OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

2011-10-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

A new storm-quick moving rolled through the high country yesterday leaving a little more new snow on the mountains and rain at lower elevations. Aspens are dissapearing fast but what a color year with more reds in the leaves then I have ever seen. willows hang on leaving color with the racing clouds skirting the Pinnacles with veils of light and dark. Brooks Lake Creek adds an encor to the scene.

2011-10-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

A lot of our Aspens have lost their leaves but those that remain are contrasted with the white of the snow.

2011-10-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Wind River, just a stream here, flows through a changed world of white at sunrise

2011-10-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Winter has set in in the high country. We have only received a skiff in town but the mountains surrounding us have a nice fresth white covering. There is close to two feet in the mountains. It does make for a beautiful landscape and should pretty well lay down the fires that have been burning for the past several months surrounding us.

2011-10-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

There are many beautiful streams that course there way out of the Wind Rivers and the Absarokas. this is just one of them. Warm Springs Creek in fall dress. So named because of the warm springs that feed into it in the canyon below this spot. the heat of that water keeps the Wind River ice free for many miles including its passage through Dubois.

2011-10-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

My kind of road.
Brent Creek Road at the heighth of the color season for Aspens. They are all ready beginning to fall and with the predicted storm with snow forcast by tomorrow the gold season will soon be over.
About a mile above this spot an Oil well is to be drilled that could possibly change this area forever. Fracking is also a possibility. I guess my feelings are that if we are having to look for oil in such places then we are way overdo in finding alternate energy sources. It is heartbreaking.

2011-10-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

The rising sun floods the Aspens along the Brent Creek road revealing a surreal effect against the smokey background of the Winchester meadows below.

2011-10-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

The sun rises above Brent Creek. Beginning of a new day.

2011-10-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

South Fork of Fish Creek in a sea of willow covered meadows at 9,000 feet along the continental divide. This is prime grizzly country. And great fishing.

2011-10-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Heading back towards town we stop for a few pixs looking back through the Aspens at the now visible Ramshorn Peak. Quite a morning of color and new country for me. I have to thank my guide for the morning, Laurie Ideker, as this ara is closed to the public and with her help I was abloe to get some great photos and reference for some great painting possibilities.
Thanks, Laurie.

2011-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The clouds are finally lifting and dissipating as we leave this old ranch offering a view of the Ramshorn to the north. We watch a doe with three fawns come over the hill above the ranch and bound their way across the face of the hill dissapearing into the Aspens below.

2011-10-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

A rather cool NE breeze is blowing making for a chill to the air. Far to the west I can hear an occassional elk bugle. Low clouds are slowly dissapating and we wait for a view of the
Ramshorn Peak now hidden above this old ranch. It is no wonder the builder of this place so long ago chose this site for a home. Hard work had to be tempered by the beauty surrounding his place.

2011-10-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

The gold of Aspens highlight a mountain ranch barn NW of Dubois, Wyoming. Accompanied by an Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever-could life get any better than this?

2011-10-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

The golden season is upon us. Aspens are nearly at their heighth in colors. There seems to be a little more orange showing up this year. Maybe from such a wet beginning then dry from July on? At any rate the colors are spectacular.

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Haze from now four fires filters through the rising sun and across the Gros Ventre River. The air smells of wood smoke and it even burns the eyes. And yet is even this seemingly destructive quality of nature there is beauty

2011-09-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Our weather is quite warm for this time of year hitting near record breaking numbers. Wyoming has recorded records at a number of locations though the mid 70's here in the high country is not too bad. Our two fires to the NW and NE are still going putting out a lot of smoke in the afternoons when they really flair up. Hunters are streaming into our area with a lot of horses and camps being put up in the back country. Trees are really beginning to change colors now. Fall is upon us.

2011-09-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

Wild Geraniums are showing off their colors on forest floors

2011-09-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

The rising sun casts a golden light onto the waters of Horse Creek still in the shadow of the mountains above. A heavy frost covers willows and grasses.

2011-09-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Mule Deer have now all asumed their winter coats. Even the Fawns have lost spots and look like a smaller version of their mothers.

2011-09-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us. Yesterday morning a little front came through that dropped the tempertures pretty well. It was 27 degrees this morning. No moisture but fog was rising as the sun also made its appearance.

