Check out Armani the cat!

Popularity: 9% [?]

SAVE THE DATE!

JOIN SANTA CLAUS & HIS ELVES for:

PAWS’ HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS & TOYS FOR TAILS

Teton County’s largest animal adoption event and pet toy drive of the year!

DATE: Saturday, December 12, 2009

TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

PLACE: Albertson’s Parking Lot

PARTICIPATING SHELTERS: Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter, Animal Humane Association of Star Valley and Targhee Humane Association

Remember there are hundreds of pets waiting for their forever homes in our 3 local shelters. Consider adding a furry friend to your home this holiday season!

If you can’t adopt, PAWS will be accepting NEW dog treats, cat toys and other pet essentials such as bowls, beds and bones during our FIRST EVER toy drive for our local homeless pets!

All goodies donated to Toys for Tails will be distributed to our 3 local shelters.

Live holiday music, free coffee, hot cocoa and holiday treats will be provided by PAWS of Jackson Hole!

For more information on this FREE Community Event,

please call PAWS at 734-2441.

Popularity: 18% [?]

November is National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Check out Sapphire . . . a beautiful kitty!

Popularity: 6% [?]

In a recent blog I addressed the question “Are we there yet?” in terms of real estate making it to the bottom of its decline. In this entry I would like to discuss where we are now. It is a similar question but the answer comes from a different perspective.

To explore the answer I would first like to present something on greater real estate market trends, cycles and phases.

In phase one we see numbers of sales increasing but prices are basically flat.
This occurred in Jackson Hole from approximately ’95 to ’98 and is typical for a market where growing supply meets growing demand and other factors in purchasing are stable.

In phase two we see numbers of sales increasing, but prices increasing too. This occurred in Jackson from ’99 to ’04 and it is typical when growing demand exceeds supply. There were a few bumps in this time period for the dot com bust and the 9/11 attacks.

In phase three sales decrease but prices still increase! We saw this during ‘05 and ’06 when demand was still strong, there was very little inventory available and there was lots of wealth in the marketplace competing for the limited housing.

In phase four we see numbers of sales decreasing and prices falling. Does this sound recent and familiar? It was late ’07 through mid ’09. In its extreme it can mean market collapse and we have certainly seen large equity losses though not the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

So back to the question we started with “Where are we now?” Since spring we have seen a slow, and I mean painfully slow, increase in the number of real estate transactions but prices were still falling in the early part of the year. That was the tail end of phase four. The return to beginning of the cycle at phase one now appears to have arrived. MLS statistics show greater numbers of sales and the prices of properties seem to be stabilizing. The transactions that are closing seem to have set a market bottom. The stabilizing of prices is very important but for those sellers who have never admitted to themselves that this is now a buyers market, there may be a price decrease necessary for their listing to get it sold. The last ‘phase one’ lasted about 3 years.

To get to phase two where prices begin to rebound is normally a function of supply and demand. We have a large supply in inventory but fewer contractors around building new homes and ever tightening restrictions on development, so the high supply may not last a long time. We have certainly reduced the demand side of the equation, but there is still a growing population that needs shelter. Technology such as on line meetings, email and satellite links are allowing people to live in more remote locations like Jackson and still be productive in more traditional urban jobs. It will take time and only time will tell!

John Hanlon

Popularity: 11% [?]

There are lots of black labs at the shelter –
Come on in & have a look!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Please join PAWS of Jackson Hole for their radio show “PAWS for Pets.” It airs every first Monday of the month at 3:00pm on the community radio station, KHOL (89.1 FM).

On November 2, Amy and Rose will talk about the dangers of holiday decorations, in addition to what foods are poisonous to pets and how to avoid overfeeding them during this cheery time!

Popularity: 6% [?]

