Over Snowy Range to Lincoln, NE

Leaving Saratoga, we took a leisurely pace over the Snowy Range mountains to the interstate in Laramie - we encountered few other people and the mountains were the prettiest we had ever seen them. Once we got to the interstate, we picked up the pace, except for an extended stop at the Sierra Trading Post outlet in Cheyenne to take advantage of the bargains we couldn't pass up. The disadvantage of speedier travel on the interstate is the prohibition of stops to take advantage of some very nice photo ops. But we did make an obligatory stop in Sidney, NE to partake of some runzas for lunch. After a long day on the road, we pulled in to Lincoln, NE for the night - regret we didn't have time to see more of the city, but we were in late and out early in order to arrive in Branson in time to see the Razorbacks play Texas A&M on television.

Encampment and Sierra Madres

Everett and Renie took us up through the historic western town of Encampment to the Sierra Madre mountains in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Yet another very impressive landscape. We were delayed for a few minutes in Encampment as a cattle drive was in progress right through town - with eight real cowboys and their cattle dogs moving the cows down the highway - a neat diversion. We went up the mountain as far as the Battle Lake campground - and on the return we were greeted with several rainbows, which we weren't able to adequately capture with the cameras, but we nevertheless were impressed and considered them good omens. Battle Lake in the valley below Historic marker at the Battle Lake overlook Renie took this picture that captures the incredible fall colors

In Saratoga to visit the Grubbs

For the second consecutive year, we were able to spend time in Saratoga, WY to visit my cousin Everett and his wife Renie, and some of their kids and grandkids. Last year we had visited in July to attend a family reunion. This year our stay was included as part of our grand tour because we are very fond of our relatives here and we always enjoy spending time with them. On our way from Lander, we made a stop in Sinclair to have lunch at the Su Casa restaurant – as recommended by our relatives who had grown up in this refinery town - it was worth the stop. In Saratoga, we were treated to dinner at the historic Wolf Hotel, lunch at Saratoga Inn, and dinner out in moose country at the Rendezvous. And in between, Renie fixed some wonderful meals. I fished in the North Platte for a few hours and did not meet with the same success as I had enjoyed last year. We also got the grand tour of the Saratoga area, including viewing all the homes and other properties that the family construction company have built. We just really enjoyed visiting with Everett and Renie, son Rory, son Lance and his wife Carly, and their two beautiful daughters Sophia and Haley. We have confirmed on this trip that we are very blessed to have such special family and friends and we are so looking forward to hopefully seeing all of them again in the near future. At the Rendezvous: left to right; Sophia, Lance, Haley, Carly, Everett, Renie, and you know the rest Haley with Cash Sophia and Cash Charlcie and Chili

Lander to Saratoga

Pronghorn Inn - Lander, WY Nice place to spend the night Wind River Range from Beaver Rim: Wind River range has 53 peaks over 13,000 feet elevation Split Rock Valley; site of Pony Express station and part of the Oregon Trail route We saw several herds of antelope enroute

Teton National Park to Lander, Wyoming

Leaving the Teton National Park at Moran Junction we went over the Togwotee Pass in Bridger-Teton National Forest, took a side trip to Brooks Lake in the Shoshone National Forest, had lunch in Dubois, and continued on through the Wind River Indian Reservation to Lander. The landscape takes on many different appearances on this route, and all are spectacular in their own way. Brooks Lake Brooks Lake Antler deer in Dubois Tackle shop in Dubois Wind River Range Wind River Range

More from the Jackson Hole area

We have really enjoyed the hospitality of the Scotts. They have hauled us all over the area to share with us some of their favorite haunts - scenic areas, wildlife viewings, dining establishments, and a little culture at the National Museum of Wildlife Art (special!). They contributed so much to our Jackson/Teton experience and it was so good to share the time with them. Great food and fellowship on top of all the tourist things was just so enjoyable. After a fantastic week-end, we left today, headed east. The Scotts and Tabors at the most expensive land we have ever set foot on - an exclusive development overlooking the Snake River Valley and the Tetons The Tabors and Scotts with the Gros Ventre Slide in the background Black bear cub in top of berry bush: Moose-Wilson Road Black bear cub again taken from our car window. The folks on the roadside just 20 yards from the cub are probably oblivious to the fact that its mother is probably nearby and things could get ugly Moose cow on Moose-Wilson road Tetons in distance, reaching into the first clouds we had seen during our visit there Our last glimpse of the Tetons

Week-end with Ed and Patricia

We called Ed and Patricia Scott, our friends from Fayetteville, for advice on fishing the Teton area as they are part-time residents and spend a lot of time in the outdoors here. We thought they had already returned to Arkansas, but to our surprise they are leaving here about the same time as us. They invited us to stay with them for the week-end, and we were happy to oblige. We have had a great time already as they are great hosts and tour guides - having a hoot visiting, touring, fishing, dining, and just hanging out. We are here for the perfect weather and fall colors. The last night of camping at the Signal Mountain campground, we were visited by a black bear that came within 20 yards of our tent. The staff gathered and moved the bear out of the area. Did a 4.5 mile hike to see a grizzly on a carcass at the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve - Ed and Patricia had spotted the grizzly earlier in the week. We saw the carcass, but the bear had moved on - but we still enjoyed a beautiful hike along the Snake River. Followed that by a hike down the Snake River to fish for a couple of hours - Charlcie and I caught no fish although we had some takes - but what a setting and it was a treat to hear the elk bugling as we were leaving the river. Black bear pic taken from our tent site Aspens at base of Tetons Cool dining place Moose family at Moose Junction in Tetons Jenny Lake Jenny Lake, Tetons at sunset, taken from Signal Mountain Crowds of photographers at every photo op Chapel in Tetons View from inside chapel out the back window - inspirational in itself Carcass without grizzly bear, but with juvenile eagle ready to dine Serious angler