By simply clicking on each photograph will enlarge it so that you can get a real sense of this beautiful country.

[1]

February21, 2010

Our winter has been totally lacking in snow. This weekend was the first time we have had any for over a month and for 3 days it has lightly snowed off and on leaving about 4 inches covering the Wind River Valley. It is a crisp sunday afternoon with evidence of clearing skies when Vicki and I decide it is a good time for a drive to check out the Bighorn Sheep in Whiskey Basin. Possibly the snow has driven the sheep off Whiskey mountain where they usually spend their winter days. The badlands east of Dubois are sporting a new clothing of winter white. It is a very dry snow and won't last long as a covering as the slightest wind will blow it off in a hurry. Right now it is a marshmallow world and the ending storm has cast a heavy mist on the surrounding countryside. Lingering snow squalls send occassional snow showers of dry snow that falls like sifted cotton.

[2]
February21, 2010
We turn off the hiway towards our destination in Torrey Valley. A seven mile scenic drive. Clouds from passing snow showers are hiding Arrow Mountain in a veil of misty blue. Alternately showing off and then hiding the mountains snow clad summit.

[3]
February21, 2010
Another snow shower engulfs us as a number of Mule Deer Bucks cross in front of the truck and after a short distance as is so typical of these animals decide it is safe to stop and check us out. There are no giant bucks in this batchelor herd but one in particular has an awfull wide spread to his antlers. We watch them awhile as the snow falls heavily for just a short time almost hiding them even from this short distance.

[4]

February21, 2010

We guess right and no sooner drive past Ring Lake than we encounter several ewes and this fellow all foraging along the hillside. By counting the rings on this fellow I guess him to be 6 years old. They are sure scraggly looking this time of year. It is not easy making a living in winter conditions.

[5]

February21, 2010

We pass Trail Lake and drive into the upper meadows near the University of Wyoming Conservation camp and are greeted with sheep covering the valley floor. Rams, Ewes, and Lambs. There are over 100 sheep scattered across the area. What a great sight.

[6]
February21, 2010
There are quite a few Rams particularly close to the road. A wildlife artists dream as they are doing every great pose that one could ask for. There are some pretty good size fellows here.

[7]
February21, 2010
A number of Rams are so close to the road and where we park that it does not take a telephoto lens to get great close up shots. Such beautiful animals with that bright orange eye, "Here's lookin'at ya'."

[8]
February21, 2010
The clouds are breaking up exposing the peaks and the glaciers at the head of the valley as misty apparitions peering down on us. There is even some blue sky showing.

[9]

February 21, 2010

We go up to the end of the road at the Glacier trailhead. Pretty much leaving the wildlife behind us. I do spot one sheep on the hillside above us but the retreating storm is leaving some beautiful light effects. Clouds are swirling across the faces of the peaks high overhead. It is cold but refreshingly so. Torrey Creek is completely frozen over. Even though we have had little snow this winter it has been a fairly cold one.

[10]
February 21, 2010
By the time we return to the hiway the clouds have really burned off except along the Wind River mountains as well as along the Absarokas. They are hidden in mists and snow showers. The snow covered badlands are covered with a white frosting against a cobalt blue sky. It was well worth making the trip. I shot nearly 100 photgraphs of Sheep. Lots of material for paintings to come.