2011-08-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[1]
I have an appointment with the Meyers family, friends from Scottsdale, Arizona and Tory and Merideth Taylor for a get-to-gether lunch at the top of Bonneville Pass on the continental divide east of Brooks Lake near Dubois, Wyoming. Devon Meyers was with us on most of our wilderness art packing adventures a few years back.

I arrive a little early and seek out the little boys room which happens to be the first outhouse at the Brooks Lake east campground. I am a little shocked upon entering fo find a rug in front of the privey. To the side is a table with a table cloth and on that are a number of magazines, an Orvis catalog and paperback books and a wildflower bouquet in a glass jar. A hand sanitizer container sits there also. An old dial-up telephone also sits atop the table. Its cord going nowhere. A few pictures adorn the wall. I don't remember if it smelled in there or not but if it did you would not have notices with all this decor. Someone has a lot of imagination and fortitude. Later in the day I asked my friend who is the cmpground host at the adjoining campground. He informs me that the host there did it as a lark. He tells me that the U S Forest Service actually got a letter from a camper complaining that the phone did not work.??? Guess some folks expect everything. I think it ought to be included with Ripley's Believe it or not.

2011-08-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

August4, 2011
[2]
We all meet at the Bonneville trailhead and right away have to ford Bonneville Creek. It is a lot higher than normal for this time of year attesting to the fact there is still a lot of snow in the high country. This trail has only been open for negotiating in the past couple of weeks and I hear horses are still having to negotiate a big snow drift dropping off the pass into the upper DuNoir. the event leaves us all with wet feet for the remainder of the day.

2011-08-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[3]

The deep reds of the Wyoming state flower. The Indian Paintbrush. The red being only the coloration of its leaves like a poinsetta. The flower is only an inconspicuous green buried in all that red. This is a parasitic plant deriving its nutrients off a host plant. Coming in many variations of color from mountains to plains-it is spectacularly beautiful.

2011-08-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[4]

The slow climb upwards is through open forest and meadow eventually leaving the creek views of the breccia Cliffs and Sublett Peak are at our backs. Clouds create fast moving shadows that dance across the landscape. Blues, yellows, reds, and whites of wildflowers surround us with their sweet odors.

2011-08-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Augus 4, 2011
[5]
We pass a beautiful side valley that ends in a circular bowl at the top. Jules Bowl still contains a lot of snow from this past winter.

2011-08-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[6]

Near the top we come to one of my favorite spots along the trail. 7 Falls. A tiny stream that courses its way off the slopes of Austin Peak above dropping on below into Bonneville Creek. It is a pleasant soothing fall of water creating a melody of sound.

2011-08-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[7]
We reach the pass and have a quick lunch as the mosquitos are terrible. I am sure we all received our protein with every breath. Bonneville Pass is a long stretched out meadow ringed by peaks on all sides befor dropping off into the upper DuNoir to the east. It is usually very wet walking and this year doubly so. We left the trail and headed for higher ground to get out of the watery quagmire. Bighorn Sheep can often be spotted on the peaks above but not so this day.
After lunch Merideth and the two Meyers kids are busy searching out and picking various edible plants. Merideth is teaching a class on this very subject in Dubois this weekend. There are plenty available. Along with some no-no's that she points out to the kids they quickly accumulate what they need. Those kids are really into this-tasting and picking away.

2011-08-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[8]

It is an uneventful hike back to the trailhead. I had really expected to find bear sign on the trip. but nothing. We did find here and there along the trail an old wolf track in the dried out mud. Crossing the creek was no big deal as my boots were wet from the days activities.

Coming back out from the trailhead I drop in on Richard, the campground host at the Brooks Lake west campground and friend of mine who has taken to doing plein-aire painting. We visit a while and I move on taking a few pictures such as this favorite scene of mine of the outlet of Brooks Lake.

2011-08-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011
[9]

The Breccia Cliffs to the west of Brooks lake with the trail heading out into the far back country makes for an end of day photo. Many pack trips originate here and head into the Teton Wilderness Area. The Thoroughfare, and Yellowstone are acessed by this trail and covers miles of the most extensive wilderness in the continental United States.

