Driggs ID; work, play & family ER

As much as we loved every minute of Yellowstone and Henry’s Lake, it was soon time for moving on. There were other places to see! There were installs to do! Our next destination was Driggs, ID!

Our little caravan wasn’t in a huge hurry to leave Henry’s Lake the day we lifted our jacks. We had a short (only 81 miles) drive planned, so no need to leave at the crack of dawn. We had boondocking to do! We each used the dump station before heading south on Rt 20. We could have filled with fresh water, but opted instead to wait and fill in Tetonia, since there was a 4 mile 6% grade descent on the way. We knew there was a we could fill  place where we could fill-up, so it was a no-brainer to wait; no need to carry all that weight (our fresh tank is 92 gallons when full – so just under 770lbs) unnecessarily.

We enjoyed a gorgeous ride! We stopped at a campground in Tetonia to fill with fresh water, about 7 miles from Big Eddie/Rainy Bridge.

Since Steven & Linda had camped in the location before, there wasn’t any issue finding it at all. In fact, they own property, affectionately called “Lot 5” nearby. Set-up was easy, since we were boondocking, no utilities to hook-up. We were all ready for happy hour by 4pm! Complete with a four peak view of the amazing Grand Teton mountains!

We had a few days before our clients would be arriving, so we took the opportunity the following day to drive over to the other (WY) side of the Tetons, Jackson Hole. We wanted to see the view from the other side, as well as check out a few recommended boondock spots for our second install. The drive involved going over Teton Pass. The top of the pass is 8,600 feet, with 10% grade ascents/descents on both sides. Steven & Linda already knew about it, but our friends, Karen & Al, had warned Bill & I about not taking our rig over it. We agreed that sounded like a bad idea. Karen & Al suggested an alternate for bringing the rigs over, and Steven & Linda agreed. But – that day we were just taking the car, so all was good. We stopped at the top for a picture with the Jackson Hole sign.

You may remember, our friends, Al & Karen, had put in a good word for us with their employer and we had been hopeful to work with them for the summer, before Bill was offered the opportunity to work with RV Solar Solutions. Their work location was in Moran, WY, which is near Jackson. They had suggested a really amazing boondock site with fabulous views of the Grand Tetons, but sadly there wasn’t any cell service, so for us, as well as our clients, that was a deal-breaker. We also checked out a few other spots from Campendium, but there were lots of ruts that we didn’t feel comfortable bringing the big rigs through. So, while we enjoyed the day, we didn’t have success finding a WY side spot.

We still had a great day, taking in the views!

From the top of Teton Pass

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One evening, we celebrated Bill and my 33rd wedding anniversary by going out to dinner at Teton Thai. What a great meal, and the company wasn’t bad either (just kidding – the company was AWESOME!) Sadly, the picture we took didn’t come out.

During our time in Driggs, I had to fly to PA. My son was having some difficulties and I needed to go. I had posted my travel on Facebook, and I appreciate all your well-wishes. I wish I could report that all was resolved, but it is a “work in progress” as they say, and he is figuring it out. I am ready to go back if needed, but trying (some days more successfully than others) to allow him the space to do what he needs to do. Bill and I thank you for your continued support.

Since I needed to travel, we decided not to move the rigs over to the WY side of the Tetons, instead staying near Driggs. We contacted our next clients and they were more than happy to go there. Thanks for your understanding Jimmy & Christine!

When I returned, we were able to spend another day in Jackson Hole. We enjoyed a great lunch and drove around taking in the sites and taking pictures.

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Steven & Linda also showed us their beloved “Lot 5,” which is where they will someday build their “lobin” (lodge/cabin). It is a gorgeous piece of property with an amazing view of the Grand Tetons.

Our final outing was a visit to Grand Teton Distillery. They specialize in potato (therefore gluten free) vodka. They also have their own bourbon. Bill was very impressed with their operation and enjoyed chatting with the tour guide, who’s brother was the owner and master distiller. For those unaware, Bill worked in the distilled spirits industry for about 20 years, and he loves touring different distilleries, especially smaller “Mom & Pop” type places like this one. After the tour, it was time for tasting and their products were excellent! Each couple bought the same two bottles, one each of their vodka and bourbon – they were that good!

