the hike, Moose Wilson Road, is under maintenance and is closed so no access that way. But to the regular visitor, we knew we could take a 45 minute detour and enter through the other end of the road, to the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve. That’s where the hike starts.

So, that’s what we did early this morning. When we arrived there were only three cars in the car park so were hopeful that the trail to the Lake would not be busy.

It was a delightful hike. Not too hot, but sunny and very quiet. We met just one of two people on the trail but the only wildlife was one bird, type unknown, and a few squirrels.

This one’s for you Ann. Si’s carrying his phone in one of your holders. He uses it for when he’s tracking our hike. 👍

This reminded me of the film, Cast Away, with Tom Hanks and Wilson, the basketball he keeps and talks to. 😂

The camera bag that Si has on his back is made by Temba and is one of his best buys. It’s not too heavy and is just right if you want to carry a few items and a standard sized camera. It has space for two water bottles too. 👍

We completed the hike by 11.30 and by that time the car park was full up, so we were pleased we decided to go early.

We ate lunch at The Bistro in Jackson. Si had the Catfish Po Boy sandwich (a classic Louisiana sandwich featuring crispy cornmeal-crusted fried catfish serviced on crusty French bread and ‘dressed’ with lettuce, tomato, pickles and a tangy remoulade) and I had the Croque Madame (a classic French bistro hot ham and cheese sandwich topped with creamy béchamel sauce and crowned with a fried or poached egg). Both meals were delicious and very filling. I, once again, had my Amaretto Sour and Si a beer.

Every year we see a Coca-Cola truck

One exciting thing happened today. Si had one of his Flickr photographs go into Flickr Explore. 👏

Flickr is a site for photographers to show their work and millions are sent in every day. Out of those millions, 500 are chosen to go into Flickr Explore. Something very special. Si has had a number go onto Explore in the past, so it’s exciting for one of his Jackson photos to be included. This is the photo!

View of Jackson from Aurora. It went on to Flickr Explore today. 👏

It’s been another busy day, but we intend to go out again this evening to see what’s about in the twilight!

Thanks for reading. Please join us again tomorrow for more adventures.

We decided on a late start today. 🥱

After the all the driving to get here and then the hike yesterday, we felt a late start was the order of the day.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this, but our bed here is so high, that I need a ladder to climb into it and have to abseil to get out every morning! 🛌 🪜🧗

It’s the same story with the car, there’s no running plate, so I have to mountaineer in and out. Why is it, these SUV manufacturers, never allow for the fact that the driver or passenger may be a shorty, like me? 🤷‍♀️

I remember one year, we hired a Chevy Tahoe 🚘and it was so high off the ground that on one occasion, I forgot and actually fell out of the door. Everyone thought it was very funny. 😂I was lucky not to damage anything! 🤕

After breakfast here in the cabin, I had my favourite cinnamon and raisin Bagel with cream cheese and Si had Cinnamon Toast Crunch, we set out to see what wildlife we could find. 🫎🐻

It was cloudy first thing and theTetons, standing at 13,775 feet (4,199 meters) were covered in clouds, but the sun 🌞appeared later and it’s been a lovely day. Not too hot.

Saw this tiny caravan this morning, thought it was sweet!

We visited all the ‘hot’ spots where you would expect to see wildlife, but alas, it appears we were too late setting out as they had all gone back to their homes for a siesta.💤 Apart from one that is ………….. a lonely squirrel and even he was hanging out here at Dornans! 🐿️

Us sitting in the woods waiting for wildlife to appear! 🥱

We visited the Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Pilgrim Creek Road, Colter Bay, Willow Flats, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and the Cunningham’s Cabin.

Snake River Overlook

Snake River Overlook

This was the same shot taken by Ansel Adams in 1942.

Cunningham’s Cabin today

Willow Flats

At Colter Bay, the area where boats are launched was so dry after a hot summer that there was no water there at all. No boats launching from there for the foreseeable future! Last year it was full.

Colter Bay today – no water!

Bear Spray dispenser – it seems  you can buy just about anything from a dispenser these days! 😳

Park Rangers

What do you call a group of Park Rangers? No, I don’t know either! 😂

One good thing about our driving excursion today is that It’s lovely to see that all the Aspen and Cottonwood trees have started to turn yellow in abundance.

