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

Leaving YNP for Great Teton National Park

Perfect weather (fleece and shoes/socks early, short-sleeves/sandals later), aspens in full gold and orange color, wildlife on the move getting ready for winter - a perfect place and time. After our extended stay in Yellowstone, we headed for the Tetons for a 4-day stay before heading southeast for a few days with relatives in Saratoga, WY. Staying at the Signal Mountain campground - a bear box for each campsite and we're glad we're sleeping in the truck. We've already seen moose and expect to see many more - as well as bear, since they are very active in this area. Some of the images of the scenery will be hazy due to some prescribed burns in a couple of areas of the park. Geyser field northwest of Old Faithful Kemper Cascades in west Yellowstone Lewis Falls in west Yellowstone Bridge over Crawfish Creek in west Yellowstone Crawfish Creek/Moose Falls in west Yellowstone Jackson Lake in northern part of Teton National Park Meadow with aspen grove in Teton National Park At brim of Moose Falls At brim of Moose Falls

West Yellowstone, MT

Just a couple of blocks outside the Northwest Entrance to Yellowstone Park, this is a small town with a fly-fishing problem. No less than six full-fledged fly shops, most of them legendary. A YNP visitor center is here also, which we visited often to get information and to read email, update the blog, etc. It's another one of those quaint western towns that just feels right - it's fun to hang out in this place. Since it was only 14 miles from our campsite, it was real handy to sneak into town. On every trip, we observed the lone trumpeter swan in the same place - and there was always a group of folks taking its picture.

Return to Lamar Valley

We have been told by the Park Rangers that we are lucky to be experiencing weather patterns that are unseasonably warm, 70s and 30s. This is 10-20 degrees warmer than normal and they had snow here this time last year. We wanted to return to the Lamar Valley on Tuesday, and while there, travel on further to the Northeast Entrance gate to Cooke City. This retraces an area where we exited the park when we brought Ben here. I cannot adequately explain nor can pictures depict the pure natural beauty of this area and the feeling of awe when you are in this area. My serious fishing time was curtailed somewhat due to the moving herds of buffalo that chose my favorite fishing area as their thoroughfare, even swimming thru my fishing hole - Charlcie took a video but it wouldn't upload). With the flare-up of the "Antelope Fire" blocking the sun and casting a bronze haze across the valley, Charlcie and I retreated to our chairs and just observed as dusk was setting in - herds of buffalo moving briskly across the valley to their nighttime destinations, two antelope chasing each other at full speed and darting among the buffalo, and other wildlife getting positioned for the most opportune time for predators and the most dangerous period for their prey. Don't mean to sound too corny, but it really is a moving experience. Also had the pleasure of meeting another professional photographer today. Frank Hildebrand focuses on wildlife and his fantastic images can be viewed on his website, www.hildebrandphotography.com Retired fire truck in Cooke City. Past its prime but retaining a lot of character from years of experiences - kinda like Charlcie and me We had breakfast here 18 years ago Northeast Entrance to the Park Baronette Peak; the white spot in the middle is a baby mountain goat - the mother was resting. We saw them thru a friendly person's spotting scope Bison herd loitering around my favored fishing spots - I retreated Smoke from the fire over the mountain blocks the sun - creating an otherworldly feel Smoke filtering the sun - the sun appeared as a bright red ball What a scene! Miles of the most beautiful valley I did catch a couple more cutthroat and missed several more A little friend that I encountered several times