So many kittens are available . . . in all colors, shapes & sizes!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Energy Sustainability Summit

On Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, join state, regional and national experts in a statewide dialogue on energy efficiency and money saving energy innovations. Experts and innovators will gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to discuss energy efficiency initiatives and how to finance them. The event will take place at Snow King Resort, Friday from 8:15 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 8:15 am to 1:00 pm.

The event will have six panel discussions led by local, regional, and national experts. On Friday panel discussions include energy efficiency, Wyoming’s renewable energy opportunities, system-wide innovations (Smart Grid and other innovative technologies), and financing energy efficiency and the new energy future. On Saturday panel discussions include the economic benefits of carbon offsets and the role of fossil fuels in an energy constrained future: exploring opportunities for cheap, reliable, available energy in a carbon constrained world. The cost to attend both days of the conference is a very reasonable $35.

The objectives of the conference are:

• List of recommendations at the community and state level
• Outline of a community action plan
• Higher levels of commitment to energy conservation and efficiency
• Research projects on energy and financing
• Networking opportunities for state, county and municipal leaders to share resources, highlight service providers, and generate community support for energy sustainability

There are two free events at the Center for the Arts on Saturday evening as part of the conference:

· At 1:30 there will be a public screening of the movie, ‘Crude’ with opening remarks by John R. Tozzi from Cambridge Investments. From acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger (Brother’s Keeper, Paradise Lost, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster), Crude is the epic story of one of the largest and most controversial environmental lawsuits on the planet. The inside story of the infamous “Amazon Chernobyl” case, Crude is a real-life high stakes legal drama, set against a backdrop of the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidly-disappearing indigenous cultures.

· At 7 PM R. James Woolsey, Former C.I.A. Director and energy efficiency advocate will deliver the keynote address for the Energy Sustainability Summit

The Energy Sustainability Summit will kickoff on Thursday, Oct. 22^nd with the Action Plan Resolution signing at Snow King Resort. This monumental occasion will feature the signing of the Energy Sustainability Project between the Town of Jackson, Teton County and Lower Valley Energy. This will be followed by a discussion led by Larry Pardee, Director of Public Works Town of Jackson on the baseline data energy research done by the Town of Jackson.

For more information on the Energy Sustainability Summit and the Energy Sustainability Project tune into KHOL 89.1 Tuesday Oct. 20^th at 3PM to listen to Lights Off, community radio’s local sustainability program. This week’s show will feature a discussion about the upcoming conference and the Energy Sustainability Project with Mayor Mark Barron of the Town of Jackson and Larry Pardee, Director of Public Works Town of Jackson.

350.org International Day of Climate Action

Saturday, Oct. 24^th 2009 is also the international day of climate action orchestrated by 350.org. 350.org is an organization whose goal is to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from its current rate of 387 parts per million to 350 parts per million. 350 parts per million is considered to be the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is safe for humanity. 350.org is calling on people around the world to organize an action on October. 24^th incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community, and then to upload a photo of their event to www.350.org . Over 3,972 actions are being conducted in 164 countries.

In Jackson not only are we having the Energy Sustainability Summit on Saturday October 24^th, we are also having an event at 1:00 PM at the Davey Jackson Elementary School to recognize the International Day of Climate Action. The event is organized by InterConnections 21 and sponsored by 1% for the Tetons. The event will feature a keynote speaker, tree planting & refreshments. As part of 350.org call to action, InterConnections 21 will be planting 350 trees in Teton County over the next year.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Xander is under 2 … and he’s waiting for his forever home.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Meet Princess — she’s a pug mix looking for a home!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Last winter I went to Teton Mountaineering for a pair of skis and ended up buying a complete new backcountry setup…. whoops.  After I got over the initial shock of having dropped over a grand before 10:00am on a Wednesday, I decided to do some shopping around online.  I learned that I could have bought the same gear for about $250 less online and momentarily doubted my purchase. Then I realized I certainly couldn’t have gone to backcountry.com for help fitting my boots (which, as the guys at TM know, takes a while) or gotten a great deal for getting my skis tuned.  