This year is the 250th anniversary of American Independence. These frames have been situated at the Snake River Overlook.

We’ve come back for some light refreshment and then we will be off to Snow King Mountain for our dining experience this evening at Aurora.

Clouds over the Tetons this evening

We arrived early at Aurora but they seated us straight away. We had a lovely time and the food was good. Not quite the Fine Dining of Vegas, but still good. We had a great window seat overlooking Jackson.

The Gondola ride up Snow King Mountain

Snow King Mountain

View of Jackson from Aurora

View of Jackson from Aurora

Tonight was Aurora’s final service of the season so not everything was available. I was looking forward to either venison or elk but it wasn’t on the menu. 😔

Si had crab cakes to start followed by Bison Short Rib and I had crab cakes as my main, wth fries. We shared a dessert of Butterscotch Budino, a rich butterscotch custard dessert.I had a Huckleberry Teton cocktail and Si had a beer. I, of course, finished with an Amaretto Sour! 🍸

The crab cakes

The Bison Short Rib

The Fries!

The Huckleberry Teton cocktail

The Amaretto Sour

Si and Sand at Aurora – not the best lighting!

In the gondola, on the way up to the restaurant, we shared the ride with a lovely couple Lisa and Larry from Texas. Lisa originates from Maryland and she told me their crab cakes are the best in the world. She flies home especially for the crab cakes. 😳

We have driven through Maryland, but never actually visited, so must put that on our list for the future.

After dinner we took a short drive to see if there was any wildlife out for the evening but still no luck. But we did stop off at Jackson Airport so that Si could photograph this statue. He’s been meaning to do it for a while and he was really pleased that he captured the moon as well!

Bronze statue designed by Bart Walter to welcome visitors to the Cowboy State

As always, thanks for reading. Please join us tomorrow to see if we find the illusive Teton wildlife! 🤞

We woke bright and early, as we wanted to purchase our National Park Pass and get into the Park before the crowds. 🏞️

After a quick breakfast here in the Cabin, we were off and running. Not literally of course and made our way to the Park entrance.

As we turned the corner, we were met with the most magnificent sight of the Tetons bathed in mist. It was just wonderful.

Even though we were at the Park entrance at 8.30 a.m., there were two long queues of cars, but we didn’t have to wait too long to get to reach the kiosk. We had our $250 and Si’s driving licence to hand, but of course, they didn’t accept cash, cards only. Typically, Si had to enter his card’s PIN number and to do that, the lady in the kiosk had to pass him the card terminal and that was attached to a very long pole! 😂

I’m sure by the time we had completed our purchase, the card had to have Si’s name written on it and then he had to sign it and then we were then given a Park map and local Park newspaper, the people behind us in the queue must have been cursing, but hey ho, that’s how it goes. 🙄

Everyone’s on holiday, so what’s the rush? 🤷‍♀️

We had intended to do a hike round Taggart Lake today but before we could do that we had to go to Jenny Lake to buy bear spray, water and protein bars. Seasoned visitors know to get to Jenny Lake early as the parking lot fills up very quickly and people end up parking on the road. We arrived in plenty of time so had no problem parking.

We made a quick visit to the shop for our purchases and while walking through, I made a mental note of the things I wanted to buy on our return! 👍

On the way to Jenny Lake we had to pass by Taggart Lake and there were works going on so we decided to do a hike round Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls instead.

In the past, we have taken a boat across the Lake and then hiked to Hidden Falls, but this year we decided we would forego the boat and hike round the lake instead. All Trails said it was just a five-mile round trip. Well, that wasn’t true, it was six-miles.

Now a six-mile hike back home is one we would undertake as easy as pie but here, at 7,000 feet, climbing over huge rocks and uneven ground is another story! It’s hard work. 😓

Once again, we were amazed at how many people were out on the trail, dozens and dozens! That made the hike harder, because we had to keep stopping to let people pass by.

We eventually made it to Hidden Falls, somewhere we have visited before and were surprised at how, even after a hot summer, the Falls were still in good flow.

Hidden Falls

Si and Sand at Hidden Falls

After taking a few photos and having some refreshment we started our descent.

Can you see the face?

It’s always easier coming down of course but again, we encountered so many people hiking up, at times it wasn’t easy.

