“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!
Thank you Rita. We really like that caption. Our rain total was just under 3 inches and a lot of folks had much more. Hot again mid week but much cooler by next weekend. We do enjoy the blessings of memories and making memories. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
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.
Thank you Rachel. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Tetons as a part of a puzzle. Hadn’t thought of that. Sure would be a good one. We hope you have an enjoyable week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my goodness, these stunning photos really captured the beauty and spirit of the Jackson area, especially the pretty pictures of sweet Pam!! Definitely keeping this lovely post…
You all have certainly been in our thoughts as the weatherman is mentioning the hurricane and Alabama frequently. Very happy to find this post this morning!
Thank you Sue and Bill. Our weather caused no problems right at our place but that wasn’t the case for a lot of people as we see reports. Again, we enjoyed coming out your way and having the chance to hang out with you. Hope y’all have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I’m sending all good wishes that the hurricane doesn’t slam you beyond the rain you’ve already had. And I’m so very glad that you shared photos of your trip. I’ve never been to this part of the US and it is truly spectacular country. It sounds like you maxed out every minute enjoying all the views, the sites and yes, the fantastic food. This post was such a treat. Do stay safe!
Thank you Jeanie and thanks for the good wishes. Rain is all we received and the sun is once again returning this afternoon. We do hope that someday you might have the opportunity to go to that area. There’s still so many places in our country we would love to visit but realize we will have to enjoy and explore them through photos and stories. We hope you have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I was wondering how things were down your way, glad to hear you are safe. Presently it is raining here, this is the 4th Sunday in a row we are getting rain. Our extended forecast is showing a low of 34° for a night time temperature next week. Those burgers and two kinds of fries look delicious. Air fryer fries are a favorite in this house, I use a little grass fed beef tallow, healthier than using oil. Those waffles would be good with Ice Cream For Bears brand ice cream it is sweetened with raw honey instead of sugar, no junk ingredients. Time to dig out the waffle maker. Is it available in your area?Almost forgot, the highlights in Pam’s hair look nice. Have a blessed week.
Thank you Maryann. We have heard of that ice cream brand but I don’t think it is available anywhere near us. Seth and family love their air fryer but we don’t have one. That would probably be a good investment since we love fries and other things fried. Everything gets fried in Alabama. We hope you have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
What a privilege to wander around to get the very best views of Gods landscaping. Amazing. The aspen trees are fickle. We had 9 in our terrace when we moved here that died no mater what we paid to have them live. But we learned that at this altitude, 5365 feet, they can survive no more than 9 years. God made them for higher altitudes. Thank goodness we can have Belgium waffles at any altitude even if they aren’t in category that you had. Praise Him on High that the hurricane did no damage at your home but gave you much needed rain🙏🏻 Blessing to you this beautiful Sunday morning Richardson’s🙏🏻
Thank you Alice. I’ve read about aspens in the past and I’m thinking they are best at 7 -8 thousand feet? They must be fickle. We live below 600 feet and there are things that grow a few miles away at 1,000-1,200 feet that are different and don’t do well here. Amazing how a seemingly small difference matters. But creation is amazing. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
What gorgeous views of your trip. Perfect weather too. Those sweet potato fries for lunch Pam look pretty yummy. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Pam is a fan of sweet potatoes and sweet potato fries. I stick with the regular potatoes. The trip weather was very nice. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I hope this finds you and your family with electricity and no damage from the hurricane. When the warnings went up and the path determined, I knew you would be in the middle of it. We got a little rain but nothing significant.
I love your Wyoming shots. They are magnificent! The picture of Pam with the mountains does look like she is admiring a painting. Maybe some of the aspens lost their leaves early due to the drought as well, although their fall starts really, really early! The burgers, fries, and milkshakes look delicious! It does bring back memories of old burger joints that no longer exist. Waffles on a mountain sounds so tasty when it’s cold! I am truly enjoying each and every shot! Take care. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara. We were blessed and fared well with the storm. A little left over rain this morning but clearing some now. We do like waffles anytime and those were delicious but there is something about cold weather that seems to make them even better. Even above 10,000 feet it was pleasant that day. And yes, most of the burger joints are history. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
Oh Butch thanks for sharing your trip with us. It brings back so many memories of the times the Captain and I spent in Jackson. I found myself saying…”I remember that” or “we’ve been there” on more than one occasion from your post. The lake reflections are always awesome. I’m sure Pam shared that I am reading your suggested book by Seth Lewis, “The Language of Rivers and Stars”…. I Am loving it. I shared a few examples with my Bible Study Ladies…it just makes us appreciate the beauty God gifted us in this world and how He speaks to us through it. God certainly is speaking to us in Jackson and Yellowstone.
Sadly, many of our ole’ drug stores are gone, but we still have our memories and the Captain and I jump at the chance to visit one when a rare one shows up where we are visiting. Pam looks so beautiful with the mountains around her. I just loved visiting with her and plan another visit soon. The burger and fries with Pam’s birthday cake milkshake look so delish.
We just received lots of rain from the hurricane up north, the wind kicked up a bit but not enough to turn over the umbrellas…so all is good down here too. Blessings Always to you both. 🥰🍁🎃🏈🍂
Thank you Kari. We always referred to those drug stores as the corner drug store although not all were located on corners. I guess it was just a way of expressing they were convenient in our neighborhoods. Happy this time you were below the hurricane, not that we wish them on anyone else of course. God is certainly in control of everything. Glad you are enjoying the book and finding it useful in your Bible studies. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
The photos are truly incredible this week! The views are so perfect, they do not even look real, especially Oxbow Bend. (Pam’s hair looks great, btw!). You had me at waffles, but then to throw in soda fountain milkshakes too…oh my goodness. So relieved you came through the storm ok. We got 5” of much needed rain, and the pond has come up significantly overnight. And our Chipley friends were without power for 18 hours but no damage. Now can Fall begin in earnest?!?