2011-07-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Using the excuse that I am Bear hunting-it is really the other things that I see and run across that makes for such an interesting life. It is always a surprise to run across what I do find out there. Every excursion I am not disapointed by those surprises. I have always been a morning person and all my life I have had such exciting encounters in the wild. I count it a true blessing by my God thay I have had the life I have. And to record it on canvas and photograph and to make a living doing it is an added blessing. I do hope you enjoy the latest posts from the past few weeks.

2011-07-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

The other evening I jumped up this fellow who spent as much time observing me as I did him. He finally had enough and hopped over that barbwire fence. Further along a number of Pronghorn Antelope friends raced me befor veering off and dissapearing. the fastest animal in North America with binocular vision they have really increased their numbers in this area.

2011-07-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

A good 45 minutes were spent jsut watching and listening to this herd of Cow Elk with their calves in tow as they grazed across a mountain hillside all the while talking to each other as they went. A Bull elk was above itn the timber bugling constantly. It is way to early for that and rather strange behavior for this time of year. Maybe this years weather has everything confused

2011-07-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Incredible morning and evening vistas such as this looking into the five Pockets-headwaters of Horse Creek greet me everytime I go out. Except for the now appearing mosquitos it is pure pleasure to be out alone with God and nature.

2011-07-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Early the other morning I ran across mother and calf moose waiting for the warm sun to make its appearance.

2011-07-13T05:32:00.001-07:00

Found this young grizzly grazing a forest meadow west of Dubois.

2011-07-08T07:41:00.001-07:00

I ran across this Mother grizzly and her lone cub the other evening. Such a powerful animal. Such a scarey animal.

2011-07-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Continuing my ventures in the high country with the excuse of looking for bears I ran across this black bear that I am afraid I woke up. He was a little sleepy looking befor finally deciding to venture out through the aspens foraging wilflower salad.

2011-06-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

June 25, 2011
Ran across this little fellow this morning keeping pretty close to Mom.

2011-06-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Finding Grizzlies has seemed to become a hobby for myself and fellow artist, Les Lefevre. They have been fairly common to find. I told Les maybe we need a new challenge. Say Cougars?
But what a magnificent animal.

2011-06-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2011
We were headed for home from a day in the Tetons with Les and Kathy Lefevre. Les having to deliver some art work to the GRAND TETON GALLERY in Jackson, doing the gallery scene and a great hike during the afternoon to Hidden Falls in Cascade Canyon when this mother Sow and her two cubs suddenly appeared from the willows momentarily. What a show they put on as the two cubs followed mom for a short distance befor she took them back into the willows.

2011-06-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2011
Mother Grizzly headed down into a stream bed out of sight but for several minutes each of the cubs would periodically stick their head or completely reveal themselves. Full of curiosity they just could not seem to get enough of checking us out.

2011-06-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

[1]
June 19, 2011
I was priveleged to be able to witness an incredible show performed by Mother Nature the other morning.
Rising at first light I headed up the Union Pass road towards Warm Springs Creek in hopes of photographing several Moose I had spotted the other day when we had dinner at the Crooked Creek Lodge. Soon after leaving the hiway on the way up the mountaiside I stopped along the road to watch seveal hundred head of elk that were scattered across the mountainside. Cows and calves made for a peaceful pastoral scene. I had the window down listening to the conversations between elk mothers, their calves and themselves.
At the upper end of the sage covered hills where they blended into the dark heavy timber a number of elk were suddenly very attentive to something in that timber. Then a number of them began running down the mountain side. I put the glasses on them to see if I could see what had disturbed them. A large Sow Grizzly and two of her yearling cubs were charging headlong into the herd scattering them across and down the mountainside. A fairly large number had gathered together in the melee and were running panic stricken down the steep slopes.

2011-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

[2]
June 19, 2011
The elk cleared this barb wire fence with ease and surprisingly the Sow hit it in a leap knocking out the top wire. One of the cubs hung up a little going through but with no harm done they were off following mom. At the bottom of the hill was the river and the elk did a U-turn and headed back up hill. The cubs seemed a little winded and dropped out of the chase but without missing a lick-mom was up the steep hillside at full speed. I am impressed with how fast she continued the climb after the long run down the mountainside.

