Third Time Was The Charm - Red Rock Canyon

Kelly, WY (62 degrees, blue skies

On our third attempt we finally found the Red Rock Canyon with the help of our friends Bob and Patsy.  We were just not patient enough. Does that ever happen to you? 

In our defense the Gros Ventre Road becomes very rugged...fast.  The paved National Park road quickly turns into gravel, dust, and occasional washboard once you enter the Bridger Teton National Forest. We have been in this area twice before only to be told by our friends we had not journeyed far enough.  Bob and Patsy truck made for a much more comfortable ride so after work  a road trip to the Red Rock Canyon was planned.  It's truly a wild place free from crowds and civilization and definitely off the beaten path.

The Gros Ventre River cuts through the valley below.

The contrast between the green valley and trees against the red rock is very striking.

There are a few ranches along the road.  The one below is a horse farm.  Note how well the zoom on my Canon SX-50 brings the horses into closer view.

A Western Blue Bird was also enjoying the view from the fence line. I just love these little birds.

We turned down a road towards the Crystal Creek and saw a beautiful dude ranch called Red Rock Ranch which has been operating since 1917.  It looked like a spectacular place and is all inclusive including fly fishing and horseback riding.

This is a great area for fly fishing.  This is Patsy and Bob's favorite past times.  We always enjoying hearing their fish stories.

We saw this little grey bird bobbing around the rocks near the river.  We think it's an American Dipper, a new bird for us.

Fall will soon be here and everyone is  looking forward to when the aspen trees display their fall colors. Check back soon.

After we turned around we drove by this ranch and saw a bird high up on the post surveying the area.On closer inspection we think it's a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.  What a beauty.

The highlight for all of us was suddenly coming upon a large herd of Pronghorns.  There were probably about 70 of them and it was thrilling to see them run across the sagebrush meadow.  They are the fastest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere and sure could move fast.

THE END of another perfect day.