Thank you Roxanne. You received more rain than we did. I guess Pam told you my great grandparents farm was in Chipley, Florida. I have a lot of growing up memories from there as my grandmother, mother, and now my sister owns the place just north of town. Waffles and milkshakes, what’s not to love about that. Wish I had a milkshake now. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Waffles at 10,450 feet and milkshakes – I think you did Jackson Hole exactly right! The Tetons are unmatched and I’m so happy you had time to soak up all the good times in nature. Love the image of Pam observing the landscape!
Thank you Mary. We agree the Tetons have no competition when it comes to scenic beauty and the overall Jackson Hole experience is so amazing. Waffles and milkshakes didn’t hurt our feelings either. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my word, Pam and Butch, the reflection photos are mesmerizing!!! I’m going to be looking for opportunities to take pictures like that. Your post has me wanting to revisit the area. Now about all the foodie photos, you are making me hungry!! I want waffles, Pam’s hamburger and fries (because I love sweet potato ones) and oh my, those milkshakes! Goodness! You had a wonderful time and I do love the photo of Pam in viewing the landscape. Have a great week!
Thank you Kitty. Pam also loves sweet potatoes and I’m just an old fashioned traditional eater I guess with regular potatoes. We have some more foodie pics that may show up next week so it seems like all we do is eat. That photo of Pam didn’t even look real but it definitely was right out in the great outdoors. We wish you a happy week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful photos!
Thank you!!
So glad to hear you got rain without wind!
Your pictures of the Grand Tetons are fabulous. They bring back lots of sweet memories. I remember the antler arch. I am also glad that you had cool temperatures and golden fall colors. The reflections are breathtaking! Thanks for taking me on a Stroll down Memory Lane.
Thank you Nancy. Glad it stirred up some memories, especially since they were sweet memories. I read those arches do have to be refurbished but not often as I think the antlers last a long time. I needed to capture that photo of Pam as she was clearly in awe of what was before her and it gives the viewer a little feeling of standing there too. We hope you are enjoying a wonderful autumn week!
Butch and Pam
Oh, and I loved the picture of Pam looking at the mountains! 👏👏
Wow, those waters are super still to give such spectacular reflections Butch!
What a fun adventure you both had!
Praising God the hurricane didn’t cause any damage & you’re both okay.
blessings for the week, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. We had no storm damage but there was plenty in other places. Amazing how still waters can reflect such beauty yet water can be the most devastating thing at times. Hope your springtime is going great. Blessings!
Butch and Pam
I praise the Lord that you two are safe and have electricity. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place with us and the good food, it’s been a while since I was there but I could almost taste those waffles.
Thank you Marlene. I wish there was a way to pass along taste and smell with the food pics. I guess that’s the next thing that someone will invent. Maybe there will be no calories that way? We hope you have a wonderful autumn week!
Butch and Pam
Such gorgeous photos and it sounds like you had a fabulous time – and who wouldn’t amidst all that beautiful scenery! And ohmygosh, the burgers and fries, waffles, and milkshakes all look so delicious. The photo of Pam is great! So glad you took a side trip to Yellowstone to see old faithful. I was last there in 1977 on my honeymoon which was, coincidentally, the summer that Star Wars came out in theatres which we also took in. I only found out about the hurricane yesterday and I’m relieved that it caused you no damage and brought some much needed rain. We had our first snow yesterday (though all gone now thankfully). Have a wonderful week you two!
Thank you Kim. We wanted to cover a lot of ground on our trip but just had to stop by old faithful. We wouldn’t have thought Star Wars has been around almost 50 years but you definitely have something to remember it by. We did get some rain but still hot this week so no snow here. Some forecasters say we might see snow this winter. Don’t know what makes them think so. Glad yours melted because I figure you aren’t ready for snow to stay around just yet. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Such majestic photos. Love the picture of Pam with the gorgeous backdrop. How special to get away and see that beauty. The waffles, cheeseburgers and fries sound delicious. Thank goodness the hurricane just brought rain and no damage. Thank you for taking us along.
Thank you Linda. We certainly needed the rain. Unfortunately most of the time our only real chance of decent rain in October is when a hurricane comes around. Great scenery and delicious food is a wonderful combination. Have a pleasant rest of your week!
Butch and Pam
I am so happy you enjoyed!
Stunning landscapes… Hugs and blessings.
Thank you Maristella. Blessings to you. Hope you’re having a wonderful spring!
Butch and Pam
The photos are incredible! What a fantastic place to visit. And once I knew that the antlers had been shed naturally, I really enjoyed the antler arch, never seen anything like it.
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. Thousands of elk gather every winter in the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. At the end of winter all the bulls shed their antlers. It’s amazing how members of the deer family shed and grow new ones every year. Hope you are having a delightful week!
Butch and Pam
Oh! The elk antlers’ arch, the old cabins, the skyline . . . and milkshakes! What a lovely visit this has been with you this afternoon, Pam. Thanks for taking me on a journey to a place I’ve never experienced before.
Awesome, girl!
I am so glad you enjoyed the arm chair travel. Jackson Hole and the Tetons are one of our favorite places among many!
Your trip looked like such a fun time! The milkshakes looked especially delicious!!