This was actually the second visit to Jackson, though the first was in early September 2017 (see Post: 2017, August 28 to September 5 - Grand Teton National Park, plus Bridger-Teton and Shoshoni National Forests, see DAY 3), which we visited while staying at the Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Park in Dubois, WY.
This trip however was more due to needing to do some shopping for stuff that we don't have in Star Valley Ranch... like an Albertson's and a Kmart (in lieu of our preferred 'Walmart'), plus we wanted to revisit the beautiful drive to Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park. Mostly, the post of this trip is a photo essay of the beautiful sights of this great land, which attest to why we ove Wyoming so much. So here we go... Enjoy!
Fly fishermen on the Snake River
Entering Jackson WY
The famous Elk Antler arches at the four corners of Jackson town square.
One of the storefronts of the streets facing the town square
Even the big rigs and RVs navigate through the town center
How appropriate, cowboys who ride their mounts to the Cowboy Bar at the town center.
We wonder if they ever get stopped for RUI (RIDING under the influence).
The Wort Plaza Hotel (famous in Jackson)
Another bronze sculpture of a Bull Elk, like the one at the Bank of Star Valley in Thayne WY
Bears whoop it up atop Dave Hansen Whitewater & Scenic River Trips (owned by Dave Chatham and his wife Kelly Kaiser) in downtown Jackson WY. Thanks to Jonathan "the Bear Man" LeBenne's (an Afton WY resident) lifesize sculpture of a family of bears on a Snake River rafting trip, highlights this 49-year old Snake River outfitting company. It is now a landmark in Jackson.
A very nice Wells Fargo Bank, very fitting for Jackson Hole.
Even the dogs are very attractive in Jackson. This one had eyes for Roxy,
but Roxy was just not interested,
Downhill ski slope in the background.
Headed for Grand Teton National Park
Entering Grand Teton National Park. Thank goodness for our Geezer Passes, we enter for FREE
Ripe for seeing Moose, but we never see them when we go
Flagg Ranch entrance
At a pull-out at this gorgeous site we stopped to have a picnic lunch and feed Roxy plus let her take care of her needs. There were too many other people and dogs around so we kept her on her leash, but what she really likes is when we just let her wander and explore on her own and she always comes back when called.
There were these impressive Canadian Geese on the lake.
Bill walking Roxy. We got so many compliments on her looks and good behavior.
And American White Pelicans (comparable to Trumpeter Swans in size, as the longest birds in North America) also swimming in the lake. Their Beaks range from 10" to 15" and wing spans of 108"( 2nd largest span only to the California Condor). Their plummage is all whiite except for primary and secondary black remiges (hardly noticeable except in flight).
Even al through the summer, the white snow-capped mountain tops are beautiful to see.
More moose habitats. Still no moose visible.
Thanks to Mary's quick reaction, though snapped a bit too late to catch this coyote "in action". He or she had traffic stopped watching him poop on the shoulder of the roadway (circled in red). Then he calmly walked across the road and disappeared into the brush. It is not often that one gets to see the local wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, so when it happens everyone stops, even if it is just to watch one poop.
More ski slopes...
Nature has a way of revitalizing its landscapes (and even forests) even by destroying them. Wildfires often serve the purpose of burning old over-vegetation, giving way for new life to grow. The museum seeks to collect, display, interpret and preserve the highest quality of North American wildlife art. It enriches and inspires appreciation and knowledge of humanity's relationship with nature.
As such on Sunday August 4, 2019 such a wildfire broke out near Jackson Hole, which threatened to also consume the National Museum of Wildlife Art (2820 Rungius Road, Jackson WY 83001) located just 2.5 miles north of the town square in Jackson. The fire was ignited by a lightning storm Sunday afternoon near the museum, which had to close and evacuate. Firefighters and fire helicopters battled the fire but high winds fanned the fire to expand, forcing the evacuations of nearby homes as well.
Luckily, a timely rain on Sunday evening helped knock out the wildfire that threatened the art museum and some rural homes and all evacuations were lifted. Mother Nature saved the Day! However, the fire did burn about 80 acres of grass and sagebrush along US 89 north of Jackson.
And on the way back home.... the beauty never ends.
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