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Post by oldbill on Aug 15, 2021 5:51:54 GMT -8
Any input on conditions in the towns/airports, etc.? Leaving in a few weeks and want to get a feel for how folks are dealing with current surge. Flying into Jackson. Just a few overnights in motels in Pinedale and Lander. Front-country campground in Dubois and then Colter Bay CG before return. Nixed any motels in Jackson as just too pricey. Last year at this time, infections were about 8-fold less when we came. Took reasonable precautions like not eating in restaurants, getting in/out of grocery and supply stores quickly, limiting motel time and using masks anywhere inside with others. Fully vaccinated, but still can get sick enough to ruin a trip. From covidactnow.org  |
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Post by absarokanaut on Aug 15, 2021 7:43:22 GMT -8
Very few of us are wearing masks. I'm not getting any grief for wearing mine but then I'm a bit broad and scary looking. Hardly anybody blinked an eye when we went back into the orange zone. Governor Gordon has responded just a bit better than Abbot and Desantis by allowing local control over mask ordinances in schools, etc.
We get a lot of folks that mistakenly fancy themselves conservatives visiting here and in Dubois, Pinedale, etc. I've come across a few angrily railing against masks, vaccines, etc. Sure hope you got your shots because there is the possibility anywhere in this country of these self absorbed schmucks high on propagandized political poop getting in your face. I had to 3" punch a guy that started poking/pushing me and refused to stop near Bondurant a few weeks ago. His wife and son actually smiled a little at me as they loaded him in their Texas plated Pickup.
What's your budget and expectations for hotels? I know a few bargains here in town in older, dated, but clean properties I can usually get in real time after labor day. Unfortunately Lava Mt. Lodge was bought by the same company that has Heart Six Ranch, Grizzly cabin more than doubled in price. Did you check to see if the Climbers Ranch will still be open when you get here? They are not mixing groups, renting entire cabins or half cabins at a damn good rate IMO.
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Post by oldbill on Aug 15, 2021 8:43:10 GMT -8
Good to know. Yeah, both my nephew and I are fully vaccinated. Last year had a few smirks but never a confrontation. Just tried to keep a wider distance from those not masked, though that was difficult at checkouts. Taking the shuttle to get the car was probably the closest quarters, but had N95's on and they had windows open.
Always had the tradition of spending the night in Jackson to supply and organize gear arriving and departing. Gave that up when a Motel 6/8 went over $150. Bad news this year is we don't arrive until 8PM, so it'll be 9PM before we get the rental. Booked motel in Pinedale that night so it'll be a loooonnng day (including a 2 hr time change from the East coast). Next day retrieving some bear spray cached there then over to Dubois by Union Pass, hike Jade L, overnight at Longhorn then off to Lander for a 4 day trip, back to Pinedale for a 5 day trip.
Unfortunately, nephew is leaving on 7AM flight so driving from Pinedale really isn't a great option. Motel 8 was $280 the night before. Got a cabin at Colter Bay last year for my girlfriend's last night for around $230 total. Not available this year - closest was Signal Mtn for $300. Both my nephew and I said No thanks! Roughing it is all part of the experience anyway!!
Booked 2 nights at Colter Bay for $22/night. Wind down the trip with some light day hikes. He'll sleep in the truck. We leave at 5:00 for the airport. I'll come back to break down my tent after dropping him off. Will look at Climber's Ranch though. I leave the week after so may use that option instead of driving from Pinedale as I'd have to leave there at 5AM for a 8am departure.
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Post by nextridgeover on Aug 31, 2021 7:39:12 GMT -8
Just returned from Pinedale. Very few people in masks. Even the pizza delivery driver didn't have a mask. I can't comment on the state of covid just what I saw. I had the deluxe room at Best Western for 204.00 as a last minute screw job. It was the same price as a regular room so deluxe it was.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,975 
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 31, 2021 7:44:25 GMT -8
I'm leaving next Tuesday morning for 8 days in the Bighorns. Other than a hotel that night in Sheridan and Saturday in Buffalo, I'll be camping. Also a hotel somewhere in S.D. on the way home Sep 15. My biggest concern right now is the Crater Ridge fire, and any others that might spark. My hiking buddy and I are fully vaccinated, and will take precautions in towns.
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panatomicx
Trail Wise!
Less noise and more green
Posts: 496
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Post by panatomicx on Sept 6, 2021 14:18:41 GMT -8
Red Lodge was pretty normal. Lots of folks out and about, few masked. We stayed 3 nights at the Yodeler, about $165/night, and one night at Rock Creek Inn, about $190.
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