Simple + Southern Sunday No. 620

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Watching the sun rise on the Teton Range from a valley known as Jackson Hole in Wyoming is a very popular event. It was easy to understand why when Pam and I witnessed it last Wednesday morning. We had to get “up and going” early to be at a good viewing spot before sunrise. Of course the sun’s rays first illuminate that which is tallest and the orange glow on the granite peak of the Grand Teton signaled that the sun was indeed rising!

The light slowly bathes the peaks as the morning moments pass, working its way toward the valley. Some of the glaciers can now be seen. High elevation plateaus like this 60 mile valley were called “holes” by early settlers and mountain men. One well known trapper who came here in the early 1800’s named Jackson was good at his business of trapping beaver. He was so good that fellow trappers began calling the valley Jackson’s Hole. The “s” was later dropped. A large part of the valley and the mountains along the western border are in the Grand Teton National Park, one of America’s most beautiful places in my opinion.

It was around 30 degrees, but we were determined to hang around until the sun brought light to the valley. It actually didn’t take very long. I had planned to time it but in the moment I totally forgot. I realize 30 isn’t very cold but it seemed so because it was in the 90’s when we left home.

Just up the road with sunshine in the valley but still early in the day, a bull elk appears to be doing well with the ladies. I would call him the herd bull since he has managed to gather quite a large group of cows. It is mating season and he has likely had to fight for this spot and may still have to defend his territory against other guys in the neighborhood which have the same intentions. A mature bull elk is the most majestic of animals and my all time favorite animal to encounter in the wild. This group was some distance away, but I have encountered them as close as 6 or 7 yards in the wild. Super exciting as well as a bit unnerving!

Only a couple of miles from the elk herd, pronghorn had the same frenzy going on. A nice size buck was following this group of ladies, but a smaller competitor was nearby. PJ and I had a lot we wanted to see so we didn’t stay around to see if an altercation occurred, but it likely took place if the young dude came too close. Another fascinating thing about creation! Pronghorns are unique to North America and are our fastest animal, achieving 60 mph if needed! They are a beautiful and fun to watch run. They don’t bounce when running but have a level stride. Sometimes called antelope (which they aren’t), they can see about 8 times better than we can!

Turning away from the pronghorns to face west, what do we see…Mt. Moran looming above the morning fog. If you look closely in the clouds, the former full harvest moon is now a waning gibbous. The yellow trees are cottonwoods. Some aspens had wonderful color but in some spots had completely lost their leaves. The cottonwoods however, lined the rivers, creeks, and low areas with gold!

Do you remember the Texaco Star? Texaco is still around, but this gas price has been gone for over 50 years. Zooming in on the photo I noticed 26 cents/gallon. Oh, and don’t forget the 9 tenths. We bought gas nearby and paid $5.39, not twenty six and nine tenths. Folks would’ve shortened it and simply referred to the price as twenty six nine back in the day. Maybe some of you remember?

We happened upon a local artist at work painting the landscape before her. We figure local, but not positive since we chose not to interrupt. We did notice later, while looking at photos, that her cup was orange and had a paw of some type on it. I pulled it in close but could not read what was on it. It honestly looks a lot like a Clemson tiger paw, as in Clemson, South Carolina. I suppose had we noticed the yeti or whatever it is, we may have stopped and chatted (Pam would’ve asked a lot of questions). What was she viewing as she worked on the canvas?…

…this was the scene we were viewing while standing on the trail just above her.

Looking north along the Snake River. The Snake runs through the valley of Jackson Hole. A bull Moose and a cow (here we go again) had just gone into the brush on the right side. I didn’t get ready quick enough to get a photo. As it was now mid-morning, they were likely to remain in the thick until late afternoon.

Not to be out-moosed, we ventured to another area where these big deer were known to hang out. This girl was all alone and resting in the shade of a cottonwood tree. These, like many wild animals, can be very dangerous. I kept my distance. This is the best I could do zooming in since we did not haul long, heavy lenses and my camera all the way to Wyoming! Airports and airplanes are much more of a hassle than in the past, and seemingly getting worse. I was about 100 yards away I’m guessing!

Pam and I love old barns. This was located in a historic area known as Mormon Row. We had been here 8 years ago but did not photograph this particular barn. There were flags and markers indicating maybe some type restoration or excavation was to take place??

Some of my photos on SSS are taken along paths and trails I walk on around home. I often try to find a place to walk when I’m away, and last week was no exception. The scenery was very different, as well as the altitude, which makes a difference too…less than 600 feet most places at home, but over 6,000 along this path. Snow King ski runs can be seen in the distance as I head back toward Jackson. BTW, the town is officially Jackson, Wyoming but mostly referred to as Jackson Hole.

Friendships are made in the blogging world, but rarely do those friends actually enjoy meeting face to face. What a treat for us to have Bill and Sue take the time to drive more than two hours from their home to Jackson last Sunday evening. We were thrilled to meet this wonderful couple, share stories, laugh, and eat a lot of pizza! They are long time readers and encouragers and we are thankful for them!

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone’s Lower Falls was spectacular from this vantage point. We had visited the Upper Falls a few years back on a visit to Yellowstone, but had never seen the Lower Falls. There is a trail to a landing at the top of the falls but time nor energy allowed us to go!

Looking the opposite direction…Beneath the falls the Yellowstone River continues its journey deep in the canyon below this very rugged landscape.

Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park is extremely low. This is just above the dam and locals told us the lake is almost at a level that would exist without the dam. You can see where the water would normally be. A lack of snow melt from last winter and a dry season combine to bring about this scene.