2011-06-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

[3]
Not wanting to miss the show I put down my camera in exchange for my field glasses and missed shots I should not have.
It was about this time I noticed two other animals who had joined in on the chase. It was 2 wolves. Mother grizzly was within feet of grabbing a calf elk when one of the wolves grabbed her on the rear hip knocking her down. She was up in an instant and charged the offending wolf who merely sidestepped the charge. As soon as she tried to return to the chase one of the wolves would be at her heels. This went on for some time while the two cubs had slowly climbed the hill to rejoin her. The elk by now had climbed the hill and come up against a buck and pole fence where they were seemingly cornered.[notice the wolf on the left side of the photograph]

2011-06-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

[4]
June 19, 2011
The three bears were continually trying to climb the hill towards the elk but time and again they were harraassed by the trailing wolves. The sow would periodically charge the wolves to no avail as they nimbly avoided her.

2011-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

[5]
June 19, 2011
The bears finally make a run up towards the cornered elk and I thought they would have no trouble getting one for breakfast. They passed right by them vaulting through the Buck and pole fence andon up the mountain with the two wolves right behind hounding them as they went.

2011-06-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

[6]
June 19, 2011
From the way this procession is moving I think if I head up the road to the first switchback I can beat them and maybe get a few more pictures. I arrive just in time to see 4 elk barreling out of the timber looking behind at something down in the timbered draw. I know what it is and I am not going down there to see.

2011-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

The wildlife seem to be thriving in our part of the world with all the moisture and now that the grass is growing. we have ever increasing Pronghorn numbers and right now they are pretty shaggy looking still loosing that winter coat. This doe has to have a fawn somewhere nearby but unless you stepped on it you would never see it.

2011-06-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

The river is behaving its self this morning with a cool front coming through night befor last. Only hit 63 yesterday and in low 30's this morning. Helps a lot with the run off. Snow showers raced across Whiskey Peak above town all day yestrday and the wind represented the name of our area well.-Wind River Valley.
Snow is forcast today in Dubois but this morning looks pretty good out especially with those sandbags around the house. Our trees are leafing out and looks a little more summrish every day.
Now why did Vicki put that snow shovel away?

2011-06-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

Last evening about 8:30 pm our place was invaded by over 30 Duboisians. Boy Scouts, friends and even some folks I did not even know. It was organized chaos with trucks, trailers, dogs cats. O K maybe not cats. All pitching in to lay a sandbag line around the 2 vulnerable sides of my house. In 45 minutes the job was finished.
For the past week many volunteers met at the Town garage filling sandbags in preparation for this even. My wife had blisters on both hands from filling sunday afternoon.
A great big thank you for all those wonderful people who gave of their time and energies to give a lending hand. Small towns are the way to live.

2011-06-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

The river is rising pretty fast now with the temps up to 80 degrees but helps to get down into mid 30's night time. Is to be cooler next few days and that is a blessing. Still waitning on sandbags that were to be delivered yesterday. Hopefull today. Snowed last night on the mountains above town and still snow showers falling there this morning.

2011-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Driving down the horribly rutted Burroughs Creek Road I nearly missed this gentleman tucked in amongst the willows. This old Bull Moose with his antlers just now growing out seemed perfectly at ease in the warmth of the morning sunshine.
Our river continues to rise and is nearly to the grass. It hit 81 yesterday by far the warmest so far this year and to be pretty warm again today but cooling off for the rest of the week. 35 degrees overnight though is a big help in controlling the melt. Sand bags will be delivered to my house today and put out in a few days. The fun is beginnig in Dubois.

2011-06-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

The early morning sun has barely crept over the divide seperating Horse Creek and the Wiggins Fork. A Mule Deer Doe walks along a snow melt pond casting her reflection upon the cold water. It is what you missed this morning by not being with me north of Dubois, Wyoming

2011-06-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning June 4. beautiful brisk morning with a temp of 26 degrees. Our anticipated snow melt is slowly begining and is to pick up steam this coming week. A way above record snow pack promises scarey times for those of us who live along the Wind River. Torrey Creek here is just begining to show its rage in frothing cascades as it tumbles out of the mountains.

2011-06-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

What you missed by not being with me in the Upper Wind River Valley thursday morning. New life is making its presence known such as this newly born Elk calf. Saw several that morning. Thursday the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees but by friday morning it was 27 and this morning[saturday June 4. It is 26 degrees. But no wind so feels pleasant.

