It is very disappointing to watch our long anticipated time in
GTNP melting away while we are stranded in Idaho Falls waiting for the part
needed to get our motorhome back on the road. To make the most of the situation
we set out to explore the surrounding countryside and see the Tetons from the
west for the first time. Finding
wildlife proved challenging, but the scenery was beautiful.
This osprey added so much colorful material into her nest that I thought she was decorating for Christmas...
The following are some of the red-tailed hawks that were in the area...
The next hawk was attempting to secure a wild duck for dinner...
Unfortunately for the hawk, the attempt was unsuccessful...
My favorite location was the Camas National Wildlife Refuge
near Hamer, ID. Located just 36 miles north of Idaho Falls, the drive was
interesting and not too far. It is a relief to have an easy commute in this part of
the country, where points of interest are commonly several hours away. At Camas we found the largest congregation of
yellow headed blackbirds that we have ever encountered…
There were also several northern harriers hunting the mostly
dry wetlands…
The highlight of our first visit was a cow moose with two
calves, and while all three were lethargic in the heat of mid-day, it was a
treat to see them…especially without the crowds that they would have attracted
in the park…
On another day we drove to Sawtell Peak near Island Park, ID. One must share the narrow, dusty
road to the top with numerous dune buggy type vehicles that can be rented at
the base of the mountain. The summit is at almost 10,000 feet above sea level
and the views are spectacular as the photos, all taken by Cheryl, demonstrate…
The dome at the top is an FAA communications facility...
A view of the Tetons in the distance...
Looking west from the top...
Looking east from the top...
Route 20 in the distance, leading to West Yellowstone...
The communication equipment on the top...
Two views of the Snake River...
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