When we got back to Jenny Lake, the inevitable purchases were made and we made our way back to Dornan’s, where once again it was busy.

The weather this morning was just perfect for our hike, not too hot and overcast. Sadly, however, it has now started to rain. ☔️

Tonight we are driving into Jackson to a dine at a restaurant called Gather. We have never eaten there, but recently saw a video on YouTube recommending it. So, we are going to give it a try.

We left Dornans to drive to Jackson and as we joined the main road, there was a huge queue of traffic. Our first thought was that this was the queue to get into Jackson and we would be late for dinner, but we soon realised that the traffic was an Elk jam. There was a large Elk with his harem on the side of the road and people had stopped to take photographs.

On the way to dinner

Well, we are back from Gather and we’re not disappointed. The food and service was excellent as was our server, Ella. She was from Croatia originally.

We had a lovely chat with the couple on the next table. They were farmers from Binghamton in Upstate New York. They farm 200 acres of produce.

Si started with mushroom toast, covered in blue cheese. I don’t eat mushrooms, but I had the bruschetta with the mushrooms scraped off and it was delicious. Si then had the burger that came with so many fries, they were impossible to count. I had the Elk Bolognese, again, fantastic. Si had non-alcoholic beer, while I had a huckleberry coctkail to start with followed by my favourite amaretto sour. We finished with doughnuts with three different sauces. Again, delicious.

The Huckleberry Cocktail

Si’s Burger

Sand’s Elk Pasta

Sands’ Amaretto Sour

The Doughnuts

On the way back from dinner the traffic queue was still there as were the elk!

Queuing to see the Elk

After a very busy day, we are ready for our bed!

We are not sure what our plans are for tomorrow apart from one and that is we will be eating dinner at Aurora Snow King. A fine-dining restaurant at the summit of Snow King Mountain in Jackson. It offers panoramic views of the Teton Range and the Jackson Hole valley. It is 7,808 feet (2,380 meters) above sea level. We travel to the top of the mountain by cable car. 🚠

Once again, thanks for taking the time to read our blog. Comments or Likes, always welcome.

Today was another long driving day.

We left Salt Lake City after breakfast and set off for Jackson, Wyoming and the Grand Tetons.

Today we drove through Utah and Idaho. Question of the day …… what is Idaho famous for? Answer …. potatoes. Who knew? 🤷‍♀️

Today we exercised our vocal-chords to the songs of Lucinda Williams (Country singer) and the Mama and Papas. 🎶

It was a lovely sunny, warm drive today. A day when sunglasses are required. 😎Sadly, I couldn’t wear mine, because I’ve lost them!! 🥲 They were prescription sunglasses and I hadn’t had them very long. They were lovely. I think I dropped them when I climbed out of a taxi at the Bellagio. We checked with Lost and Found but they didn’t have them. I guess, they could have fallen on the floor of the taxi. I’ll have to get another pair made when we get back home. 😔

The drive was shorter than we expected as it only took 4 hours 30 minutes. Our intention was to travel a new way, via the Teton Pass, but our satnav, Margaret as she’s known, had other ideas. We stopped to fill up with petrol and when we turned the car back on, unbeknown to us for quite some time, she had reverted to the original route! By then it was too late to correct it. Technology …………… great when it works!! There’s not a lot of time difference between the two routes but it would have been a new route to explore.

We shall endeavour to take that route when we travel back to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks. 🤞

The Teton Pass is the main route into Jackson for people who work here. Accommodation is so expensive, due to the very rich and famous making it their home, that the workers cannot afford to rent or buy their own homes, so have to be bused in or drive in themselves.

On 8th June, 2024, a catastrophic landslide destroyed a section of Wyoming State Highway 22 on Teton Pass, closing the vital commuter link between eastern Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming.

Cracks and a minor slide first appeared on Thursday, 6th June, 2024. Crews patched the road and monitored it, but closed it after conditions worsened. The full catastrophic collapse occurred overnight into Saturday morning, 8th June.

No injuries or equipment damage occurred because the road was already closed. However, the closure cut off a route used by roughly 12,000 drivers daily, including many regional workers, forcing detours of over 60 to 85 miles.

Transport officials built a temporary paved two-lane detour around the collapsed section. The Wyoming Department of Transportation reopened the pass to public traffic via the detour on 28th June, 2024—just three weeks after the initial failure.