How about the awesome Christmas present I bought my boyfriend last year?  I got it at Teton Village Sports and it turns out I have no idea what size he wears.  Instead of having to ship it back somewhere or drive to Idaho Falls to return it, he was able to drop by TVS after skiing one day, get a store credit (because what he really wanted was a new pair of skins) and still make it to the Calico for happy hour with, incidentally, some of our friends who work at TVS.

The point I’m making is that it’s important that we spend our money here in Jackson Hole when we can.  I know that’s not always a reality, but as long as people are “thinking Jackson first” our buying habits will fall in line.  It’s in this vein that the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce decided to start a “buy local” campaign.  The Chamber will be running ads in the local media, promoting via The Lowdown (our e-newsletter), providing information on our new “buy local” website (to be announced at the kickoff party on October 14), providing window decals, merchant bag stuffers and posters for our member businesses and bumper stickers for the public.

The campaign aims to:

• Educate consumers on the benefits of buying locally. These benefits include:  more jobs, tax revenue that supports our trails, nonprofits, parks, community events, and an overall strengthening of the Valley’s economy.
• Educate consumers on the wide range of products available here in Jackson Hole and encourage them to “Think Jackson Hole First” before going outside of our local economy to purchase products.
• Encourage local businesses to patronize local vendors and businesses when possible in recognition that by buying locally they are helping to recycle Jackson Hole dollars through our community and economy.

44 local businesses businesses have already pledged money to help sustain this program by becoming founding sponsors and we received over 120 slogan entries for our “buy local” slogan contest.  We chose 5 entries and those finalists are set to find out who won the grand prize (a 3-day Stay & Play in the park, courtesy of Grand Teton Lodging Company) as well as the prizes for the runners up (including a night stat at Hotel Terra, a spa treatment at the Chill Spa, a family membership to the National Museum of Wildlife Art and a Grand Teton Music Festival BRAVO! membership) at the buy local kickoff party, October 14 from 5-7pm upstairs at the Snake River Brew Pub.  The party is open to everyone!

A special congratulations to our finalists (in no particular order):  Christie Reinhardt, Will Ferguson, Nikki Melanson, Steffan Freeman and Kevin Olson.  Interviews with each can be heard on the JH Chamber’s radio show October 13 from 3-3:30pm on 89.1 KHOL.

A special thank you to the founding sponsors of the buy local campaign who have helped make this campaign a reality and I look forward to seeing you at the Snake River Brew Pub October 14 for the kickoff party!  Questions? Contact April Hankey with the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at 307.733.3316 x18 or april@jacksonholechamber.com.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Snake River Brewing will once again be honoring the annual tradition of Oktoberfest. The festivities start at noon on Wednesday, October 7th, as the Brew Pub turns into an authentic German beer-hall serving traditional Bavarian foods and brews.

Salzberger Echo, the live “Oom-Pah-Pah” band will be on hand in the evening with their Tyrolean music, elk-horns and bells starting around Happy Hour. So bring your leiderhozen and be prepared to bust out the “Chicken Dance.”

On tap you’ll enjoy our Alpine Fest Oktoberfest which will be released on that day, along with our Rolling Thunder Dortmunder and six other incredible brews.

Executive Chef, Ryan Brogan will be serving up a traditional fare of German foods, including Bier-Rocks, brats, sauerkraut, pork-shank, a sausage plate and spetzl. YUMMMM!!!

This is our biggest day of the year and we’ll have additional beer and food stations to satisfy your Oktoberfest needs! And hey…don’t forget that our SRB Beer-Maids will be adorned in their dirndls serving up liters of lagers and our traditional German bill of fare!

Popularity: 14% [?]

