Finally! I'm back at it. Thermopolis - Part I

I've gotten even more behind on my blog posts, much to my dismay. We're having way too much fun and I've taken way too many photos. Just not enough time to do everything? But, I'm back at the computer and I'm ready to get this back on track. Thanks for your patience!

We pick back up on May 16th, at Moose Point Lodge -

May 19th, we went for a drive and ended up in the Grand Teton National Park. I LOVE it when that happens!!!!!

Mule Deer with New Antler Growth

Moose -

Black Bear -

Oxbow Bend -

Elk -

May 21st, in the natural area at the front Moose Point Lodge -

On Fall Creek Road, Elk -

A fox -

Sunrise on May 22nd -

Don has sprayed our flowers and bushes with animal repellant to keep the deer and moose from eating them. I get it. We just can't allow these rude animals to nibble the new growth & blooms off. However, it doesn't keep them from trampling the young, new growth as they express their opinion of our tasteless methods.

White-tailed deer bucks, after crossing Fall Creek Road in front of our truck -

We took the Moose-Wilson Road and saw a moose -

He didn't look too happy to see us.

The Tetons -

Heading into the Grand Teton National Park (AGAIN!!!). This time, from the Moose entrance gate.

We were actually heading to Thermopolis for several nights. Don has a reservation to fish the Wind River Canyon, on the Shoshone Indian Reservation, and he can't wait. It's taken him several of years to score this opportunity. On the way, we popped into the Park to see what we could see.

Jackson Lake -

Mt. Moran, reflected in Jackson Lake -

We spotted Hollywood, the famous bull elk, not far from Signal Mountain; where he usually hangs out.

Oxbow Bend -

Didn't see much, other than some beautiful scenery. So, we exited the Park at the Moran gate and continued our trip East. It was a pretty drive.

Heading up toward Togwotee Pass -

Didn't see any bears, but we did see a chizler (ground squirrel) -

And a coyote!

After a brief stop to photograph the coyote, we were on our way again. Winter was still holding on.

Winter is over, here.

Dubois is the first town you come to when heading East from Jackson on US-26. Dubois is home to the largest wintering bighorn sheep herd in the Lower 48. Unfortunately, there weren't ANY there when we passed through.

We stopped at the Cowboy Cafe for lunch. Delish!!! (And, yes, I got the t-shirt.)

After lunch, we jumped back into the truck and immediately got back on the road to Thermopolis.

A teaser -

Ha! It should read "Big Horn Sheep Next 2 Miles . . . During Winter!"

Saw this sign along the way . . .

(Oddly enough, on our return trip this sign was gone.)

YAY!!! Finally entering the Wind River Indian Reservation after our 220 mile drive. This is where the Wind River Canyon is located. It's a beautiful drive as well as a fantastic place to fish a very protected section of the Wind River. It is so tightly managed, they only permit one raft [2 fishermen or 1 fisherman and a photographer ; ) ] on the upper Canyon and one raft on the lower Canyon daily.

.

People Rafting through the Wind River Canyon.

We checked in at the guide's office and made our way to the Retreat, where we would spend the next 4 nights.

According to the Chamber of Commerce . . . Thermopolis, nestled in the heart of Wyoming, offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and small-town charm. You can soak in their world-famous mineral hot springs, cast a line in their scenic rivers or explore fascinating museums, including the Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites, with one of the largest and most unique fossil collections in the world. Plus, with charming downtown shops, delicious dining options and welcoming accommodations, your visit will be both memorable and rejuvenating.

We were there to fish, eat and sleep. And we did just that!

Continued in "Park II" of our trip to Thermopolis.