Teton Pass is considered a challenging and potentially dangerous mountain road anyway, due to its extreme steepness, sharp curves, and heavy traffic.

Here are a few photographs from our drive today, some showing the first signs of the Fall (Autumn).

The Snake River

The Snake River

Welcome to Jackson

Welcome to the Grand Tetons!

When we travelled yesterday, we did so without any snacks!! We just simply forgot to buy any, but we righted that wrong today, with lots to keep us going. 🍬🍪🍫

When we arrived in Jackson, we just we just couldn’t believe how busy it was. 🤷‍♀️There were queues of traffic trying to get into Jackson and when we arrived at Dornan’s, where we are staying, well, I was gobsmacked! Never have we seen it as busy as it was today. Cars everywhere.

Our Cabin, Osprey

Dornan’s from the Snake River

Our plan was to unpack the car and then have lunch at Pizza and Pasta but the queue was out the door. Crazy! 🤷‍♀️

Coming at this time of year, after the holidays and the children going back to school, is supposed to be much quieter but when we spoke to Zoya, the lady in charge of the cabins, she said it’s just been crazy. In all her years of working here, she has never seen it this busy at this time of year. She put it down to people being able to work from home, meaning they can come anytime.

We put it down to the Internet. Too many people telling other people how beautiful it is here. I suppose that includes us too! 😂

Our regular followers will know that we usually come early in the year, April or May, so don’t usually experience it this busy. Nonetheless, it will not spoil our enjoyment of this lovely place.

In the end, we went and did some food shopping and I decided to have a pizza while Si had one of the Deli’s huge sandwiches. 🍕🥪

Dornan’s provides everything for their visitors. There are places to eat, a world-famous wine shop, Deli, food shop, gift shop and it’s also possible to hire bikes, canoes, kayak and paddle board rentals and a shop to book white-water rafting. Plus, they sell petrol. ⛽️👍

Tomorrow, we plan to settle in, purchase our National Park Pass (The President has decided that us foreign visitors should pay more for the privilege of visiting and instead of $80, it will now cost $250!) and have a mooch round to see what wildlife we can see. It’s elk rutting season, so fingers crossed, we’ll see some action that front!

Thanks for reading. Please join us tomorrow to see what the day brings! 😊

Another hot, sunny day in Las Vegas. 🌞

This is our last full day, as tomorrow we collect our car and start making our way to Wyoming and the Grand Tetons.

The Bellagio Atrium opened again today with their new display, this one is ‘Harvest’. It always amazes me how in one week they can dismantle one display and prepare the next one. The house is based on a Cap Cod house and can actually be booked for dinner. Here’s a video for you to enjoy and some photos. Can you hear the frogs?

Sand in the Bellagio Atrium

Inside the Cap Cod house in the Bellagio Atrium

After admiring the new display we went for a lovely breakfast at Sadelle’s here in the Bellagio. Si decided to have the egg sandwich while I went for a job lot of egg’s Benedict with ham, a Mimosa and a sticky bun. All was delicious.

Si with his egg sandwich

Sand with her eggs Benedict

Our intention then, was to do some shopping. Well, you cannot visit Las Vegas and not go shopping, so we set out to visit some of the other hotels, the Wynn, Venetian and Palazzo and then go to the Fashion Show Mall and The Forum Shops inside Caesar’s Palace.

Si and Sand outside the Wynn Hotel

Inside the Wynn

Inside the Wynn

Inside the Wynn

The Sphere showing the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz.

A view in North Las Vegas showing the mountains in the background.

View of the mountains in North Las Vegas

In the end, all that shoppingl proved rather too much for us oldies and we decided to leave The Forum Shops for when we return to Vegas on the 2nd October and to come back for some sustenance instead. 🍕☕️🛍️

We have an early start tomorrow morning, 🫩as we are collecting our hire car and then have a six-hour drive to Salt Lake City, where we will overnight, before another five-hour drive on Monday morning to the Grand Tetons. 🚗

See you tomorrow!

Good day everyone!

We have an exciting day in store today, Friday, as we are off to see the 1939 musical fantasy film, The Wizard of Oz. How come, I hear you ask? 🤔

Well, here in Las Vegas, they have what is called the Sphere. and it is currently showing the film.

