After Boston, I fly directly to Jackson Hole. The plane circles in from the north and tucks in under the blanket of clouds. Below, the valley is beautiful, dotted with golden cottonwoods and aspens in a two-colored mosaic. Upon landing and after getting the car, I rush to the Snake River Overlook for a sunset shot. The color had vanished from the sky, but the valley floor still resonates with the feel of autumn.
The next morning, I drive through the rain, visiting various parts of Grand Teton National Park. A lone tree greets me at the National Elk Refuge. Just beyond, a young moose trots alongside the highway and suddenly crosses the road. Beaver dams create the serene flow at Schwabacher’s Landing. I return to the hotel for breakfast, pick up my parents, and head to Teton Village for a stroll. Afterwards, the drive around Jenny Lake is a tour of fall color at its fullest.
Torrential rain pummels our car on the return trip. Pulling off at the turnout to the old historic Cunningham Cabin, we wait a little. Suddenly, the sky parts, and behind us, a bright rainbow arcs over the stands of cottonwoods. I rush to the Snake River Overlook and capture a shaft of sunlight streaming in from a hole in the clouds. From Teton Point Turnout, a fiery sunset contrasts with the purple mountains and fall foliage set ablaze.
Dinner is at the Wild Sage, featuring grilled quail, pheasant, and bison ribeye.
Tuesday is a driving tour. The rain has cleared, and I take the scenic drive out of Jackson to Pinedale to Farson to Lander to Dubois and across Togwotee Pass back to Moran Junction. This 375-mile loop through the Wind River Range is specatular.
I return to Schwabacher’s Landing in the late afternoon to take pictures. My parents are strolling back to the car, and suddenly, I hear a car rev its engine and plunge into the water. It turns out to be visitors from Ireland. The driver had stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes. What a way to mess up a vacation. I get more pictures from Teton Point Turnout and the Snake River Overlook.
This evening, Andy and Alice arrives. After getting some rest for the night, we head first to Mormon Row to photograph that famous Moulton Barn. Then, we make our way north, stopping for Lunch at Scheffield’s in Flagg Ranch before entering Yellowstone.
American Airlines plane, on the tarmac at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), with the Teton range behind, under cloudy skiesAround sunset, view from Snake River Overlook, with the valley dotted with gold autumn color, cottonwoods turning, and the Teton Range in the backgroundLone solitary tree, cottonwood, golden in autumn fall color, within the National Elk Refuge, under cloudy skies and fogMoose wandering next to the highway near the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), just before crossing the highwayMoose wandering next to the highway near the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), just before crossing the highwayReflections of cottonwoods and autumn color in the still water at Schwabacher's LandingReflections of cottonwoods and autumn color in the still water at Schwabacher's Landing, and a beaver lodge in the foregroundMom and Dad in Teton Village, with autumn aspens in fall colorA bunch of rose hips in Teton Village, near the Terra HotelAcross the road from Granite Canyon Trailhead, quaking aspens in fall colorMom and Dad under the antler arch at Jackson Town SquareClouds floating, looking angry, near the Taggart Lake Trailhead, and quaking aspens and cottonwoods turning fall colorsDeer with unforked horns grazing along Jenny Lake RoadMom and Dad at Jenny Lake Overlook on a cloudy dayStorm clouds shroud the peaks, looking up Cascade CanyonAlong the shore of Jackson Lake, aspens turn orange and golden yellow, fall colors for autumnAlong the shore of Jackson Lake, aspens turn orange and golden yellow, fall colors for autumnAspens that are just turning autumn fall colors as seen from Oxbow BendAt Oxbow Bend, aspen leaves turned golden yellowAs viewed from near the Cunningham Cabin, bright rainbowShaft of sunlight emerging from above the Teton range, lighting up the valley as seen from the Snake River OverlookLooking south from Teton Point Turnout, the sky a bright orange, and cottonwood trees a golden yellowHoney-marinated quail, mustard peanut sauce, cucumber relishBibb lettuce, asparagus, hazelnuts, soft boiled egg, tarragon dressingGrilled bison ribeye, fingerling tater tot, wilted spinach, pemmicanLayers of red sandstone, clear skies, and lone pine treeMountain reflections, cottonwoods, and autumn color at Schwabacher's LandingMountain reflections of the Teton range, cottonwoods, and autumn color at Schwabacher's LandingCar of a driver from Ireland, plunged into the river at Schwabacher's Landing, from stepping on the accelerator instead of the breaksCar of a driver from Ireland, plunged into the river at Schwabacher's Landing, from stepping on the accelerator instead of the breaks, now with spectatorsDanny at Teton Point Turnout, above cottonwoods in fall colorWispy clouds turning red at sunset, above the Teton range, and cottonwoods turning autumn fall colors, at Snake River OverlookBunk House, with green roof, at Mormon Row, prarie in front of the Teton rangeMoulton Barn in front of the Teton rangeFamily picture in front of the Moulton Barn on Mormon RowAlice at Mormon Row, by a fence postAndy at Snake River Overlook, snapping a pictureView from Snake River Overlook, with clouds gathering over the Teton rangeView from Oxbow Bend, with Mt. Moran reflected in the pool, and the aspens and cottonwoods are turning golden yellow, autumn fall colorsSeared local trout with sage brown butter sauce, french fries, and zucchini and squashTortilla chips, tomatoes, onions, black olives, jalapenos, cilantro, bechamel sauce, sour cream, salsa
Colossians 3:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
