Quick update, I'm in Jackson Wyoming--and loving it.Three days in Yellowstone and I rode the entire park: every road, every entrance, every side road, everything. Lots of pictures to upload but no way to do it. I have about 12 minutes left on the public library internet.

So Yellowstone was devastated by fires in 1988. They had a "let it burn" policy, and while that might be great for the forest in the super long term, in the meantime at least 7 or 8 generations will pass before the trees look like they did before the fire. Time to rethink that policy.

At its best, the park is full of diverse wildlife and curious geological features like boiling mud puddles, geysers, waterfalls, steam vents, etc. At its worst it is like walking through a blackened hillside will the smell of rotten eggs (sulphur from the vents). All in all, it wasn't the most impressive site I have seen on this trip, but I'm glad someone had the wherewithall to preserve this place as our first national park and not turn it into another gold claim or private resort. When I found out the park was on top of a still-active volcano caldera I had a sleepless night. I had basically staked my tent on the crust of a piping hot lava pie. No guarantee it won't erupt again.

Anyway, I'm in Jackson Wyoming after just having come south through the Tetons. I like it here! This is where Philo Beddo and Clyde punched their way into Sanda Locke's heart in Any Which Way But Loose. The town square has the familiar antler arches at each corner. A tourist town for sure, but active with local hikers, rafters, bikers, swimmers, etc. Harrison Ford's house is just outside of town, as is the VP's. Yellowstone was so full of obese people it was unreal. Here everyone is active and fit. I'm staying with my aunt Mary and she has been tremendously generous in putting me up, feeding me and showing me around town. This a.m. we volunteered to "sweep" a race course up the local mountain. 2.5 miles zig-zagging up a black diamond ski slope. Then we went over to the other ski area (Jackson Hole) and took the tram to the top for another hike above 10,000 feet. Tonight a bar and a band. Tomorrow a strenuous hike through a valley in the Tetons. I head for Idaho Falls on Monday morning to try to find a tire shop unless my friend Ivan can get in touch with me about his spare. We shall see.

Anyway, of all the places I've seen this town seems like one I could live in and be happy year round. In the summer the rent is worse than San Francisco. I wonder if the California Bar membership is transferrable? I have pics I need to upload soon of me in front of Gerry Spense's Law firm wearing my new cowboy hat. Yee-haw! I'm embracing my inner redneck.

Ah yes, and apologies to John the Paramedic, who shall no longer be referred to as John the Snorer! He's home safe and I'm looking forward to riding with him when I get back to SF.