[1]

December 25, 2009

It has been September 26th since I have had a chance to get out into the wonderful world of nature except for trips to Casper which were all Doctor related. I finally con Vicki into letting me drive[again the first time since September] and we head off for a Christmas Day drive to the Glacier Trailhead south of Dubois. I tell her it should be a good foot exercise driving with my boot cast on over a rocky dirt road. Our intent is also to see if there are any Bighorn Sheep in the valley. After all this is the location of the largest Bighorn herd in the world.

On the way in we do see a number of sheep high on the skyline of Whiskey Mountain. Too far to say we really watched any sheep. Near the trailhead we stop to watch about 30 head of Mule Deer browsing away. Many are suddenly intent on something just over the rise out of our sight. Suddenly a young Ram and a ewe burst out over the rim at breakneck speed. He is pushing her fast.

[2]
December 25, 2009
First to the right they come only to veer to the left and race westward then again to the east making tight turns all the time right in front of us. Even in these tight fast circles of directional changes she cannot evade this fellow. The deer are scattering amongst this display adding a sense of mass confusion to the scene.

[3]

December 25, 2009

I don't know how long this has been going on befor they first appeared befor us but they continually pass in front of us changing directions 5 or 6 times. The deer have even attained a position where they too watch in assumingly amused interest at the intensity this young ram posseses. Biologicaly he doesn't have a chance as a ewe is very particular about who she chooses as a mate and it is always an older and much larger Ram. It would be interesting to see what comes of this chase as there are no other sheep anywhere around. The herd is high above on the flats of Whiskey Mountain where we had observed them earlier. This show abruptly ends when they both dissapear back over the rise from where they first appeared not to be seen again. Our timeing for this seemingly staged event was perfect. Arriving a little earlier or a minute later and we would have missed the whole show. Aren't we lucky?

[4]
December 25, 2009
We turn our attention back to the Mule Deer now that the sheep have dissapeared. Everyone seems to have calmed down after this sudden interuption of the afternoons activities. Out of all the deer around us there is only one 2 point Buck. I shoot a number of pictures and am particularly taken with this cute little fawn and its sweet expression.

[5]

We continue to the trailhead at the end of the road. There are 5 or 6 does and a good size 2 by 3 point buck and a nice 5 pointer. His antlers are pretty narrow over his head but he must be a determined fighter as he is missing two tines off the antlers on his right side. I shoot a number of pictures of him as he is certainly not afraid of us and I even have to whistle several times to get him to even look our way.

[6]

December 25, 2009

The 2 by 3 buck has moved up above into the rocks and trees but I do get a few pictures of him. After we turn around and head back down country we notice the two of them have climbed up onto a bench above and are sparing and jostling one another. I'd like to get pictures of that but they are back in the trees and I guess I am unable to manuever the country on crutches so...

Just over the ridge we run into several other deer accompanied by another large 5 point Buck. We speculate if this might be the fellow that broke the times on the buck just below.

[7]

December 25, 2009

We drive by the place of our earlier encounter with the sheep and search the mountainside for them to no avail. The Deer are still there and we watch and photograph them for a while befor continuing on past the lakes now frozen. There are some fishermen out on Trail Lake and I guess it is really frozen because they have their pickup out on the lake. I stop at Ring Lake and get a few pictures of the setting sun that is casting its low light across the Ramshorn bathing it in that special light and color of Alpinglow so treasured by artists and photographers.

A major blizzard is going full blast across the midwest and the eastern 2/3 of Wyoming. 30 miles to the east it is snowing but we sure can't see much evidence of that fact here. We have missed all the snow storms in the same way since our heavy snows of September and early October. We are now well below average on our mountain snowpack. Dubois did not have a white Christmas.

[8]

December 25, 2009

Lincoln Ridge to the east of the Ramshorn is also catching that alpinglow. Wonderful orange and purple colors adorn the mountainside.

I can feel the trip on my foot but count it as good exercise as it doesn't feel any worse than what I feel after Bill the Therapist finishes with me after my every other day workout.

I had just begun this Fall posting in September when I took a nasty fall that ended up with a crushed heel and vertebrae that kind of sidelined me for a while. Sounds like I will be off that heel into January and so am just now finding the time to finish up my latest OUTDOOR ADVENTURE I hope you enjoy it.

