For the full impact of this magnificent country refered to as the yellowstone Ecosystem simply click on a picture for full screen coverage

[1]

August 9, 2010

Monday and I have the morning off from gallery duty and in this busy time that is a treat so by 5:30 in the morning I am at Kathys Koffee where Frank who is reading a book completely at peace with the world is surprised to find anyone up much less heading into the back country. With a hot cup of coffee I drive down the hiway east of Dubois and turn off on the East Fork road and again about 8 miles further on I decide to check out the lower reaches of the Wiggins Fork where I drive a ways then park the truck and walk to the edge of the steep decline peering over the edge into the Wiggins Fork river itself some 40 feet below. There is a cow Moose just below me browsing along on willows and it is still pretty dark for photos so I back off and return to the truck to finish off my coffee and let the world brighten up. The sun finally makes its way into out darkened world and first sets the clouds on fire befor doing the same to the land. First the mountains then lower it comes.

[2]

August 9, 2010

It is still pretty dark for pictures down in the bottom and she has seen me as I carefully walked to the edge of the precipice for my pictures. She has made her way far enough along that if I wait any longer she will dissapear into the heavy growth of brush and cottonwoods. It is enough of an incline that one cannot safely climb down. I wish for better light but this is the only chance I get.

[3]
August 9, 2010
I make my way farther upriver and begin hiking the river itself. The sun has not reached into the river bottoms but is putting on a light show with rainbows from scattered morning showers off to the west and south. I am really working my heel walking river rocks torquing this way and that way. it hurts but I am convinced it is good exercise for it.

[4]
August 9, 2010
The morning is warm and only a few mosquitos so hiking along is very pleasant. These cottonwood riparian areas are picturesque and fun to walk through and the morning view are magnificent. I suddenly get a whiff of a scent I have run across a number of times. It is that cross between a wet dog and something dead that has Bear signature all over it and this is definitely bear country. I love seeing bears but want to do so on my terms and this is not it. I back off and return to my truck. it may be nothing but I don't take chances.

[5]

August 9, 2010

Leaving the Wiggins Fork I run into two Whitetail deer standing in the light watching me as I watch them. It is very unusual for Whitetails to stand without running off and I enjoy the moment.

[6]
August 9, 2010
They can no longer stand it and are off with high bounds into the dark of the cottonwood forest. Flags waving in a saluting gesture.

[7]

August 9, 2010

The sun is now fully up as I drive on up to Bear Creek. The road makes its way along the edge of the timber on the creek side of the road and as I slowly drive along something catches my eye back in the cottonwoods below the road. I back up to get a better look and am fortunate to photograph this little fellow who just knows he is well hidden from prying eyes. Another great moment.

[8]

August 9, 2010

After spending some time along the creek I continue on up the two track road enjoying the mountain views marred only by the millions of dead evergrens from the devastating outbreak of Pine Beetles that have ravaged this area as well as most western forests from Alaska to Mexico. Last years reds hve given way to the grays of now bald trees.

[9]
August 9, 2010
Driving slowly again on the way back out of Bear Creek I am hopeful of catching sight of the fawn I had photograped earlier. From a ways up the road I see it and its mother out in the clearing and though I approach slowly and cautiously they are savvy to me and are off and I don't see them again. I do watch and capture a few photos of a Killdeer who is displaying her behavior of the broken wing act just to get me to follow her away from her nesting area. After a time as I follow her she wings off and circles back towards where she began the whole sherade.

[10]
August 9, 2010
The morning is over and I find that I have actually shot 96 pictures of some great research for paintings and memories of the morning. The East Fork country is full of great surprises and adventures at every turn. It is a fabulous country that I have witnessed from horseback to its headwaters to 4-wheel and easier traveled roads all unimproved even at lower elevations. This Photo is so typical of the varied forms of terrain that supports so many vistas and wildlife.