2011-05-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

We had 3 days of snowfall heavy at times but enough melting between each onslaught that it has pretty well melted around town but the high country had a lot to add to what is there. Today is supposed to be the beginning of a warming trend that will bring that snow out of the mountains. The Natl Guard will be in town tomorrow and I hear my place is a priority for sandbagging. It will be an interesting week.

2011-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Day befor Memorial Day and it is snowing heavily. My house has a good 4 inches of snow clinging to everything. Trees and brush are bowed low by the heavy wet snow. It all is adding to the incredible amounts in the mountains that one day has to come down river. My plan is to start bringing sandbags to the house that are being filled at the town garage

2011-05-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Elk are everywhere and I run into bands like this everywhere I go out of Dubois. Yesterday I drove up the Horse Creek road north of town and was stopped at the top of the divide between Horse Creek and the Wiggins Fork by a huge snow drift. At this time of year that is unheard of.

2011-05-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Wildlife continue to be bottled up in the lower elevations due to the continued heavy snows and cold weather. These two Moose wasted no time in putting distance between me and the top of the mountain.

2011-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Spring is trying to catch up with us though ever so slowly. A few wildflowers are making their appearance and I was surprised to find this glacier lily growing amongst sagebrush and grasses.
By not being in Dubois yesterday you missed this.

2011-05-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dubois had a schedualed power outage all afternoon into the evening so we left a gloomy snow flurries falling day and went over the continental divide to Jackson Hole and the Tetons where the sun was shining and a lot warmer. Watching and photographing wildlife and a picnic at Colter Bay. It was a great day filled with many sightings of wildlife and waterfowl.
Here a Moose trudges through melting snow along Pacific Creek.

2011-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was one of those perfect spring mornings and at first light I was on Torrey Creek photographing a herd of avout 40 Bighorn Sheep. There were 3 big rams with the bunch and I was able to get some great shots of them. Across the creek were about a dozen elk grazing. I have never seen elk there befor. Over a hundred head of Deer were on the meadows and I watched the resident
Torrey Lake Ospreys doing nest work. What a beautiful morning with not a soul anywhere around all morning. I had the whole valley to myself.
This morning it is raining with snow falling again in the mountains. What a change.

2011-05-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

In spit of the cold and snow we have been experiencing there is a sign of spring such as this new born Cottontail jsut big enough that he would fit into the palm of your hand. He is providing us with a little entertainment as he cavorts around my yard not straying far from my front deck where here he sits waiting for a little sun and melting of snow. This morning he gets his wish as it is clear and sunshinning after record amounts of moisture the past five day.

2011-05-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Just could not leave well enough alone. had to go check on the Moose kill again last night. Was really surprised to find our Grizzly friend still there. I had heard no one had seen him all day but in a falling snow there he was. Also heard there was a second very large Grizzly also coming down and feeding. Les Lefevre and I waited until 8:00 last evening but he never showed up.
It was a very cold evening with a brisk wind and snow falling. At times making pictures very difficult.
Too bad you missed out in what was going on in Dubois yesterday.

2011-05-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

By not being in Dubois this morning you are missing a heavy falling snow after 3 days of steady rain. We only receive 11 inches per year average and at 3 inches since friday it is wet and the river is high and worrisome with all the snow in the mountains with this added to it ...Katy bar the door.
My house with a reddish muddy river flowing.

2011-05-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

Vicki and I returned sunday evening to check the Grizzly out again. It is incredible how much of the moose had been eaten since morning. Another day and it will be gone as well as the bear.

2011-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

{1}
May 8, 2011
Last night I received a call from artist friend Les Lefevre who had taken a drive west of town with his wife, Kathy. He had stopped along the road to photograph some geese floating down the river when Kathy drew his attention to what appeared to be a dead animal across the river. It was a Moose and they could tell it had been preyed upon. They decided to stay awhile as it was getting late to see if anything came out to continue its feast. This surely meant Grizzly. Sure enough a large Grizzly boar came down the hill and began supper. Les was going to go back out in the morning and so was I.
I arrived a little later than intended and Les and Kathy were all ready there at 6 am. Les informed me that the Grizzly had been there and he had video of him as well as two coyotes that had crossed the river and were trying to get in on the feast. The Grizzly had finally left and as I pulled up the two coyotes took off.
After waiting for some time and nothing happening Les announced they were leaving till later in the evening. I stayed on a while then continued on up the road several miles, turned around and pulled up to the same spot. A few minutes later I spotted the bear slowly walking the ridgeline off to the east.

