Wet, wet, wet

Forgot to mention in the blog yesterday that we came through a town named Bethlehem, famous for the purity of its air and a mecca for hayfever sufferers before the days of antihistamines. We didn't stop, but miracle of miracles, Jim didn't sneeze once whist we were passing through!
This is the view we have through the window whilst having a comfort break in our present hotel, the Inn at Thornhill!

We decided after breakfast that whatever the weather, we needed to work off a few of the extra calories we've consumed since being in America. Consequently, we set off on a five and a half mile circular walk round Jackson in the kind of drizzle that wets you through. Some of the roads were steep and slippery when wet.

 We should have seen lots of mountains but just like yesterday, the mist completely enveloped the peaks and they were hidden from view. We did get some good photos of the river and Jackson Falls in full flow,

 but it was nice to reach the end of the walk by the town bakery where we had refreshing drinks and a shared slice of pumpkin pie. Next to the village green is a replica of wooden roller that used to be pulled around by six horses to flatten the snow in winter. This made the roads passable for use with sledges.

 The whole of the region is in full Halloween mode right now and so everywhere we go there are displays of pumpkin people and witches and ghouls. I can just imagine how over-the-top the residents of Salem, Massachusetts go at this time of year.

The wet weather continued into the afternoon so we visited a designer outlet south of Jackson but the shops are all separated by large car parks so you have to drive from one to the next. Walking seems to be discouraged wherever possible.
This evening we are looking forward to an American Wine Tasting organised by our hosts. The inn has been given a prestigious award by the Wine Spectator Magazine so it should be good. In our wine drinking experience so far there has been surprisingly very little American wine on offer in the places we've stayed, so we hope to remedy that tonight.