The Sphere is the world’s largest spherical structure, standing 366 feet (111.557 meters) tall and 516 feet (157.277 metres) wide and cost $2.3 billion to build.

The exterior is covered by a 580,000-square-foot LED screen made of 1.2 million programmable LED pucks and displays giant animated visuals like a giant eyeball, emojis, or the Earth visible for miles. 

It seats 18,600 people for concerts and immersive experiences and features a 160,000 square-foot, 16K-resolution wraparound screen that covers the audience. Uses an advanced audio system with over 167,000 individually amplified speakers featuring beam-forming technology and Includes 4D physical effects like haptic seating, wind, and temperature changes.

It is here, in this world of wonder, where we shall be seeing the film. My only concern is that I suffer from motion sickness, so it should be an experience! 🤢 I’ve booked seats recommended for sufferers like me and from where I can make a quick exit if necessary! 😂

Inside the Sphere.

Inside the Sphere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One interesting fact, well who among you reading this, doesn’t like an interesting fact? …………….. 0n a visit, many moons ago to Los Angeles, we went to an exhibition where we saw the original ruby slippers worn by Dorothy (Judy Garland) in this very film. 🤷‍♀️

Changing the subject ……………… as all you racing fans will know, Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas this year between 19-21 November.

Work preparing for this exciting event, that takes over the whole of Las Vegas, has already started outside the Bellagio. We can attest to this, because we were woken up at 4.00 a.m. this morning by what appeared to be a pile driver!! ☹️ Good grief!

We had breakfast at Como, the poolside restaurant at Bellagio. Si had the breakfast sandwich. It was huge and according to Si, delicious. I had the ‘everything Bagel’ again with a Mimosa.

Si’s Breakfast Sandwich

Sand’s Mimosa

After breakfast we made our way over to the Sphere via the Venetian and Palazzo Hotels to make sure we arrived in time for the film. They have a display dedicated to the film.

Sand and Si at the Venetian Hotel display

Poppies in the display. They are significant in the film

The Venetian Hotel is famous for its Gondola Rides both inside and outside the hotel.

A gondola at The Venetian Hotel

It will not come as a surprise to all those who know me well, that our first stop of course, once we reached the Sphere, was to visit the souvenir shop. I had already checked out the available merchandise and knew just what I wanted to buy, so was in and out in quick time.

I had decided on a lovely bracelet that has tiny ruby slippers on top and on the inside the inscription ‘There’s No Place Like Home’. I also purchased the obligatory magnet, well two actually, plus a couple of other Wizard of Oz goodies.

Inside the Sphere, to reach our seating level, we had to travel on escalators and were surprised when we saw how long they were. They easily matched some of those on the London Underground. They seemed to go on forever.

The Wizard of Oz was just fantastic and really something to see. 👏The whole immersive experience was amazing. At one point we found ourselves inside a hurricane and could feel the wind, leaves from trees rained down on us, as did snow and the seats shook.

It is the first anniversary of the film showing at Sphere and to honour that, golden apples (foam, not actual apples) also rained down on the audience for people to keep. They were a special edition and couldn’t be purchased in the gift store. Sadly, we didn’t manage to get one. 😔

The Wizard of Oz anniversary golden apple

Our seats were perfect and I didn’t feel queasy at all, as I had remembered to take a motion sickness pill before we went in. 👍

Once back at the Bellagio we met up with Dan and Leanne (our neighbours from the UK) at the Protrossion Bar in the Bellagio for drinks and we all shared the famous cheese plate. Sadly, it was only after they left that we realised that we had forgotten to have a photograph taken of the four of us to commemorate the occasion. 😔

It’s been quite a full day, but a lovely one.

Thanks for taking the time to read the blog and remember, we always welcome your comments. If you do decide to leave one, please remember to add your name too. We’ve had a couple of lovely comments where no name is showing, so I’m unable to thank you personally. ☹️

If you would rather not leave a comment but enjoyed the post, then you can always click the ‘like’ button instead. 👍😊

Please join us again tomorrow, Saturday 19th, for our last full day in Las Vegas before we head off to Wyoming and the Grand Tetons.

We woke very early again this morning. It seems we are still in UK mode at the moment.

It’s been a lovely day here in Las Vegas, sunny and hot, but not overbearing. The current temperature is 89°.

