Goodbye, Alpine!

We said our goodbyes last night - hugs and tears. Everyone but Ellen and I were out of the house by 7a.m. this morning - before we were up. We had to finish packing, get some brekkfast, load the car, give Rollie a walk. We were on our way by about 9:15a.m. We stopped for Delish Doughnuts - for once we were there early enough to still be able to get some. Then we headed south on U.S. 89 - a route we had not taken for a few years. It went through Afton, and we went by Max's high school so I could see it with my own eyes.

Max in his room

Two views of Star Valley High School - it is actually pretty big and spread out; impossible to show it all in one shot. After Afton, WY, Rte. 89 goes through beautiful and unpopulated country - very nice scenery. We were headed for the southeast corner of Wyoming, and eventually took U.S. 30 east which took us through Little America, a very popular truck stop with cheaper gas - $3.79 - and very cheap soft serve cones - $.75 cents! Unheard of! We got both gas and cones, and Ellen got a fist full of postcards. Yesterday evening, we went out for supper (my treat) at Melvin's Brewery. It was pretty crowded, but we ate outside, so COVID-wise it felt safe. It was also very hazy - there is a big fire in Idaho and the smoke is coming our way. It took a while to get our food, but everyone except Max had some beer to sip, and he had rootbeer, so that was fine. Ellen and I made a meal out of appetizers - potstickers, spring rolls and cheese fries. Max had a huge pretzel, Jenny and Paul had burgers. Everything was yummy.

Paul, Max and Jenny at Melvin's.******************************** Earlier in the day, we made a little trip up to Jackson. We wanted to see Paul's work site again - with footings and forms for the foundation going in. We knew it was a tight fit, but were surprised by how tight. This job had been a real headache so far, but right now, things are going well, and we can only hope that will continue.

Three views of the work site.***************************** As part of our trip we also went to Moo's for ice cream, and Ellen drove around her old neighborhood in East Jackson, where she lived 20+ years ago.

One of the iconic scenes in Jackson - the elk antler arch at the park near Moo's Ice Cream shop.

The house Ellen lived in 20+ years sgo - Paul lived with her back then - before he married Jenny.