[1]
September 20, 2009
It is the Gold season in the high country. Definitely my favorite time of the year. Cold crisp frosty mornings giving way to warm pleasant afternoons of blue skies and colors of warmth that permeats everything. Even the dark greens of the timber have a warm glow to it. Smells of dryness and warmth absorbs the mountains and gives a sense of it being just good to be alive.

[2]
September 20, 2009
The beauty of the afternoon transends even to this old cow camp refered to as the Winchester Cow Camp. It is one of many similar old Camps that dot these mountains from an era very recent when cattle grazed these mountains way more than they do now. They are a reminder of past dreams and hard work and now slowly slip away to the harsh elements all too soon to become forgotten and unknown.

[3]

September20, 2009

It is pure pleasure to hike through forests of dark green Pine and Spruce and gold of Aspens on such a warm afternoon as this. Most of Wyoming east of us had a pretty major September snow storm that left the high mountains solidly white. No. It won't stay long except for the highest peaks but is a taste of what will soon be coming. We escaped that storm and it is pretty dry walking through dry vegetation that cracks and pops with each step as I pass through groves of forest and open meadows of Grass and Sage.

[4]
September20, 2009
Six weeks ago I sat on the ridge above and watched quite a number of Ravens down below in these very Aspen groves I am hiking through. Something was definitely dead down here though I could never spot it with my binoculers. In this country that can mean a Grizzly there or soon will be. I definitely was not going to go down and check it out.
Walking through the area now it is amazing to find every fallen Aspen and Pine lying on the ground has been rolled over, torn apart and even chewed on by a Grizzly in its search for Grubs. Seems like a lot of energy used for a few insects.

[5]
September 20, 2009
It is always a pleasant experience when one hikes through an Aspen Forest. That dry wood smell mingled with that definite Aspen aroma is so pleasing to the senses. I sit quietly for some time just inside a large Aspen-Pine forest and watch and listen to the various birds and the Pine Squirrel who is always present in such an environment. It is almost immediate that this one discovers me and goes about informing every living creature as to my presence. Clark Nutcrackers fly overhead and alight close by lending their opinion as to my whereabouts along with Mrs. Squirrel. They then fly on still squacking away till their sound is lost in distance. Several Gray Jays noislessly fly by. Their presence announced only by that soft swoosh of wings as they go by. The gentle twittering of Juncos as they flit about the grove looking for an afternoon snack all comingle with that soft rustling of Aspen leaves. Each leaf is suspended by its petiole in such a way that the lightest breeze sends a shimmering rustling sound through the otherwise tranquil quiet afternoon air.

[6]
September 20, 2009
On a large open meadow a number of Mule Deer Does and Fawns, who have now lost their spots browse about looking for those last morsels of easy living. I wonder if they are in any way cognizant of what will soon be coming. Those long dark days. The cold, the snow and the wind.

[7]
September 20,2009
As always I am reluctant to leave. Afternoon has gotten on and the sinking sun to the west is sending beams of dusty light filtering through the Aspens. I'll get out a few more times but being pretty busy with painting commitments it may be a while and by then the leaves will be falling and the days beauty will fall prey to grayer days and gray leafless trees.

September 26, 2009
It is now late afternoon which only intensifies the light against gold and dark green. Shadows are lengthening and the light is softer. Day is closing out and the temperature will be dropping soon heading for another freezing night in the high country

[1]
August 25, 2009
My good artist friend, Les Llevre has arrived back at his Dubois home from Cincinnatti and the first day here I have enticed him into heading for Jade Lake for an afternoon outing promising him an adventure filled excursion. Les has never been here befor and it has been a number of years since I have myself.
It is threatening rain when we leave the trailhead at Brooks Lake and about 1/2 hour later we are on the steep trail heading above and away from Brooks Lake.
http://www.silversagegallery.com

[2]
August 25, 2009
It is a pretty steep climb but is cool through the timber. Les gets a picture of the old Mountain Man himself.

[3]
August 25, 2009
It is pretty much a climb all the way to the lake except for the last little ways and that is straight down to the lake edge itself. It is easy to see where Jade Lake got its name what with the beautiful jade like color of the deep water tucked under the towering breccia Cliffs to the west.
On the way up we were passed by a group of riders from Brooks Lake Lodge accompanied by several guides who I know from Dubois. After exchanging pleasantries they have continued on beyond the lake and by the time we arrive they have all ready departed going on northward and circled back to the Lodge itself. This is a popular hiking trail and is enjoyed by many folks. This afternoon we have the lake all to ourselves.

