As we headed out of town under sunny skies, we noticed (like yesterday) a fair amount of road construction. As we drove further east of Idaho Falls, the small industry plants gave way to agriculture fields. In Targhee National forest the fields were replaced with conifer trees and snow covered mountain peaks in the distance off to the northwest (possibly the Gravelly or Madison ranges). We passed through Island Park -a  quaint tiny town with log cabin structures including Anglers Creek Inn.

We arrived at today’s destination and lucked out with a room at Old Faithful Inn. We didn’t really expect a vacancy, but our philosophy “If you don’t ask, the answer is no.” paid off. After stashing our stuff in our room, we went to the upper patio of the lodge to relax and view Old Faithful do its thing. One of the employees told us this was the best spot to view Old Faithful Geyser. We agree. It was wonderful sitting on the patio with full sun shining on us. As an added bonus we got to visit with people from different parts of the country including nearby Jackson. Dinner in the lodge dining room was very good as well.

After dinner we returned to the patio to soak up the last rays of sun and warmth while we enjoyed the Zinfandel port from Mayo winery in Sonoma, CA. We have 2 regrets: it was so good we drank it all znd we didn’t have room in the Miata for more than 1 bottle. As the sun started sinking, the temperature also dropped. We went inside the upper level lobby balcony to relax. We were treeated to a performance by Martha Colby. She is a very talented musician who sings and plays the cello and piano – classical, jazz, and pop. What an unexpected treat!! We also viewed a spectacular sunset!

Old Faithful Inn will celebrate the120th anniversary of its opening tomorrow, June 1. It was added as a National Landmark Designation in 1987. It has survived “severe winters, a 7.5 earthquake, and the fires of 1988”. Some surrounding buildings burned, but the inn was saved because of the efforts of firefighters, a 1 year old roof sprinkler system, and a change in wind direction. The inn was designed by architect Robert Reamer from Ohio. “He utilized local materials to recreate a forest indoors.” The lobby is made of lodgepole pine from 4 miles south of the inn. The original lodge known as the “Old House” had 140 rooms. We are staying in the west wing which was added in 1927; the east wing was added in 1913. The inn now has 300 + rooms