September has been glorious. Days have been dominated by sun and warmth with occasional overnight frost. We have received some snow in the high country but it only remained on the north facing slopes and has basically melted. Hiking and climbing options abound with stellar clear skies, few bugs, and great mountain views. It is a great time of the year to be in Jackson with endless recreational choices, beautiful fall colors and great wildlife opportunities. But now the forecast calls for change with a predicted rain/snow mix. The last day of the month proved cool and wet.

I did summit the Grand Teton on September 17. It was AWESOME! I climbed with my husband, Rustin, and senior Exum Guide, Kent McBride. After living in the area for over twenty years it was breathtaking to see the valley from our highest peak, 13,770 feet. We climbed the upper Exum ridge and I truly recommend the experience. Learning to climb is great fun. You can’t beat the views and the excursion is challenging but doable with a great guide.

Kent McBride is a local with years of climbing and skiing experience. He shares his knowledge with grace and confidence. While teaching us the art of climbing with the focus of safety, he shared local history, made us laugh, and pointed out the mountain terrain. You can’t beat the endless places we have to explore whether climbing or skiing and Kent has the expertise to make the trip memorable and fun. If you do want to reach Kent, send him an email l. Mother Nature was kind to us and gave us a stellar day with little wind and clear skies. Fond memories were made and I will always look at the Grand Teton a bit differently after standing on the top.

Nature is definitely on the move. Birds are flocking and migrating to their winter territories. Elk and moose are mating with the evening hours filled with the eerie elk bugle. Pronghorn antelope are in harems with the buck standing majestically over his females.

The Pronghorn, Antilocapra americana, is native only to North America. Both males and females have horns and the bucks are fairly easy to pick out of the herd since they have the pronged horn. Females have unbranched horns usually shorter than their ears. The pronghorn mate in the early fall and will soon begin their long migration to southern places in the state. They can migrate over 200 miles to windswept plains and exposed sagebrush.

The sky is filled with a smoky haze since a few different fires burn in the area- some controlled burns, some lightning fires and some due to camper’s neglect. The warmer afternoon temperatures cause them to build and billow and then they dampen at night with the cool evening air. Fire is very important in our dry climate and is Mother Nature’s way of rejuvenating the forest. This is a very important process with many old trees and insect infestations. Important nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorous, are byproducts of fire so replenish the soil and spur new growth. Fire burns in a healthy way if it doesn’t get too much fuel becoming uncontrollable and wild. When you see the large dark cloud of smoke, it is important to remember the significant role fire plays to keep the forest healthy. I do know that fire is affecting road closures in Yellowstone so look for the latest update if you will be visiting this fall.

The autumnal equinox was September 22-day and night of equal lengths. The changes in light as days continue to shorten signals the upcoming season of winter. Species prepare. Change is coming.

What’s in the woods-
9/2- Pole Canyon- Stellar jay, Indian paintbrush, larkspur
9/7- Victor, ID- great horned owl calling
9/9- Darby Canyon- mature rose hips
9/11-Paintbrush/Cascade Canyon- grass of Parnassus, monkey flower, larkspur, glacier lily seed pods, clark’s nutcracker
Bald Eagle by String Lake!
9/13- Moose Creek- large Aspen tree with bear scratches covering its’ trunk and beaver browse at the bottom- cool
9/16- Garnet Canyon- picas, shrubby goldenweed, monkeyflower, raspberries
9/17- summitted Grand Teton- spectacular day!
9/20- Teton Pass- two bull moose
9/25- Yellowstone Park- fires burning, bald eagle, pronghorn, bison, elk, mule deer
9/26- Boiling River- American Dipper
9/29- Fox Creek- leafy aster, mature rose hips

