You learn something every day, especially when you arrive somewhere new and chat with the shuttle driver. I discovered that the town I am based in is called Jackson, and it is in the valley of Jackson Hole. And walking around the centre of town, I discovered that Jackson is very wed to a western frontier vibe.

There are covered sidewalks made of wood planks, old time-y building facades and an entrance to the town square made of (I’m sure faux) moose antlers and bones. In the centre of the square is a sculpture topped by a cowboy on a bucking bronco. There’s nothing cheap about Jackson, though. This place radiates money.

And what a beautiful backdrop to the town. The ski runs seem to rise out of the streets themselves. The setting is really very impressive. Here are six more of my images of Jackson.

There are six of us on this tour with our leader Russell, a Texan with the gift of the gab! He is also a professional photographer who is along to help us if we need help. We went to a wonderful (and expensive) restaurant for dinner, and for the first time on any tour I have been on we had free run of the menu, whatever we wanted and as much as we wanted – appetizer, main meal, dessert. Wine was extra, and I had to have a glass now that I am an (almost) aficionado.

Russell ordered two appetizers of “Jumbo Garlic Shrimp” which we all assumed was a prawn cocktail. Two dishes of this arrived.

I had the curry carrot soup (yummy), scallops and the crème brulée for dessert, and just managed to waddle out. The meal was amazing, and everyone enjoyed their choices.

Tomorrow the real picture taking starts. We leave the hotel at 5:45 am, not returning til around 3. The weather promises to be cooperative, and I am looking forward to some fabulous scenery. Hopefully I’ll have some nice photos for you tomorrow. See you then!