2011-05-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

{2}
May 8, 2011
I watch him for some time as he ambles along first away from me and then suddenly reversing direction he comes back my way crossing through timber, sage and snow with nose to the ground and then lifted high in the air catching scents as he goes

2011-05-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

{3}
May 8, 2011
It is amazing to me that something so large can seem so small in the enormous landscape he calls home. When in the sagebrush he becomes nearly invisible and if I did not know he was there it would be hard to pick himout of what he has so well blended into.
Rain is falling. Not hard but fairly steady and at 35 degrees is not far away from snow. He occassionaly shakes his whole body much like a dog coming out of water and slowly ambles along the top of the ridge heading back towards his moose. Several Geese fly by. their haunting call and the sounds of ravens also gathering adds to the mystic of the moody morning. The river below slowly flows along adding to the mountain chorus. Although I am sitting at the edge of the hiway I may as well be miles back in the wilderness. There has been absolutely no traffic. The wonderful peacefulness of the morning belies the evidence of life and death just yards away and below me. It is raw nature at its best and I am privy to be a part of it this morning.

2011-05-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

{4}
May 8, 2011
The big bruin drops down into a grove of Pines and I loose him against the dark timber. It is now that I notice the two coyotes that Les had mentioned and filmed. They are just to the right and really watching him and occassionaly approaching the timber he has disapeared into only to come back out into the sage and just sit there watching in the bears direction. I really thought the bear had hunkered down in the rain and to sleep off his night time feast. and was surprised to suddenly find him at the bottom along the river as he approached the moose. I had been so intent on watching the coyotes I had never seen him descend the steep hillside. he is now directly below me and about 50 yards away.

2011-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

{5}
May 8, 2011
He goes back to work on the Moose with a terrible focus of sheer power and strength of determination he turns the moose over and then back again as he continues feeding. I watch for some time taking numerous photos befor calling it a morning. I will probably have to come back this evening to hopefully see this magnificent animal again.

2011-05-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

{6}
May 8, 2011
On the way back to town I have to stop for several elk that are sauntering across the hiway only hurrying when I slowly approach them. There are elk covering the hillsides in every direction in the DuNoir River area. What a morning.
At the outskirts of town I discover about 15 Whitefaced Ibis working across a ranch meadow searching for their breakfast. It has been a number of years since I have seen these most interesting birds.
Yep. What a morning

2011-05-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

One of God and natures finest creations. The american Wapiti or Elk

2011-05-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

With all the snow we have had-wildlife are bottled up waiting for melt to head into the high country. Counted 7 Moose and about 100 Elk. Many Mule Deer too.

2011-05-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT YOU MISSED BY NOT BEING IN DUBOIS yesterday morning. North of town on the Horse Creek Road. Snow is finally beginning to melt. There is a lot of it to come down this year and flood advisories are issued. Living on the banks of the Wind River it is a litle scarey.

2011-05-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have had a number of requests by friends, family and followers to add my facebook series, WHAT YOU MISSED BY NOT BEING IN DUBOIS TODAY. I have seemed to have gotten bogged down too by not being able to fulfill faithfully my OUTDOOR ADVENTURES blog so I am going to add my DUBOIS images to this page

2011-02-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

[1]

February 15, 2011

The other day I took a break from my art work to venture out into the outdoor world of the Upper Wind River country. Crossing the bridge by my house-studio I found a pair of Hooded Mergansers plying the waters of the river. We had a pair last year about this same time and I am guessing these might be the same pair. Last year was the first time I had ever seen hooded Mergansers. This is a real treat. They are a beautiful bird particularly the male as is so often found in the bird world.

2011-02-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

[2]
February 15, 2011
I have seen a cow moose several times in the last few weeks west of town and with the idea I might find her I drive west of town to the DuNoir. topping the hill above the valley I spot a Golden Eagle and a number of magpies sitting on a recently road killed deer off the side of the road. I pass on by and turn around and approach the site camera ready but by the time I get stopped it is off along with the magpies and right into the sun making for a difficult shot.