[4]
August 25, 2009
We enjoy a water and gorp break and casually stroll along the lake edge towads the opposite end of the lake where we watch a series of large springs that flow out of the hillside into the lake. A rain shower descends upon us gently falling and sending a light echoing crescendo of pattering noise across the lake surface. It is like a soft drum roll and is just as soon gone.

[5]
August 25, 2009
We finally climb the steep trail back out of the lake bottom and begin our descent downward. I want to show Les the series of meadows to the south that I have always found so fascinating and used in a number of paintings so we take a side trail that drops down onto that beautiful basin tucked hidden beneath the Breccia Cliffs. Springs and snow melt streams are abundant here and flow across the basin meadows. It is a beautiful little hidden paradise.

[6]

August 25, 2009

It is not a very safe proposition to hike through this area alone as it is a favorite region for Grizzlies and many are seen in these meadows. We make plenty of noise crossing through willow covered stream bottoms. The views however are extraordinary such as this view of the Pinnacles to the east. We see no sign of Bears and are even speculating that at this time of year they are high up on talus slopes digging out Miller Moths which contain the highest source of protein available in the animal world. The moths are a favorite of these mighty bruins. We do find a number of fallen logs that have been ripped up by bears in their search for grubs and whatever they think they might find within these logs.

[7]
August 25, 2009
Across the meadows to the south is Sublette Peak. I have used this inspiring moutain as a backdrop in a lot of wildlife and landscape paintings

[8]

August 25, 2009

We follow the main stream across the basin to the edge of this hidden upper paradise that ends in a huge drop off with the collected streams of the basin falling off the edge in a spectacular waterfall. Looking from above the water falls in straight drops and fast crescending chutes.

[9]
August 25, 2009
We drop over the edge ourselves following a pretty steep trail cut into the edge of this slippery slope. It is hard to stand up and maintain balance and we find ourselves sliding on our seats as much as staying on our feet. I finally gain a vantage point where I can look back up at the falls from near the bottom. Moments befor I was standing at the spot where the water plunges over the edge with no warning after flowing so leisurly along through the willow covered stream edge.

[10]
August 25, 2009
We finally bottom out in the deep forest below and hike through the woods that eventually gives way to a vast meadow that continues on to Brooks Lake itself. We follow the stream on to the horse trail near the lakes edge where we had begun our hike some hours earlier. The Pinnacles that rise above the lake to the east are spectacular. Many times one can glass the heights of them to find Bighorn Sheep grazing across the skyline. It is now just a short distance to the trailhead.

[11]

August 25, 2009

Nearly back at the trailhead we watch the Brooks Lake Lodge horses that have been turned out for the night on the meadows and they are raising a lot of dust as they race headlong into the meadow happy to be free after a day of carrying dudes on day rides.

[12]
August 25, 2009
We are back at the trailhead and watching the horses as they settle down and are grazing away. It makes for such a peaceful late afternoon ideallic scene hard to not be absorbed in. It is a great way to end an afternoon hike through the Wilderness.

[1]
August 20, 2009
Last week I hiked up to Lake Louise which is a pretty streuous hike over a trail that at times is marked only by rock carns so one can follow it across granite faces. The trail begins with a series of switchbacks that ventures across dry openings and then into deep forest until it reaches Torrey Creek first heard as a thunderous noise growing louder with each step from the falls that fall the length of this canyon.
After completing my hike last week I went to my computer to download my pictures only to discover my camera card lying on my desk. I had shot blanks the whole trip. Wanting to get pictures of the extraordinary amount of water that was coming down this year I just had to repeat the trip. My daughter tells me this is not neccessarily a sign of Ahlteimers. Not neccessarily?
So to get the pictures I want I am on the trail again. I have never seen this much water this time of year so it is a treat to take in. Of course I don't need much of an excuse to venture into the back country.

