Thursday, July 21, 2011
From Snake River RV Resort, Idaho Falls, ID
We moved to Idaho Falls today.
But first I have to bring this blog up to date on our stay in Thayne, WY. We had a great time sharing our stay with Bob & Molly, Mac & Lynette, and John & Bridgette. We had quite a few 'Happy Hours' and cook-outs and a great many games of 'Chase the Ace'.
One day we all drove over to Afton and drove about 3 miles up along Swift Creek to view the intermittent spring. After reaching the parking area it was a 3/4 mile walk (slightly uphill) to the spring, and I finally made it... quite a walk for me.. -:)
This spring is like a cold-water geyser that accumulates the water inside a huge cave, then spouts it out about every 18 minutes.
The Spring Flowing Right Out of the Mountain
Donna and I in front of the spring
The group at the spring
Donna and I did a lot of driving around the Grand Teton National Park and saw quite a bit of wildlife.
A young cow elk
A large herd of elk
But probably the most exciting sighting was that of a Grizzly bear and her two cubs. They were stalking a small herd of elk, but never were able to attack.
Grizzly Number 610 with her two cubs
The above photo was shot with a 400mm at a distance of about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. Jackson lake is in the background.
The same Grizzly
The above photo is the same photo after cropping the first one to show a close up of the bear with her cubs. There is also one of the cow elks to the right of the bear in the photo with her head up being careful of the bear.
We watched this drama unfold for most of an hour. Eventually, the bear led her two cubs back into the bushes and seemed to leave the immediate area.
The scenery in Grand Teton is nothing short of spectacular.
From Jenny Lake viewing the Tetons
The Tetons
Close up of one of the peaks
We also saw lots of deer and buffalo.
One night the entire group went to the Bar J Chuckwagon Supper for some great food and entertainment.
The group at Bar J
Ronnie serving up his Dutch Oven biscuits prior to the supper
The Bar J Band
We also toured a couple of factories in the area, the first being the Aviat Aircraft factory, best known for their aerobatic Pitt Special.
Pitt Special
The company makes very few Pitt Special these days, but mostly builds the Husky.
The Aviat Husky
Another really interesting tour was of the Freedom Arms Pistol factory. Occupying a very non-descript building in the little town of Freedom, this company is known for its .454 special pistol.
Freedom Arms Crest
Oops, I forgot to get any pictures of the pistols.
On Monday, John & Bridgett and Mac & Lynette left for Island Park in Idaho where they will be for a month. The gang gathered up to see them off.
Departure Time
On Tuesday night Bob and Molly joined us for a great 'parting' dinner at the Nordic Inn in Alpine. A great menu and excellent food for our last night together until we get to Gillette for the Escapade.
Brenthoven's Nordic Inn
We had a fantastic time for over two weeks with some great friends, and are looking forward to seeing them again over the next 6 weeks.
Glad you had such a GREAT time with all the gang... I love the area you guys were in and your photos were fantastic!!!
Travel safe & Have fun!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | Friday, July 22, 2011 at 09:55 AM
It was FUN!! Miss you both!!!
Posted by: Bob and Molly | Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Aw, leaving is always the hardest part in traveling... You should've taken more pictures, printed and shared them with everyone! Having copies of them can bring back your memories together in a clearer view. :D
Posted by: Tia Oshields | Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 11:39 AM