Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 18: August 30th, 2006 Dubois — Jackson

Like last year, I have breakfast at the Chandler’s Ranch House Restaurant next door. The service here is absolutely extraordinary and fantastic. Also the breakfast is good and plenty. Then I pay and drive to the city to a gas station. Around a quarter past ten I drive back to the ranger station. There they confirm my worst fear: The pass is closed due to the strong winds, which have turned to the direction of the pass. Anyways, I buy the maps, which I already would have loved to have last year.

Historical Marker Union Pass, WY

Then I drive on Highway 26 to the point, where the road to Union Pass leaves. There is also a historical marker for the Wilson Price Hunt Expedition. Sure I video tape this marker and take pictures. Then I decide to drive the road as far as I am able to.

Road Closure Union Pass, WY

After a short drive I already realize, that it was worth to do so. There are picturesque views down into the valley. I am able to drive for a long time without any issues. It almost feels like there is no road closure. But then I see a ranger at the top of a small hill and shortly after the road closure sign.

Ranger Justin, Union Pass, WY

I have a brief chat with him and ask, if I am allowed to drive over to the closure sign for video taping. That is fine for him. While doing my video taping I get the idea to do a little interview with him. I drive back to his car and ask him, if he wants to do it. He immediately agrees and also likes the idea. Ranger Justin tells me something about the fire and why they must close the road, even when the fire is still this far away. It all started 3 weeks ago as a small fire caused by lightning. But suddenly it started to be huge and there was no chance to bring it under control since then. Due to the strong winds, the fire can cover huge distances within a blink of an eye. Therefore they must close the pass. If it is really getting critical, the road must also be free for the fire fighters in order to reach their destination as fast as possible.

Union Pass Rd, WY

Union Pass Rd, WY

I say thank you for the interview and give him my card to stay in touch. Then I drive back to Highway 26.

Highway 26/287, WY

Like last year I cross the Togwotee Pass to the west. Around 1pm I am up there and stop for a nice lunch break.

Highway 26/287, WY

Highway 26/287, WY

Afterwards I enjoy for the second time the views of the valley on my drive down and over the Continental Divide.

Highway 26/89/191, WY

Then I continue through the plane to Jackson.

Around 3pm I check in at the local Super 8, which I am able to pay with my collected points. I put my stuff into the room. Then I decide to approach Union Pass from the south as far as possible, until I am stopped again by a road closure.

Highway 189/191, WY

First I drive south on Highway 26/89/191 to Hoback Junction. Then I continue on Highway 189/191.

BLM Rd 5201, WY

BLM Rd 5201, WY

BLM Rd 5201, WY

BLM Rd 5201, Green River, WY

BLM Rd 5201, Green River, WY

Pronghorn, BLM Rd 5201, WY

BLM Rd 5201, WY

I follow this one until I reach the backroad following the Green River. But unfortunately I am not able to reach the point, where the road in direction of the pass would depart. Suddenly I am not able to continue due to private property. This costs now a lot of time. All in all I am already traveling for an hour on these backroads. So I must drive back to the highway.

Highway 352, WY

I shortcut a bit by taking Forty Rod Rd to reach Highway 352 and the “official” road to the starting point of Union Pass Rd.

Union Pass Rd, WY

Slowly it is getting really late. But I would really like to reach the road closure sign. In the meantime I also see the smoke rising from the forest. The fire must be really huge. But also the views from the road are really great. After a long drive I reach the exit to Mosquito Lake. Because the inclines are getting steeper and to avoid that my transmission is running hot, I put in 4LO. But when I put in the gears I hear a loud bang and the sound of some tooth slipping over a chain. Oh no, have I blown up my chain?

There are scary stories around from chains who went through the case. Already expecting the worse I jump out of my car and take a look underneath to see, if oil is leaking. Lucky me, nothing is to see there. So at least the transfer case housing should be good.

Union Pass Fire, Union Pass Rd, WY

Cattle, Union Pass Rd, WY

Union Pass Fire, Union Pass Rd, WY

Union Pass Rd, WY

Very carefully and with an unpleasant feeling I drive in 2WD back to the main road — always hoping that the chain will not get stuck somewhere. Today is Wednesday and unfortunately Labor Day Weekend is approaching. Therefore I already expect the worst. But for know I first must make my way back to the highway.

Green River Lakes Rd, WY

Green River Lakes Rd, WY

Highway 352, WY

The miles back feel almost endless. But finally I arrive at Highway 352.

Forty Rod Rd, WY

Then I shortcut again via Forty Rod Rd, like on my way before.

Highway 189/191, WY

Historical Marker Astorians, Highway 189/191, WY

A little bit relieved I drive back in direction of Jackson. On my way back I also find a historical marker which mentions my expedition. For all that, I cannot resist and make a brief stop for video taping and pictures.

Sunset, Highway 189/191, WY

Sunset, Highway 189/191, WY

Sunset, Highway 189/191, WY

Slowly the day comes to an end and on my drive back I have once again the opportunity for a sunset. Then I drive into the night back to my motel in Jackson.

Around 9pm I eventually arrive. After I have put the stuff into my room, I drive over to the Village Inn nearby. There you can have dinner, even at this time of day. However, the service is more than bad. It takes 10 minutes until the hostess is willing to give me a table. Then it takes an eternity, until I get something to drink. Although the server is sitting not far from me and sorts the silverware!

Eventually this was the last straw and I walk over to her and ask for a refill. She only looks at me baffled and brings me some more. But there were no apologies. Never ever I had such a bad service! Accordingly conservative I am now with the tip. I pay and leave the restaurant absolutely disappointed.

Back in my motel, I first look for some garages. I am able to find two and with the help of a motel employee we try to find them on the map. Unfortunately there are not all roads written on these overview maps. So I only have some rough clues. Hopefully this will work out tomorrow…