“For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”
Psalm 96:5-6 ESV
The higher elevations of the Teton Range received a dusting of snow one night while we were in Jackson. The remaining fog and clouds the next morning added to the majesty and grandeur of the mountains, giving us yet another unique sight to behold. Back at home however, the story for us was rain and wind this weekend from a hurricane, and predictions of several days of 90+ temps later this week…but low 40’s a week out…that’s quite a change!
An early morning walk gave me an opportunity to find the iconic Jackson Square with its 4 elk antler arches without people…a rare thing indeed. The first arch was erected in 1953. The antlers are collections of the sheds of real elk antlers which are shed naturally by the bulls every year. There are approximately 2,000 in each arch.
A very bumpy dirt road led to this pull out where the view and colors were breathtaking. The Snake River lies just beyond the golden cottonwoods.
Aspens are a favorite. A small grove stands in front of one of the old homes on Mormon Row. Strangely, some aspens were still mostly green, some were their classic autumn yellow, and some trees had completely lost their leaves. The pink stucco house belonged to early settler John Moulton. He built the barn next door which we featured in last weeks post. This historic site was settled in the late 1800’s and 27 homesteads were originally established in the area.
These aspens were probably at their peak. Standing among the evergreen trees makes the gold stand out even more.
We took a few of what I call “side roads”, those less traveled, and sometimes stopped and made photos from the roadside while no other traffic was around. We happened upon the waning harvest moon as it hung in the heavens above this beautiful fall scene, near Kelly, Wyoming and the Gros Ventre River!
As you know, Pam and I are all about reflections. Oxbow Bend on the Snake River with Mt Moran looming in the distance is one of the most photographed spots anywhere. Early morning was a great time for this stop because of the lighting, and on this day, there were few people at this normally crowded, very popular spot!
The bare trees on the right above the river are aspens. We have been here when these aspens were at peak color and it was truly amazing to see. We were surprised to find these aspens had lost their leaves but the beauty of this spot remains amazing, leaves or no leaves! Mt Moran stands at 12,610 feet.
My favorite photo in today’s post…because…well you know why. And the mountain scene is also indescribable. To me this pic looks like Pam was standing in front of a photograph or large wall hanging, but it was truly along a trail in a place known as Schwabacher’s Landing, a very great place to capture…
…more reflections. These channels off the Snake River, aided by beavers, offer wonderful reflections of the Tetons…
…and the nearby forests!
The old cabins, sheds, equipment, fences, and things of days gone by reflect the hard but determined lives of pioneers and settlers. It is good that relics of the past remain and are being preserved. These structures were in a private area so we ventured no closer, but…
…the Cunningham cabin is open to the public and is one of the oldest structures in Jackson Hole. This Appalachian style cabin is in the Grand Teton National Park and you can venture inside if you wish (I did). The Cunninghams called this their home from 1888 to 1895 while they built their ranch house and later used this as a barn. I am really surprised that it is open to freely walk around and through, however I feel like a lot of park visitors overlook the small road that leads out to a trail that is a short, easy walk to the cabin. One couple came as we were leaving.
Corbet’s is not a cabin in the woods but a destination at the top of Rendezvous Mountain where the Jackson Hole Tram (Big Red as it’s called) will drop you off at 10,450 feet. The “cabin” was originally built in the 1960’s as a construction shack for the first tram. You might guess that during ski season this is a very busy place. But, Corbet’s has a claim to fame that has folks dropping by all summer and early autumn. The scenery is awesome no doubt, but it is all about the waffles. Yep, waffles, as in those things we love to eat.
I know it is probably thought of by many as a “touristy” thing, but let us tell you that the waffles are as good as you will find. They are considered to be some of the best in the country! We had the Belgian, served very simple, nothing fancy…and we enjoyed them sitting outside at a picnic table with a stunning and somewhat unusual view.
As I mentioned, the view from our picnic table was not what you might expect. I wonder what the hourly rate is for this excavator? Whatever it is, it would be a lot more $$ if I was expected to operate up here. Back to the waffles, they began serving those in 2009. A man named Barry Corbet came to Jackson Hole and became a well known and accomplished ski and climbing guide, hence the cabin name!
When I was little, my mother and I would walk about two blocks to a corner drug store where I remember the fountain cokes, food, ice cream, and shakes as being the best things in the entire world. It was a big deal for a 5 year old. The Jackson Drug Company opened in 1919 and is currently owned and operated by the great grandchildren of the original owner. Located in an old rock building right on Jackson Square, this drug store serves up some really good food and also brought back memories. PJ said, “please hurry with the photos so we can eat”! We understand the beef is local and comes from the owner’s ranch!
The milkshakes were as good as it gets, maybe better. Pam had birthday cake and I chose cookies and cream. They bring the containers that the shakes are mixed in to your table, and there is enough shake left to completely fill these milk shake glasses (old fashion soda glasses) again. A week’s worth of calories!
A beautiful autumn afternoon eating outside at the corner drug store is taken to another level when your table is on the corner of Jackson Square in Jackson, Wyoming. I think we had the best seats in town!
We couldn’t travel so far and not venture a couple of hours from Jackson into Yellowstone National Park. We had seen Old Faithful on a previous visit, but Pam and I decided that watching Old Faithful erupt was simply something that was a must…almost a requirement! We timed it well and had only a short wait after arriving, and the crowd was not bad at all.
We wish for you a beautiful and peaceful October week!
(As I write on Friday evening we are waiting on a hurricane or at least the remains of one. We thought we would finish and schedule, just in case we do lose power.) But, as of yesterday afternoon, we had received needed rain, wind but no damage, and no loss of power at our house…much to be thankful for!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Such gorgeous views of your trip sights, Butch and Pam! Those reflective water views remind me of a poster of a similar reflective image I had in my teenage room with the caption, ” Tou never really leave a place you, love. Part of it you take with you, leaving a part of you behind”. I posted it in my early blog days with a more current photo of our local scenery.
Big Red is the tram we rode for paragliding take off! So very glad Pam celebrated another trip around the sun with you in a memorable place.
Thanks for sharing your memories, and I’m happy the hurricane delivered rain without damage. Our rain was/is slight by comparison, but still welcomed!
Such gorgeous pictures of magnificent views. Some of those would be fun to do as a puzzle, especially those of relections. Thankful you have no damage from the hurricane, just much needed rain.