2011-02-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

[3]
February 15, 2011
There is no sign of the moose but the late afternoon sun is hitting the snow squalls that are piled up against the peaks above the DuNoir valley creating a cloud show of mood and color. The high peaks now and then peaking through .

2011-02-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

[4]

February 15, 2011

After nearly an hour or so I head back to town but am stopped by a number of Mule Deer just off the side of the road. They are not the least bit disturbed by my presence and I spend some time photographing them including these two nice bucks. Within days they will be loosing their antlers for the season and the regrowing process will once again begin ushering in a new season. Antler growth is the fastest growing tissue known in the biological world and by early summer they will once again be sporting their magnificent head adornments.

2011-02-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

[5]
February 15, 2011
The next day, friday afternoon, I am still determined to find that cow moose and hopefully be better prepared to get some shots of the Eagle sitting on that dead deer. The Mergansers have dissapeared. They sure didn't stay long.
No Eagle and I am surprised that there is very little carcass left. Coyotes must have come down last night and made short order of it.
I approach the hill just beyond the carcass and there she is straight below me along the river and I arrive just as she is coming down to the river for a drink of water. I watch as she finishes and then climbs back up the river bank and begins leisurly strolling along the rivers edge stopping here and there browsing on willows.

2011-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

[6]
February 15, 2011
There are still snow squalls hugging the peaks but a lot more mountain is visible today. the DuNoir valley has got to be one of the most beautiful places in America and this evening is no exception to that idea.

2011-02-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

[7]
February 15, 2011
I return to watch my moose a while longer. She is still meandering along the river side browsing on the willows as she goes.

2011-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

[8]
February 15, 2011
February 14 and it is pretty pleasant out. A little windy but that has the temperature up into the mid 40's. A great afternoon to again take a break and go for a hike up the Glacier Trail.
It is more snow covered than I thought it might be but packed by weekend hikers and in places quite muddy and other places very icy. My still bothersome foot is talking to me all the way but I figure it is good to do this to it but am wishing I had a good hiking pole as coming back down the steep trail might be a little hazardous on that foot on this steep trail. Surrounded by high peaks and granite faces it is a beautiful afternoon hike and no one is around to break up the solitude I am so enjoying.
The falls are still frozen solid and as that has been my afternoon goal I turn around and head back down the trail. I do decide to leave the trail for the drier side further to the north where the sun in the more open hillside has melted off the snow. It is pretty steep but with no ice my foot appreciates it a lot more and thanks me for the decision.

2011-02-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

[9]
February 15, 2011
On the trip back to town it is always a treat to stop and get a look at the Ramshorn across the Wind River valley to the north. It is never a dissapointing view and never the same view twice.
The lake is frozen solid and near the edge are a number of magpies and Ravens that I notice who are working on a carcass of a deer out on the ice near the shore. I'm guessing the poor deer had gotten out on the ice and had fallen down and not being able to get back to its feet had slowly perished there. Such is the harshness of nature.

2011-02-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

[10]
February 15, 2011
The sun is sinking lower and deer are everywhere. I see no bucks and am guessing that some of what I am looking at are bucks that have dropped their antlers.
Shadows are creeping northward out from the Wind River Mountains and make a great silhoutte of these deer profiled against the sunlit Absarokas

2011-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

[11]

February 15, 2011

The Dubois Badlands are immersed in early evening light as I pass through them. Early mornings and early evenings are always a time of great showy displays. Light, texture and color. And it is always a free show.

2011-01-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

[1]
January 21, 2011
Needing a break I venture out in the late January afternoon. Mule Deer are everywhere along the East Fork road. Two beautiful bucks cross in front of me and slowly angle their way up the steep hillside. They are intent on putting distance between themselves and me but are very casual about doing so. They climb high and into the late afternoon sun that catches them splaying light across their bodies. They are big beautiful and full of grace and they seem to know it. Looking back as if to say. "Look at me".

2011-01-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

[2]
January 21, 2011
The second buck further up the hill has climbed up into the shadows created by a rocky face on the hillside. He too is a magnificent animal. They are taking on winter pretty well.

