Read Above the Bridge for Free Online

lakes were scattered throughout the area, some easily accessible by car and others hidden away, only to be reached by way of challenging trails.  The abundant wildlife - elk, moose, bears, wolves and bison, among others – had clearly picked a suitable area for their native habitat.   Foliage and berries were abundant during spring and summer months and the backcountry allowed isolation from humans.
    Winters were a different story.  Harsh weather, sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall kept most of the national park areas closed while roads remained unplowed.  Though snowmobiles carried adventure-seekers into some of the more distant terrain, ski slopes closer to town were the main draw during these tougher months.
    Paige paused for a minute, looked out the window as the rain continued to fall.  She thought about the Blue Sky Café and the Sweet Mountain Inn, both appealing as individual, non-chain businesses.  There were other unique establishments in town, as well, like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, known for its bar stools made of saddles.  Eateries included pizza parlors, steak and game houses and upscale sushi bars, as well as many offering Chinese, Italian or Thai cuisine.  Though a town of the old west, it had clearly learned how to artfully feed its residents and to cater to the palates of modern day tourists.
    Paige closed her eyes and tried to imagine what the town must have been like years ago, in the late 19 th century, when settlers arrived and homesteaded, began trades and started the development of what would become such a popular destination many years later.  She could almost hear the rustling of skirts as women walked along the wooden sidewalks.  She could imagine the clattering of hooves from horses trotting through town, some carrying newcomers looking to settle, others bringing mail or supplies.  She tried to imagine the buzz of conversation that must have taken place on the very streets she had been walking herself the last few days.  It would have been an entirely different scene than the one she was witnessing now.
    Returning to the paper and pen before her, she sketched out these new impressions. Putting away her notes, she reached into a black, leather case which was leaning against the writing table, pulled out a small, compact laptop, gathered her thoughts and began to compose an email to her editor.
     
    To:  Susan Shaw
    From:  Paige Mackenzie
     
    Re: Article on Jackson Hole
     
    Hi Susan,
    I’ve arrived in Jackson, which is turning out to be the most fascinating place.  I can’t get over how different it is here.  The people are wonderful and the entire town is quaint and peaceful.  Aside from the massive tourism, that is.  Thanks for sending me after the summer rush was over!
    I’ve been staying at an inn not far from the center of town, a place called the Sweet Mountain Inn.  I’ve had a small room, nothing fancy, but everything I’ve needed for these first few days.  Being able to walk to most everything in town has come in handy.
    As it turns out, I stumbled into a small cabin not too far north of town, on the land of a local resident who makes log furniture.  He offered it to me for a very reasonable rate, based on a weekly rental.  I think it’ll be a good place to absorb the area and begin to set it down on paper.  I’ll move over there tomorrow, at least for this week.
    I haven’t started drafting the article yet, but am taking notes and recording initial impressions.  I’ll be able to start putting these thoughts and details together a few days from now, which will give me plenty of time to get it finished before the deadline.
    I’ll touch base with you soon, to let you know my progress.
     
    Say hi to everyone in the office.
     
    Paige
     
    Clicking on the “send” icon, Paige shot off the email, turned off and snapped shut the laptop and placed it back in its case.  She still preferred to jot