We had breakfast at Primrose again. Si had the pastrami hash and I the ‘everything’ Bagel, that means it had crispy onions on top. Both were delicious. 😋

You can tell I’m in holiday mode, as I forgot to take any photos! 😔

We enjoyed a little gamble after breakfast and once again, we were not disappointed, especially on the Dragon Link machines.

Mrs B. on a Dragon Link machine

We spoke to a lovely couple from Forth Worth, Texas who were new to gambling and said they didn’t know what they were doing, but they still seemed to be winning regardless.

Afterwards, we walked over to Walgreens to buy some toiletries and make up. Walgreens sell the No. 7 range that is sold by Boots in the UK with some items a lot cheaper. The range is now smaller than it used to be, but I still managed to get all I needed.

We were served by a lovely lady called Sheila who uses No. 7 herself and she is obviously an advocate for the range. She gave us some free samples and a $10 voucher. As you can imagine, I certainly made the most of that. 😂

We have late checkout here at the Park MGM until 3.00 p.m. and will then make our way to the Bellagio, where we have already completed check-in on-line, but are just waiting for a room number to be allocated.

The Park MGM

This evening, we will be dining at Spago in the Bellagio It is a Wolf Gang Puck restaurant, where we have dined a few times in the past and where we shall be seated on the patio overlooking the Bellagio fountains.

Apart from Breakfast, we have been trying not to eat anything, as we want to be able to experience the full Spago event this evening.

We started coming to Las Vegas in 1988, so have seen it change a great deal in that time. The latest hotel to be demolished was The Mirage.

It opened in 1989 and had a huge volcano out of the front of the hotel that erupted at set times. It was a magnificent sight to see. Alas, it closed in July 2024 and in its place, they are building a new Hard Rock Hotel in the shape of a giant guitar! It is due to open in 2027.

The new Hard Rock Hotel in the distance currently under construction

From our window here at Park MGM we have a good view of the actual MGM Grand Hotel. MGM own quite a few of the hotels here in Las Vegas.

The MGM Grand Hotel

We received our room number for the Bellagio, so left Park MGM to get a cab to take us there.

Well, you will not believe what happened as our cases were being loaded into the taxi! Simon felt a tap on his shoulder, turned round and there were our neighbours from the UK, Dan and Leanne. 😱 They had just arrived at the hotel after travelling down from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The same trip as us but in reverse. We didn’t know they were going to be here at the same time as us. We are going to meet up on Saturday for a drink and a catch up. What a small world it is!? 🤷‍♀️

Well, I’m sad to say that our evening didn’t out quite as expected. 😔We arrived at Spago for dinner and were given the best table on the patio. So far, so good. 👏

Once we were seated though, things started to go down hill. The Bellagio Fountains were cancelled due to high winds. Service was extremely slow. Si had the ribeye but had to send it back because it was so tough, he couldn’t even cut it. At $99 you do expect a decent cut of meat. His vegetables looked as though they had been sitting on the plate for a long time. Si’s wine order was incorrect and my second amaretto sour was very weak.

One saving grace was the crab cakes Si had as a starter and I had as a main. They were delicious.

We like to think we are tolerant people, but everything added together did not make for a happy time. Si was ready to give up and leave at this point, but I said we should at least look at the dessert menu. Sadly, even that went wrong, as Si received a special dinner menu instead.

It was at this point that Si asked for the bill.

Well, talk about pouring oil on troubled waters …………………the bill, when it eventually arrived, still had the ribeye on it, so the waiter took it away to print another one. Unfortunately, the second bill still showed the ribeye and it was at this point that Si sort of lost his cool. Steam started to emit from his ears and he asked to see a manager.

We eventually received the correct bill and paid it, but needless to say, there was no tip added and Spago will not be seeing us for a while!

We’ve eaten there before and never had any complaints, but tonight was just awful. One of the waiters has been working in Vegas for 28 years, he remembered us from last year and we had a lovely chat with him. It was just a shame we couldn’t have had him serving us tonight. Things may have been so different.

But he did take a photo of us before everything, as we say, ‘went south’.

Si and Sand at Spago

Still, ending on a more positive note ………………….. we did have a very successful gambling day, so all was not lost! 😊😂

Thanks for reading. Hope you will join us again tomorrow.