2011-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

[3]

January 21, 2011

Both crest the hill and turn to eye me curiously. They are so casual about the whole proceeding. They are perfect models.

2011-01-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

[4]

January 21, 2011

I continue on up the road and stop to watch two golden Eagles who have risen up off the meadow and are climbing into the sky. Higher and higher they climb and are drifting away from me. They are soon all but out of sight but I revel in their show and only wish I was closer to photograph them.

Behind me the sky is darkening quickly with a front moving in. there will be snow falling tonight. Minutes later the sun is gone from the valley floor and the hills and mountins beyond are quickly enveloped in cloud shadow.

2011-01-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

[5]

January 21, 2011

I do continue on to the top of the bench above Bear Creek and stop to glass the surrounding country looking for elk. There are none. Last year the East Fork Elk herd spent most of the winter way east in the Owl Creeks. Maybe they are doing so again this year.

The meadows below me are on the Spence ranch famous for the Lawyers College run by Jerry Spence the world famous Trial Lawyer. There are scattered groups of Mule Deer scattered about and a few Whitetails. The sun has completely dissapeared. The wind is brutal.

2011-01-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

[6]
January 21, 2011
The night does bring us snow but only an inch in Dubois. Daylight has brought the wind back. On the hill above my house the sun rises through diminishing snow showers.

2011-01-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

[7]

January 21, 2011

Behind me the Wind River Mountains are very prominently displayed with clear skies overhead. To the north across the Wind River valley the Absarokas are socked in with snow still falling. The rising sun caresses the Badlands with its fresh mantle of snow covered in a light that is purely artistic.

2011-01-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011
[1]
It is New Years Eve and an hour from now the sun will be setting for the last time on 2010. It is cold out. Currently -2 and I have taken an hour off from a remodeling project I have going on in my studio to see what is going on in the outdoor world. just a few miles north of Dubois I find a herd of around 75 Mule Deer scattered about on both sides of the Horse Creek dirt road. Nearly a third of them are Bucks. I am not sure I have ever seen this many bucks in a herd such as this. Most are leisurely browsing about or lying in little groups here and there. They don't seem the least bit disturbed by my presence.
Two evenly matched young buks are sparing off to my right. Testing themselves or merely trying to keep warm. It is obvious after watching awhile that one is particularly aggresive and maybe even a bully. The other tries several times to break it off and leave. The bully will have none of it.

2011-01-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011
[2]
I continue up the road until I find a place I can turn around and again stop to watch and photograph the various groups of deer scattered about.

2011-01-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011

[3]

The same two bucks are still going at it and as I watch and photograph them I notice a much larger buck approaching seemingly minding his own business. I watch with interest just knowing something is going to happen. The buck who has been trying to get away from the young bully does just that as the big buck approaches getting the attention of our bully. Undaunted, the bully lights into this big fellow trying to pick a fight. It is pretty short lived as he is totally outmatched by the large buck. It is an interesting event to watch and I am glad to have had the opportunity to do so.

2011-01-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011

[4]

The next morning is New Years day and Vicki and I go out for breakfast and then head up to Torrey Creek and Whiskey Basin to see if there are any Bighorn Sheep out and about. The wind has come up overnight and it is kicking up the newly f allen snow from several days ago into a frenzy of ground blizzards. The dirt road ahead is full of snow snakes as the snow slithers across in snake like fashion. The wind does raise the temperature over a period of a few days but it is sure cold while doing so. It has gone from -13 last night to +4 now. As we continue up the valley it actually gets even warmer-AND-the snow drifts deeper. By the time we get to Whiskey Basin we have bucked many drifts and watched the trucks thermometer rise to +13 degrees.

2011-01-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011
[5]
The peaks surrounding Whiskey Basin are mighty cold looking with plumes of wind driven snow intermixed with a foggy mixture of flurries blowing far out into the atmosphere. There is sheer bauty in all this. we have seen few animals up to now but just ahead we see two small bands of Bighorn Sheep.

2011-01-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011

[6]

One of the bands of Sheep is near the road and we watch and photograph them for a time. The snow is actually not as deep in the basin as it is back in town and the wind is not nearly as bad. That is so tyupical for this little basin tucked back here in the mountains.