[2]
August 20, 2009
The first series of falls are seen from above a bridge that spans the gorge. It is pretty cool to stand on and watch the water fall above, below and under you. This bridge was built by the Forest Service then dropped into place by helicopter. It serves hikers and horses.
The trail actually divides befor crossing the bridge with the bridge crossing continuing on into the Bomber Basin and across Burro Flats into the Glacier country. A good several day hike or a long day horse ride. The other trail climbs westward steeply and finally to Lake Louise several miles away. This is my days destination.

[3]
August 20, 2009
The trail continuosly climbs and drops and winds around and across glacier carved granite faces following the stream then leaving it for a while only to return to the deafening thunder of falling waters. Set in the beautiful vast Fitzpatrick Wilderness area it is a real treasure and a great hike. To really appreciate the canyon one must now and then leave the trail and make their way across downfalls and boulder and granite fields where many waterfalls and cascades are the reward for doing so.

[4]

August 20, 2009

After a stretch of relative quiet and calm and easy hiking through old growth forest of Pine and Spruce that is refreshing with its easy walk, coolness and that wet musky smell I once again hear the water that signals the falls coming out of Lake Louise and spilling hundreds of feet in a realtively short distance. As I reach the water again the noise is deafening and the smell is like the smell of gunpowder because of the force of water against the granite walls it is falling through.

[5]

August 20, 2009

I have to leave the trail to get the pictures I want of this series of spectacular waterfalls. It is a steep climb and pretty good exercise manuevering through downfall and boulders. Sitting on a boulder near the waterfalls edge I can feel the ground vibrate. I'll bet it would record on a seismograph.

[6[
August 20, 2009
I top out at the horizon I saw from the bottom only to find another series of falls and more climbing is in order. This deafening roar is even beginning to hurt my ears.

[7]
August 20, 2009
I finally have to leave the stream and climb high above the to access the trail that follows granite ledges found only by the rock carns that have been placed to show the traveler where to go. I am suddenly at and above the lake and this is the rewarded view of all the mornings hard work.
I am surprised to find a lone fisherman and his black Husky across the lake. He is well into his 70's and is busy with a fly pole plying the lakes surface for trout. I watch him latch onto a pretty nice sized fish he has hooked and expertly bringing it to shore he slowly making his way down to the waters edge, reaches down and gently releases it.
It is very early in the morning and I venture to guess he has backpacked into here and has set up a camp across the lake above where we are as that is about the only place to do so. He would have had to cross the log jam at the outlet of the lake to get to where he is. I'm sure that is exactly what he has done.
I follow the rock shelf I am on to the lake edge and away from this fellow so as not to disturb his solitude. I sit and watch the view refreshing myself from my waterbottle and eat dried blueberries and crackers. No wind and just a stray cloud now and then makes it a perfect morning. Fish are feeding across the lake and it is fun to climb back up after awhile and watch this gentleman across from me working the lake with his fly pole. He definitely knows what he is doing.

[8]

August 20, 2009

From where I sit along the lake edge munching away and watch cloud shadows as they change the granite from stark grays to varying depths of beauty it is easy to remember other trips I have made here and on beyond. It is impossible to continue on up the lake and stream safely without climbing gear. Hidden Lake and Ross Lake are on up country with lesser lakes tucked just below the glaciers themselves. I have been to these places but by way of the Whiskey Mountain Trail and have even climbed up above the glaciers seen here on the skyline. Stood in awe at the top and marveled at the Bighorn Sheep trails that ventured out onto the headwall of the glaciers themselves. Even watched those Sheep doing unbelievable things on granite faces. The skyline puts one onto the relatively flat Ram Flats and on to Goat Flats and beyond to the Downs Glacier and Downs Fork. Magnificent far above timberline country

[9]
August 20, 2009
After about an hour of just sitting and taking in the scene of the lake and watching the rising trout all about me I begin my trek back towards civilization. I holler out to the old fellow about what a beautiful day it is. He hollers back in agreement. I know he is happy to see me go as he is at peace with the lake and what he is doing. I do make my way to the outlet thinking as I know I have on previous trips that I can surely bypass the rock face just below me saving climbing and distance.

[10]

August 20, 2009

It is pretty easy going for a while following those falls and cascades below the lake. Fireweed is doing its best to stay colorful in the closing days of summer but it is a loosing battle. My easy walk is suddenly pretty difficult and I am dropping over rock faces and log jams. I can finally go no further and have to climb all the way back up and out to where I can go across the rock ledges I thought I could avoid. Oh well. It was worth a try.