So, we are here in Las Vegas! 👏

We left the Virgin Lounge after our great lunch, said goodbye to our other server Faye and made our way to departures.

Our flight took off just 15 minutes late from Gate 13! Yes, when I saw that, I did have a moment of asking myself why it had to be 13, but we’ve flown once before from there and all was okay.

All Virgin Atlantic planes have names and our was called ‘Lucy in the Sky’. ✈️

Apart from a slight bump or two over Iceland, it was a very smooth flight. 🌎The staff were excellent and the food was, as always, delicious.

After that rather large lunch, I couldn’t manage the chilli salmon, the pizza or the afternoon tea, so just had the soup, roll, sticky toffee pudding and the cherry pie ice-cream. Si managed to eat everything apart from the pizza and afternoon tea. He did manage to eat two ice-creams though!!

For all those who love to see photos of our food, here goes …………….

Si’s shrimp

Si’s short rib – he couldn’t get over how delicious it was!

Sticky toffee pudding

The cherry pie ice-cream

Sand’s spicy tomato soup

We actually flew over the Grand Tetons on our way here. If we’d known that beforehand, we could have asked them to drop us off and saved us the long drive to Wyoming! 🪂😂

Flying over the Grand Tetons

We arrived in Vegas more or less on time. We were first off the plane, our luggage was first off too and we were through Homeland Security within 10 minutes. We were so quick that the driver picking us up hadn’t anticipated such a quick exit, so wasn’t there waiting for us. They always factor in an extra 35 minutes after landing, so we took the driver by surprise.

So, what’s happening today?

Well, we will be meeting up with two people we know from back home, Simon and Ann. It so happens, that they are on a month-long trip visiting family who live in Seattle and today, they will all be here in Vegas, so we are going to meet up for drink and a chat. 🍷😊

One last thing to make you smile! A picture of my Administrative Assistant …… you know, the one who helps me plan all our adventures …………… not! 😂 I couldn’t manage without him. Bless! ❤️

It’s 6.45 a.m. here and the sun’s just rising on a day that should be in the high 90’s. 🌞

It’s now nearly 6.00 p.m and we’ve had a really lovely day. Before breakfast we had a little gamble with dollars left over from last year’s trip and I won $100. 👏

We then had breakfast in Primrose, a restaurant here in Park MGM. I had my favourite, the granola parfait and Si had the American. Very tasty.

Simon’s American Breakfast

Sand’s Granola Parfait

Late morning, as planned, we met up with Simon and Ann at the Petrossian Bar in the Bellagio Hotel. It was really great to see them and we spent a lovely couple of hours putting the worlds to right. They are flying back to Washington State this afternoon for the final week of their holidays. ✈️

Ann, Simon, Si and Sand at the Petrossian Bar in the Bellagio

They’ve been very busy visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend and the Valley of Fire. They’ll be taking it easy for the final week of their holiday before flying back home.

As we were already at the Petrossian Bar,I decided to partake of the famous cheese plate. We were not disappointed. As always, it was delicious, especially with a cocktail or two. Mine, of course was an Amarretto Sour and Si had a Salty Dog!!

Sand and the cheese plate

The Amaretto Sour

Si at the Petrossian Bar

Si’s Salty Old Dog

Sand’s Lavender Cocktail

We then decided that a little gamble was the order of the day and in addition to my winnings this morning, I managed to win another $200 this afternoon. Again, on a Dragon Link machine. 👏

On the machine next to us was a man called Dave from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He loves the English way of life, even though he’s never visited.

He came from Baton Rouge and we once visited Baton Rouge. It was during the Twilight Saga craze and Breaking Dawn was being filmed there so, of course, being a huge Twilight fan, we just had to stop there on our journey driving to Las Vegas.

It was well worth the effort as many of the cast were staying at the same hotel as us and they kindly signed my copy of the book. 📕😊

The long day yesterday has caught up with us now and although it’s only 3.30 p.m., we definitely feel as though it’s much later so have kicked off our shoes while we partake of hot chocolate and cappuccino.

I think an early night is the order of the day. 😴

Tomorrow, we leave the Park MGM and move into our favourite hotel, the Bellagio.

See you there. 👍

We were lucky to be collected on time!