Tour Suggestion-
A fall favorite of mine is a visit to the Boiling River in Yellowstone. It is a natural hot springs where the hot boiling river from the Mammoth Terraces mixes with the Gardiner River. You relax and soak where the hot and cold waters meet. It is very refreshing and natural with the feeling of touching the center of the earth. Yellowstone is geologically active with the hot spot beneath it so you are soaking in waters heated deep within the earth. It is wonderful. To reach this special spot, you drive out of Mammoth towards Gardiner, MT. As you leave the town, you wind down near employee housing, as the road turns north look for your next pull out on the right. It is a parking area with an informational sign about the hot water. You walk down the path along the Gardiner River and you can’t miss the hot water seeping out of the earth, the alluring steam, or the happy faces of fellow soakers. All you need are river shoes, bathing suit and towel. It’s a bit slippery when you climb in but there is plenty of space. This is a great fall adventure since the water is too high in the spring to enjoy safely. Have fun and listen for the elk bugle while traveling through the park.

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit our web site.

Popularity: 6% [?]

We have all been on one side or the other of that question during long car trips, remember? It seemed like it would never end! That is how this recession feels to me and many others. And this trip is on a very bumpy road with no fuel stops, rest rooms or scenic turnouts.

So, are we there yet? Let’s look at some real estate statistics for clues:
·        In August new listings out-paced sales by nearly 3.5 to 1.
·        At the current rate of selling property it will take over 55 months to sell what is listed today, but that is better than it has been. Last Feb. that number was 177 months! Property is selling over three times faster now.
·        Total inventory of homes is down 6% from the peak just over a year ago but is still large compared with historic levels. (note: those historic levels were so low that demand could not be met and contributed to the steep climb in prices)
·        Total inventory is now at 4815 units (homes, condos, vacant land, commercial) when Star Valley, Teton Valley and Pinedale area listings are included.
·        In Teton County, WY alone there are 650 listed residences.

You may notice that I focus on inventory statistics. It is simply that the supply side of the market now dictates the conditions. Since the inventory is high but nearing stability it is probable that prices are stabilizing now too. So, “Are we there yet?” If not, we are darned close.

Lending rates will likely have an impact on the market at some point. As the Feds spend huge amounts of money and finance debt selling it to investors, both foreign and domestic, inflation will set in and rates will rise. At first this may trigger a land rush to buy before rates rise too high. Then it will slow demand and we will no longer ask if we are there yet, but instead, ask if we can go back.

If you need a map, give me a call.

Popularity: 6% [?]

This week it’s all about the kitties.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Click to download the PDF

Please join PAWS of Jackson Hole for their radio show “PAWS for Pets.” It airs every first Monday of the month at 3:30pm on the community radio station, KHOL (89.1 FM).

October’s show will cover the custom dog home PAWS donated to the Community Safety Network, in addition to the new ad campaign PAWS is doing with Mayor Mark Barron and High Country Linen about the importance of not littering our trails with used poop bags.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Despite the euro raising prices, Barcelona is still an attractive destination for the off-season in Jackson; it offers a rich culture, luxurious accommodations at a great value, and of course you get to practice that Spanish you’ve been studying so hard. Amidst the fear of the economic crisis, many star-rated hotels have been offering discounted rooms for the on-line traveler, especially in the off-season, lucky you! Another new feature being offered by stylish hotels this summer is drinks at the rooftop, where guests and locals alike can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city while cooling off with a drink on the terrace, again ¡qué suerte!

You may want to practice the authentic Spanish you’ve been studying at Z language school by asking “¿me cobras, por favor?” to the friendly staff at Bliss cafe at Plaça Sant Just, the perfect stop for your downtown adventures. And what should you have? I’d suggest the homemade artichoke quiche and the dark chocolate pie with nuts. It is the perfect pick-me-up to continue exploring El Born neighborhood with its avant-garde art galleries and fashion. For the more athletic travelers, you may then proceed to the beachfront, La Barceloneta. Pack your wetsuit for a fun time catching waves while kite-surfing, the latest sport at the beach this summer. Chill after the workout like the locals: in a chiringuito with a caña and some aceitunas and just watch people go by.

For those with a sweet tooth, the little “granjas” at carrer Petritxol have been serving “suizos” for as long as we can remember. Enjoy this thick, dark, hot cocoa topped with real whipped cream “merienda” as a little afternoon snack just as the locals do.