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This is where we went in Victor for Huckleberry milkshakes – they were delicious!

Each day we woke to amazing sunrises over the Teton mountains. We weren’t as brave as Steven, heading out into the cold, (yes, COLD – some mornings were barely above freezing!), but instead watched from the warmth inside our rig.

This is actually a sunset

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The sunset lit up the mountains!

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I took this the one morning I did go outside for sunrise!

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Steven taking a photo of a Great Horned Owl on the fence post. None of my pics came out.

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After 18 days, we decided it was time to move on. Our travel day was short, and we were on full hook-ups in plenty of time for happy hour! It was nice to not have to hear the pump every time we needed water and not have to monitor the electric.

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Sadly, our three days at Ririe Reservoir passed very quickly and we went our separate ways. Bill & I were heading to KS, so four days of driving for us! Steven & Linda were only going to Boise, so not too far for them. Whenever we leave friends, especially after we’ve been traveling together for awhile, it is difficult to go in different directions, but I focus on what’s to come, and that makes it (a little bit) easier.

I want to end this post with a special shout-out to our most excellent tour guides, aka most special travel buddies, aka Steven & Linda for showing us around what is now some of our favorite destinations. I’m sure we could have done it without you, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun or memorable. We especially appreciate your support while I needed to travel (Steven drove five hours EACH WAY with Bill to bring me to the airport!) It means more to us than we can say. We love you guys! ❤️

Previous post: West Yellowstone

Next up: Manhattan KS

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26 thoughts on “Driggs ID; work, play & family ER

  1. So beautiful, Kelly! Looks like the four of you had a blast! Glad everything is working out for Billy.

    On the vodka: Once distilled, aren’t all spirits gluten free? I’ve never had an issue with anything distilled. Hmmm…

    1. Thanks! I’m not sure about the gluten – they advertised it that way – but you may be right. Will have to ask the expert – aka Bill!

  2. Just got home from having lunch and some great conversation with Bill in Topeka. Awesome guy and I can tell we think alike. Karen really enjoyed visiting with him about their shared love for sailing. We even talked about you… in a great way. Karen and you have a bit in common as well as it turns out. She retired from medical billing/office work. Be safe and see you on the road.

    Mark

    1. Bill said he enjoyed your “meeting” – hope to catch up with you guys down the road.

  3. It’s probably the most beautiful photo that I’ve yet to see amongst the many that you’ve shared. It’s above was the only statement that I can remember you making about returning to full services: “It was nice to not have to hear the pump every time we needed water and not have to monitor the electric.” Too bad I can’t paste the image. 🙂

  4. Kelly and Bill,
    It’s always such a treat to spend time with you both. In this lifestyle, we get to meet a lot of people but there’s rarely time to really get to know each other and share experiences. Since our first adventures in Alaska together, we have spent more time with you both than everyone else we know combined. And we are all the better for it. You two are the best kind of neighbors (and friends) anyone could have. Being with you is effortless! We really enjoyed showing you around one of our favorite parts of the planet!
    Until we meet again, keep being your awesome selves.
    xx Steven

  5. Loved the pictures, what a beautiful spot and so glad you were able to do it with friends!

  6. You guys are really getting around. I’m having issues with my younger son too. Not an easy thing for sure, I can empathize.

    1. Hey Laurie! This is our year to be on tbe move – next year we will (mostly) be staying put – getting to know the baby!

      As my Nani used to say “little people little problems” but they aren’t little anymore are they?

  7. I fell in love with Driggs when we drove through there last month on our way from Rexburg, ID, to Grand Teton National Park. In fact we drove back the next day to have brunch at O’Rourke’s Sports Bar. I hope you had a chance to try it. The food is very good and they had lots of TVs going with all the games. Good bloody mary’s too . I would like to go back and spend more time there some time.

    1. We really loved Driggs also! We didn’t go to O’Rourke’s but will put it on the list for next time!

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