Our driver Andy, was scheduled to collect us at 12.30 but was delayed at Heathrow on another job so had to call in a replacement driver at 12.20 by the name of Mike. A very polite gentleman who lives not far from us.

I originally told Andy that we would be travelling with four suitcases, three large and one smaller carry-on. It was a good job we changed our mind and decided on two large and one carry-on as dear Mike arrived in a Mercedes S Class with just enough room for two large ones in the boot and my carry-on had to travel on the front passenger seat! 😱

The Cases

Regardless, it was a non-eventful journey and we arrived at Heathrow within 30 minutes. We are travelling Upper Class so have a dedicated check-in at Terminal 3. We seemed to arrive at the same time as everyone else and had to queue to hand over the cases. 🤨

A lovely young man called Tunde had us sorted in no time. Pleased to say the cases both weighed in at 22 kgs. We are allowed four cases at 32kgs each but there’s no way Mr. B. is going to be happy lugging four cases around! 🫨We had already checked-in for our flight last night, so all he had to do was put the luggage labels on the cases and move them on the conveyor belt. We were through security in a jiffy and on to the Virgin Lounge.

We were recognised as returning customers, always lovely, even if it is the computer telling them just that.

The first thing I saw and smelt on entering the lounge was fish and chips and I knew straight away that I would definitely have to order that for my lunch.

Amret, our server, another lovely young man, served us with drinks and took our food order. Si had the beef burger. The last time we were here it was a venison burger, that was fabulous but they’ve now returned to beef, having been able to find a sustainable source and it’s more popular. More popular but not as healthy as the venison burger! ☹️

Unfortunately, the order for our food did not go through, so we had to wait forty minutes before it arrived, but it was well worth the wait. So much so, that Si ordered a second burger! 🍔 It will be a miracle if he managed to eat his dinner later!

Sand’s Fish and Chips

Si’s Burger and Shiraz

For drinks, I started with a Bellini and Si had the Laurent Perrier Champagne. He’s now moved on to Shiraz and I’m trying the Champagne.

Sand’s Bellini

Si’s Champagne

Most people who know me, know that I’m a ‘one-meal-a-day’ kind of girl, but that rule will be broken today as we have dinner to come on board later! Also, I’ve decided that as today is the start of our adventure, that I should try dessert too! I’m waiting for the elderflower pavlova to arrive!! 😋

The Pavlova

It arrived, was fabulous and has been devoured!

While I was waiting for our lunch to be delivered, I decided I might as well start writing today’s blog.

Starting the blog!

Isn’t technology wonderful!? 😊

Si received two emails this morning, one from Park MGM, the hotel we are staying at tonight and tomorrow and the Bellagio, where we move to on Thursday until Sunday, saying we are now able to check-in on-line and our room keys will be sent to his phone.

So, when we arrive late this evening, we will be able to go straight to our room instead of queuing. 😊

Our flight is due to board at 4.30 p.m. and the journey will probably take 10 hours 30 minutes, so by the time we arrive in Vegas it will be 4.10 a.m. on Wednesday, in the UK, so I shall include the details of our flight ‘over the pond’ in tomorrow’s blog.

See you tomorrow. 👋

Sleep tight folks. 😴

So, one week to go, everything’s sorted, the practice pack has taken place and everything’s tickety boo (good). 🧳👏

Once again, choosing what to pack has been complicated. It will be hot in Las Vegas, currently in the 90’s, 🩳👙while in the Tetons, it’s likely to be freezing 🥶in the mornings rising to about the mid 60’s 🌞in the afternoons, so a mixture of clothes has been necessary. 🧢🧤🧣.

I think I’ve packed well, but if extra duds (clothes) are required, then the relevant purchases will have to be made. 🤷‍♀️Well, show me a woman who doesn’t enjoy a shopping trip! 😂  

I’ve just checked the forecast and rain is currently forecast in Las Vegas for the first two days of our trip!!! ☔️Surely not! It usually only rains between 20-30 days per year. We will have to be very unlucky if two of those days happen when we are there. 😔

It was in September 2023 that heavy rain led to major flooding on the famous Strip and the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings. 😱

Please keep everything crossed for us. 🤞

Pease join us next Tuesday, 15th September, as we fly off for the start of our next U.S. adventure! ✈️🇺🇸👏😊