As for the latest buzz in the art world, on the first Sunday of each month all the museums in Barcelona are free from 3 to 8 in the evening! Plan your trip accordingly and enjoy what the city has to offer. We would suggest a trip to the Picasso Museum in Calle Montcada, and then a bite to eat in the lovely XVth century palace of Museu Textil, where the restaurant serves delicious “platos del día” at very affordable prices in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. To make the evening spark even more, stop at the Txampanyet in Montcada 22 for some bubbly toasts ¡”Salud”, “chin-chin”!

Popularity: 9% [?]

It’s the last week of August. I sit at my desk and listen to the rain softly fall on the leaves and the plants below. It whispers change and possible snow in the mountains. It is soft, light as a feather, consistent and peaceful. This month has seen diverse weather. We have reached 87 degrees and snow has fallen in the mountains. It is a month of contrast. Hot days but also frosty nights. Day length shortens, change begins, geese fly in formation, blue birds’ flock…they ask, ‘should we go or stay’?

Nature continues to flourish but there are some fall colors in the plant world. At lower elevations, the vegetation is beginning to pass and turn color but you can still find fields of yampah and blooming asters. Yampah was a great food source for the local people. It has a sweet, nutty flavored root and I have fond memories of smiling boys as they dig in the soil with their new knives bought on their first trip to Yellowstone. They dig to find the treasure. You have to be gentle and massage the soil so it will release its’ grip and give you the small and tasty tuber.

I would classify August as berry season. I have tasted succulent huckleberries, service berries, choke cherries, gooseberries, currents and thimble berries. Tasty treats as you hike along. Since we have had so much moisture, we also have great berries. Huckleberries are found in the lodge pole pine forest. The bush grows about 1-5 feet tall with thin, bright green, ¾-2” long, finely toothed leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. They are a great source of vitamin C and tasty! You can also eat the leaves. They are similar to blueberries and you have to decide which you like better.

I did get the excitement of running into a black bear. He or she was walking with a purpose and certainly was enjoying the freedom of the trail. We stopped and it kept coming. We moved off the trail but couldn’t get that far since the bear was walking at a consistent clip. Before it crossed our path, it jumped off the trail and went around the opposite side. It was interesting to watch because it did ensure its’ “personal space”- the distance it needed between us. We did have our bear spray out but it wasn’t needed. The bear had its’ plan. We shared the trail and off it went. It happened so fast- here one minute and gone the next. We warned the approaching hikers but my guess is the bear was long gone.

I did hear about a small bear in the String Lake area. The rangers are trying to protect the bear from all the people who were grilling hamburgers and leaving bags of chips lying around. I am sure you have heard of the saying, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” Most bears are naturally afraid of people but if they get fed, they lose that fear with the desire for hamburgers. I hope the bear survives. We all need to be extra careful in bear country to keep our food safely stored so they don’t get a reward and become habituated.

I also saw the cutest pine marten!  They are carnivores and in the weasel family. They might be cute but they are also feisty!

July and August have been busy months in Jackson. With our wet June, the summer season took time to start but these last two months have been hopping. Our visitation is down, but business’ seem to be doing alright. People do come to visit the parks and you can’t beat this area with all the protected land, wild animals, and fun things to do.  September will mean cooler temperatures, fall colors, the mystical elk bugle, and a slower pace in the Tetons. I am ready for the change.

