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Our original intentions for our weekend run up to Yellowstone were to be just that: Straight up to YNP and straight back.  But with us, it's never that simple. ;) We had an early start out of Salt Lake City on August 9th and we made it up to McCammon, ID before I looked into the sky and realized how clear of a day it was. 

I turned to Jess and asked her to check weather in Jackson, WY. She knew where my thought process was headed... I needed a Grand Teton shot. For the ten years since I started photography, I have been praying for a clear shot at the iconic Teton mountain range at Grand Teton National Park. Every time I have been in the area for the last ten years, there has either been inclement weather, or no time to get the shot.

Jess and I both knew it would be doubling our distance to our final resting destination of Island Park, ID.  But she knew what it would mean to me. She humbly agreed and I hope she knows how thankful I am for that. After a LONG haul through eastern Idaho, we met up with the US 89 through Hoback Junction, and on through to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

​We even stopped in at Hoback Junction to say "Hello!" to a Rat Fink Brother of ours, but according to the local store clerk, we just missed him. We'll find you next time, Ratzo!

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We pressed northward to Jackson, and up into the beginnings of Grand Teton National Park. And there they were, the iconic five peaks were waiting for us at the south gate of GTNP. Immediately, I began to worry about the low-flying clouds...

Moisture was grazing the very tips of each of the five peaks, so naturally, I was worried about achieving that "perfect" shot. I began mouthing several please for clearance to Mother Nature. And she must have been listening, as little five-second increments of clearance began appearing.

​Here is one of my favorite shots from my MANY takes at the five legendary peaks. More to come.

Now that the Tetons had FINALLY been etched into my memory cards, we set our course through the southern entrance of Yellowstone, out the West entrance, and a turn back south to our resting place at Island Park to meet up with my parents.

Along the way, we found a little surprise waiting for us in West Yellowstone. The Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous was on it's last few days as we would be in the area. For those that may not know. A Mountain Man Rendezvous is a celebration of the life of 18th and 19th century mountain settlers. It is a chance for all to relive the "fur trader" lifestyle and connect with the history of these mountainous regions.

What a great surprise! I hadn't been to a Mountain Man Rendezvous since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. It used to be a strong tradition in the Orr clan, and after this weekend's adventures, I think that tradition is returning.
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​Here are some shots from the SWMMR event:

During our time in the actual boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, wildlife was starting to look scarce. But we, as a family, kept the faith and decided to gamble on a drive through the heart of Yellowstone; The beautiful Hayden Valley.  This "eden" of Eastern Yellowstone has always been a hotbed for wildlife, and on this particular day, it was especially true. 
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From up-close experiences with riled-up Bison, a BEAUTIFUL Bull Elk readying for the rut, a distant Bald Eagle, and even a Grizzly enjoying his evening meal. Armed with binoculars and spotting scopes, the family and I had an incredible time spotting some of Yellowstone's finest creatures.

Naturally, I am going to take some more time with the many shots that came off the new Nikon, but here is a very little taste of what is to come:

Another Yellowstone trip is already in the works, we'll see you then!

-LRO

P.S. A HUGE "Thank You!" to my parents, who made this trip possible. Jess and I are forever grateful for your hospitality and company on this, a GRAND Adventure!

 ©Layne R. Orr 2019 All Rights Reserved