[11]
Augut 20, 2009
Many plants are changing into their autumn colors. Willows are more orange and yellow than green and currents and these Fireweed are completely changed over. fall in the high country is here in spite of warm days but very cool nights.

[12]
August 20, 2009
Back in the old growth forest which is pretty wet and even swampy in places I do find wildflowers hanging on like these Blue Gentians.

[13]

August 20, 2009

It is a long 3+ miles back to the trailhead. I spent a good deal of time at the lake and getting sidetracked and rimrocked put me behind getting back by noon but I am back to the truck in an hour, passing a group of hikers with 2 big dogs headed for Lake Louise. I think of that fisherman back there. His day of peace will be over.

I also pass a large group of young people loaded for a long trip. They are students from the Colorado Mountain College that trains in mountaineering. These folks are headed deep into the wilderness and will be using climbing gear to access the area they are talking about .

I find only a few birds, Pine Squirrels and this little chipmunk who poses nicely for a series of photographs. I think he has stardom written all over his face. So I just have to oblige and paint him and see just how far that goes.

[1]
August1, 2009
I hadn't had a chance till now to post this little trip I took nearly a month ago north of Dubois to Double Cabins.
It all began when two fellows I met in the gallery were wanting to check out the country and I offfered to take them to Double Cabins at the end of the road going straight north of Dubois and at the edge of the North Absaroka Wilderness area. It could not have been a more perfect morning and what a chance to show off the area to these two fellows from North Carolina.
As the sun was rising low hanging clouds were experiecing breaks within themselves allowing th low sun to paint a picture of heavenly light and color.

[2]

August 1, 2009

It is always a treat to break out of the dense timber and gaze across the Frontier Creek valley where it meets the Wiggins Fork coming in from the north. This morning the grand view is phenomenal. Clouds are hanging across the peaks exposing just enough here and there for jaw dropping views. The whole valley is draped in light, shadow and color in all directions. Cows are scattered along the valley floor below Norton point that also lends a pastoral look to the whole scene.

[3]
August 1, 2009
We drive on down to the trailhead. Rain has fallen heavily from the day and night befor and it is a quagmire. Even in 4-wheel drive I am sliding sideways in the cowtrail road. Not wanting to tear up things I park and we walk on down to the point the Wiggins Fork is met by Frontier Creek.

[4]

August 1, 2009

The scene is changing moment by moment with sun and clouds playing a game of hide and seek. All the while stroking the views with wide swipes of colorful brush work. An artist or photographer would be in heaven with these dramatic scenes being played out. My camera is pretty busy.

Looking north from the point Frontier Creek meets the Wiggins Fork.

[5]

August 1, 2009

To the south is no less of a view. The two streams through this basin runs in many channels attesting to the power of the spring runoff that cuts across the wide valley floor. Log jams and piles of gravel swept up and deposited in these events can be seen throughout the area. It also unearths many semi-precious stones from the surrounding area which are prized by rock hunters worldwide and who yearly ply the valley and surrounding area for petrified wood, garnets and other stones that make for fine lapidary work.

[6]
August 1, 2009
We are able to find ways across many of the side channels but that all ends at the main stream of the Wiggins Fork. Especially after the moisure we have had this year even into August the water is quite high. I hear a lot of Ooh's and Awes from my two companions. I really enjoy showing off the high country to folks who appreciate it for what it is and am glad God has provided such a scene for them to remember probably their whole lives. At least I am sure they won't forget the experience.

[7]
August 1, 2009
The morning stillness is now broken by the bawling of cattle and they are coming through the willows near where we are. An added touch of the old west for my new friends..
Forest Service regulations are such that cattle must be moved so as not to cause damage of Forest Service allotments[leases] This is especially important around riparian areas[stream bottoms]as they can be pretty heavily used by livestock and cause resource damage. Moments later this cowboy appears in the rear of the procession with his two dogs and is pushing them on across the river.

[8]
August1, 2009
Even a touch of the west seems perfect for my visitors and they are getting lots of pictures to check out back home.

[9]
August 1, 2009
Once again we are left alone along the stream bottoms with our cloud show and its not over. I have photogaphed enough material here for a lifetime of dramatic paintings.