Fall in the Hole

Summer stretched for 117 days in Jackson Hole - between the last snow of spring on June 9 and the wet snow that hit the valley on October 6.
While strict calendar adherents assert the season starts at the summer solstice and ends with the fall equinox, I am a believer that frozen flakes falling from the heavens are a more tangible sign of changing seasons! The unfortunate result of this early October storm, was a shortened season of yellows, oranges and reds that we were thoroughly enjoying...it was shaping up to be a glorious Autumn!

The conditions are pointing to a repeat of last year's La Nina winter, including ample winter and spring snows bombarding the valley. So while it may be difficult to let go of the warm-weather, there are many hardcore Jackson residents who are pushing the season already - yes there were people skiing the Teton Pass and the Grand Tetons this past weekend! The bottom line - four months of glorious summer; eight months of winter...time to get out the coats, boots and skis!

Here are some pictures of the beautiful Autumn colors! I must admit that the addition of the snow capped mountains has been a sensational reminder of the ever-changing beauty that beholds Jackson Hole.

Bella thinks that the yellow leaves match her yellow coat!

Yummy Bear Food!

The Aspens are gorgeous!

Hiking on an overcast day is even spectacular!

Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves = perfect swimming weather for Bella!

View from my kitchen window

Backyard in full fall color!

Rainbow ending right in the Snake River in our backyard - where are the leprechauns and gold????

Fall Sunset

One of our resident visitors; snacking in the backyard!

Good Morning Snow-capped mountains!

Fall waters @ Phillips Ridge Hike

I am finding that my point & shoot camera does not do a respectable job of capturing the rich, deep colors that we are enjoying - so come on out and visit! Although the temperatures are getting cooler, there is still plenty of fun to be had before the snow blankets the valley. We are still hiking and mountain biking every weekend and the wildlife are migrating into the area. There have been road closures right here in the Valley due to the Grizzly Bear activity - YIKES!

Hunting season is in full-swing (I am sure that is not a term that hunters use to describe it - but what does a girl from Kansas know). There are constant rings of gunfire and texts from my friends saying, "he just got a 6 point !" Hope we get invited over for dinner!! Here is something that you probably never thought you would see Barry doing:

Barry admiring our neighbor Kurt's Bison kill that he got on opening day of Bison Season!
Kurt, you da man! (He is also the one who got the 6 point elk this weekend!)

Ah, the beautiful Wild West - we are still loving it!