Christmas in Jackson Hole

I'm finally back in Dallas and am just now getting back into the swing of work after my long hiatus. But, it's time to get back on Blogger and post some pictures and stories so that some of you (like Roger Hayes) don't write me bitchy emails asking, "Where are you?" So, here is the summary of the Jackson, WY Christmas trip.

Highlights of the trip (or, more accurately...things I took pictures of):

1. An Afternoon at Amangani - This is the boutique hotel perched atop East Gros Ventre Butte. We drank festive cocktails and dined at the Grill while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Tetons. Actually, the views weren't as great as usual as a storm was blowing in and the snow obscured a lot of the distant views. Rooms apparently start at $1000,a night, so I might have to wait until I am rich and famous to enjoy cocktails in the heated infinity pool during my next visit to the hotel. The picture is of Robin and I in the Amangani lounge with their quite massive Christmas tree.


2. Sledding down a random hill - Our Christmas days plans included tubing at Snow King, the ski slope down the street from Robin's parent's house. However, because we failed to start our day before noon, the lines were terrible and the park had run out of tubes by the time we arrived. So, after a little ingenuity on our part, which was helped by the fact that Robin's friends/relatives live on a quite steep hill, we were able to produce some sleds and an afternoon of fun! We raced each other down the hill, trying to avoid going over the side of the hill (where I think a stream was) and trying to make up for the lack of steering with our feet. I managed to veer off the course almost every time, landing face first into the snow to avoid running into the large bushes. In retrospect, I probably should have just let the sled end up in the ditch! The only bad part of the day was having to climb the hill with the sled after each run. At the tube park, they pull you up with a rope. Here are a few pictures from the sledding afternoon, including one of the races with Robin in the lead!


3. Christmas Dinner at the North Grille at the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club -The great part about being in Jackson with Robin's family is that they are considered "local". Adding to that, his sister married a local guy who is part of one of the oldest families in the city. His family typically has a large family gathering for Christmas and this year it was at the club. We had the place to ourselves and feasted on prime rib and other holiday fare while members of the family played Christmas music on their various instruments. I am not sure how much wine Robin and I consumed that night, but needless to say when the gift exchange came around, I was having a hard time remembering what gifts to steal from people!


4. Snowmobiling at Togwotee Pass - Togwotee Pass is located 40 miles north of Jackson with both deep snow and open areas to play in as well as 0ver 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Equipped in heavy duty warm clothing, it took about 10 seconds of being nervous before I was off on the snowmobile., reaching speeds of up to 60mph. What a thrill! We made our way up the mountain about 15 miles to the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, where we had lunch and were I thawed my neck. As it turns out, every part of my body was covered with about 5 layers except for my neck! On our way down the mountain, Robin, his parents, and I got separated from the rest of the group who actually knew the way out of there. Luckily, Robin employed his Eagle Scout skills to get us down the mountain and safely back to the car. Here we are in our snowmobile "gear" and a picture of me trying to figure out a solution to the neck warmth problem.

Finally, we arrived safely back in Dallas to an unfinished bathroom remodel job (isn't he done yet?) and a call night at the hospital. The week of R&R was much needed and was quite enjoyed, even if the temperature was -11 when I boarded the plane to come home. I am on the countdown to my upcoming trips - Palm Springs, a spa in Scotsdale, and a boat trip. Sometimes I wonder....do I actually work?