Yellowstone to Jackson Hole

Day 35

Our day starts off with only slight problems. No big deal.

We are looking to find the easiest route to Jackson Hole, WY. The mountain pass through Yellowstone may still be closed, so we take the second best road. That road takes us toward Idaho Falls, ID. Over the continental divide (7,072 elevation).

All was going well until we started to make the climb up that hill. The ChelseaExpress has been having a tough time breathing at various elevations. Vehicles with carburetors (autos 1987 & older) have trouble getting enough oxygen to mix with the gas in high elevation areas. About 100 yards before the summit ChelseaExpress STOPPED/STALLED from the lack of oxygen.

We though we were going to have to turn around and go back to Yellowstone. Steve, Joe & I got out to stop the traffic so Sully could turn the vehicle around. Sully got it started again and thought he would give it one more try getting up the hill. ChelseaExpress had just enough energy with about 500 lbs less (3 guys) to make it to the top. It was all downhill from there. We look back and wonder what we would have done if we didn't make that summit. We now look for mountain passes that have an elevation below 7,000 feet.