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Borrego Springs, CA

Monday, June 28, 2010

A screen saver kind of day

Emma and I were on the road shortly after 7:30 this morning for our excellent adventure of visiting Grand Teton National Park.  In order to get there, we had to drive about 69 miles through Yellowstone NP.  For you dog owners out there, I want to tell you that each time I’ve gone through the entrance gate with Emma, the ranger on duty has given her a dog biscuit.  How welcoming is that!  I was ready with the telephoto lens on my camera in case we encountered any wildlife along the way.  Surprisingly, not even a bison was out and about. 
IMG_1939I was looking forward to seeing big mountains, and big mountains is what I saw!  It was a glorious day, weather-wise, and it seemed like every picture I took could be used as a screen saver or background picture for my computer.  I was on a Rocky Mountain high!
IMG_1862 IMG_1879I had a real challenge not posting 100 pictures tonight.  The views were just out of this world.  The water of Jackson Lake was very calm this morning, resulting in great reflections.
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I took a gravel side road to get these wildflower pictures.  I think the two on the left are lupines.  They kind of remind me of the bluebonnets of the Texas Hill Country.  I’m not sure what the name of the yellow flowers is. (click on any pic to enlarge)
IMG_1898Emma and I drove to the summit of Signal Mountain to have our lunch.  Dogs aren’t allowed on any trails or in any buildings in the park, but they are allowed at picnic areas and parking lots.  There was only one picnic table here, but I figured that qualified!  :)  It was right on the path at the top of the overlook.
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These were the views as I ate my sandwich.  Can you imagine a better place to have a picnic lunch?  I wrapped Emma’s leash around the table leg and she crawled under the table to take advantage of the shade.  Many  people came up to the overlook as I ate my lunch, and Emma greeted every one of them!

The hoot of the day came when one woman returned from the overlook and said “What a well behaved dog you have.”  I almost choked on my bite of sandwich!  No one has ever said that about Emma before!  She’s such a wild child.  Do you think maybe she’s FINALLY growing up???  I can only hope.  :)
IMG_1906After my repast, we went back down the five mile incline and continued on our way.
IMG_1930 IMG_1931Along the way, we took the scenic route to Jenny Lake where these shots were taken.  I wasn’t able to stop at any of the visitor’s centers in the park because all of the parking lots were full to over flowing.  I couldn’t leave Emma in the car to hike back to them because of the very warm temperatures, and of course she wasn’t allowed inside.  Maybe some other time.  :(
IMG_1925I bet you thought I wouldn’t get a bird picture in today.  Ha!  This Grey Jay, and several others, were hanging around the Jenny Lake pull off looking for handouts.

The loop trip today ended up being right around 280 miles, and it took us a little over nine hours to do it.  It truly was an excellent adventure today!  I’ll leave you with this parting shot of Grand Teton National Park…
IMG_1938Those yellow splashes in the foreground are blooming sage.  What an enticing aroma permeated this pull off.

Thanks for stopping by….talk to your later,  Judy

16 comments:

  1. Those are all truly spectacular photos of the Grand Tetons & it sounds like you had one of those very special days going for you when everything around you just comes together perfectly. Sitting at the picnic table in the shadow of the Grand Tetons will stay with you forever.....Emma too:))
    Your photos brought back many nice memories for me.

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  2. Your new camera takes outstanding pictures, the lake and the mountains are so clear, and the sky is just gorgeious, Especially like the pictures of you & Emma. I keep thinking the smae thing about Rigg's, will he ever settle down, We have decide to have him nuetered so maybe that will help. Haven't set the date yet, be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  3. That's one of the things I love about RV'ing. An impromptu lunch stop. They always seem to be one of the more memorable parts of a journey.

    Hope you find many more lunch stops.

    Mac & Dianna

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  4. Great photos!!

    Linda and I really enjoyed the Tetons when we were there a few years ago.

    Glad you did too. :-)

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  5. Judy, your photos are gorgeous, glad you are enjoying our part of the world!

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  6. I can see where I'm headed next year ! ! ! !

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  7. I am speechless....Judy there just aren't enough words to describe that beauty. I CAN say thanks for sharing the beautiful pics with us!! I am so glad you and Emma had such a nice drive.
    You have lots of screen saver pics there!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
    http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

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  8. Fantastic photos! Amazing! Another place we're going to have to add to our growing list of places to visit.

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  9. Judy those are BEAUTIFUL pictures. We will be going to that area later in our trip and look forward to going after seeing your pictures.

    Thanks for the tip on Red Rock RV Park will keep that in mind the next time we come. We had intended on staying on the west side but we waited to long and everything was full. It would have been nice to meet you and Emma.

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  10. Judy,Judy, Judy!
    Simply breath taking photographs! So glad you were treated to such an awesome day after some of the crummy ones you've had! You know, of course, that you are making it extremely difficult for us to not just return there again this year for the umpteenth time... but we really need to branch out a bit in our travelin so we'll stick to our plans.

    Keep having a grand time!

    another Judy!

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  11. Love those pics! We haven't been there in 7 years - looks like it's time to go back!

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  12. I don't think it's your camera that takes good photo's it's you :o). That Grey Jay almost looks like he's going to start up a conversation. I LOVE the pictures.. just looking at them relaxes me. I think I will use one of them as my backdrop on my computer at work.

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  13. So that's what the Tetons look like in the sun. Spectacular pictures. l'm glad you were able to extend your stay.

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  14. Judy,

    Your photos are calendar perfect.

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