What’s in the woods-
8/1- fresh huckleberries
8/8- Moose Creek- fields of yampah, Indian paintbrush, berries,
8/9- snow in the Tetons
8/10- grey, cool, overcast
8/11- Shadow Mountain- fields of yampah, harebell, geranium, ripe serviceberry, fireweed, bull moose
8/14-Grand Teton National Park- pipsissewa, female mule deer, james saxifrage, monkey-flower, golden eye, townsendia, moss campion
8/15-Pole Canyon- monkshood, white angelica, cone flower, erigeron, leafy aster, red squirrel, chickadee, nuthatch
8/17- Highway 22- bald eagle in power pole
8/19- Jackson, WY- Geese flying in formation, cool, overnight frost
8/20- Victor, ID- flock of mountain bluebirds
8/21- Ski Lake- ripe huckleberries, yampah, yarrow, horsemint, Indian paintbrush, Hot- 87 degrees
8/22- Paintbrush Canyon- huckleberries, grass of parnassius, elephant head, monkey flower, englemann aster, thick stem aster, black bear!
8/23- Victor, ID- rabbit brush
8/25- Blue Miner Lake- thickstem aster, lupine, pine marten!, bear tracks, clark’s nutcrackers

Trail Suggestion-
One of my favorite summer hikes is Table Mountain in Teton Canyon. You do have to drive over Teton Pass to access the trail but it is well worth it. The entire distance is 12.8 miles round trip with 4100 feet elevation gain. The hike has beautiful meadows and forested areas with a few stream crossings. It is a great area to explore whether you summit the mountain or not. The summit is directly across from the Grand, Middle and South Teton so you can’t beat the views. To access the trailhead, you drive up and over Teton Pass on Highway 22 and continue north to Driggs, Idaho. The highway number does change to Highway 33 as cross the state line. When you reach Driggs, you turn right at the lighted intersection and drive to Alta, WY. After you drive through Alta, you will see the sign and the right turn to Teton Canyon. You drive 4.4 miles to the trailhead. The first climb is a bit steep but then the trail mellows so it does suit all abilities based on how far you want to go. Have fun, be prepared and enjoy the time in this magnificent country!

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit The Hole Hiking Experience.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Attitude is the theme for this economy. We keep hearing about consumer confidence, a measure of attitude.  Depression is a really big attitude and that is exactly what the crash in 1929 created. But this time it’s different. Consider this:

There are about 9 Trillion dollars on the sidelines awaiting a safe investment but making no real returns right now.

The government is selling bonds and printing a lot of money with a falling GDP, so inflation seems inevitable. If we have inflation then the future dollars to pay back loans later will be cheap dollars!
A sensible place to move money is hard assets such as real estate (you can’t live in or rent your stock portfolio). The population continues to grow and people have to live someplace whether they own or rent.

Buying a house now is a great deal if you have some money and/or good credit. Inventory is high, prices have fallen and credit is cheap with money at about 5% on a fixed 30 year loan. Americans are used to a much higher standard of living than in the great depression and soon may grow weary of doing more with less. Sure ‘less is the new more’ but people will still want the real more.

So what is stopping us? It is an attitude of uncertainty. We are uncertain that we have hit bottom and we are uncertain about leadership. Polled likely voters recently gave congress an approval rating of under 10 percent! Without faith in leadership we tend to become frugal, cautious and more uncertain. Locally, in Wyoming, we are less influenced by Washington and can move with somewhat more confidence. Our state economy is still strong and we can be more confident. Still, many of our local incomes are generated by outside sources so we are not immune. We need tourists to come, second home buyers to spend money in shops, restaurants, on services and recreation to fuel this economy a major source is consumers buying second homes. When will they feel confident enough to do so again? They are scared and hurt - somewhat like a person who has lost a loved one, though not so emotional. They will go through stages of recovery and some people will go through those stages faster than others. Some will never feel safe again.

As a nation we are saving more than we used to do and this trend will continue for many years. Savings help build a sense of confidence and that helps defeat uncertainty. One of our best traditional savings places is our homes. Not only do they help us save but we can live in them - unlike an account at the bank. A fixed rate home loan is a fabulous hedge against inflation too.
If you need an attitude adjustment and you want to get rid of that feeling of uncertainty, real estate is still a good option you should consider.

Popularity: 9% [?]