George and Eric's Motorcycle Adventures: Until next year

A magnificent last day of riding. The temperatures got up to the mid 60's with bright blue skies and negligible wind. We could have ridden forever. Instead, we went from West Yellowstone, past a series of geysers (including Old Faithful, which we didn't have the patience to wait to erupt), over Craig's Pass, through the Grand Tetons, past Jenny Lake and into Jackson where we returned the bikes without a hitch at 3 p.m. We did encounter two half hour traffic jams along the way. The first one was because every car ahead of us, 50-60 of them, had to stop for 30 seconds to take photos of the family of elk that was grazing next to the road. The second one was because of a nasty accident involving a big camper trailer and a small Japanese sedan. I doubt everyone made it out of that one unscathed.
At the bike dealer Eric did his paperwork and readied his Jeep while I headed a few blocks over to the AT&T store to buy the new iPhone 5s. No lines, no fuss. The salesman did try to hit me up for the insurance and a bunch of ad-on's. I didn't nibble and was out of there within 20 minutes. Not bad.
After finishing up at the bike dealer, Eric dropped me and my gear off at the Alpine Motel and then headed for his 500 mile jaunt to Dillon, Colorado where he and Celia own a second home. He needed to scoot back to ensure that he could drop off his Jeep and make his Sunday a.m. flight from Denver back to New Hampshire. The thought of driving so far tonight is beyond my sensibility. I just can't imagine. I think I will call him later to see how he is doing.
I am sitting at a small table in the Million Dollar Cowboy bar. I just finished by gargantuan beef burger (I opted out of the elk and the buffalo meat), potato chips and pickle. They don't sell French fries :(. I am now nursing my Bitch Creek Extra Special Brown Ale and attempting to create this final entry for the Fall '13 blog. It's challenging. The place is packed. The band is warming up (Check one two, check, check, check one two three). Alright already. The women at the adjacent table are laughing like rabid hyenas (It's nice to see people having such a grand time). The cowboys, all of them at the four pool tables are hammered. It would be a perfect time for this city slicker to hustle them for a few bucks. College football (Boise State vs Fresno State) is on every TV. The bar stools are actually leather horse saddles sitting on posts. I was going to eat at the bar but the saddles are too uncomfortable. I could never be a cowboy.
I explained to the the waitress how I returned this afternoon from an amazing motorcycle trip through Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and how it was part of an annual passage for my friend and me . She seemed as interested as an atheist in church. That's fine. I'm feeling contented and melancholy and don't need her validation. I could sit here all night soaking in the warm feelings and fond memories. In fact, I just might.
Thank your Eric for the belly laughs, camaraderie, big heart, good cheer and for always having my back. You're one of a kind. Thank you!
Until next years.
p.s. A few more photos;