Elk Island Dinner Cruise With Friends (Colter Bay)

Colter Bay, Grand Teton National  Park (56 degrees, blue skies, chilly)

We spent a lovely evening a few weeks ago with our friends Bob and Patsy. We decided to go on a dinner cruise to Elk Island.  You launch from Colter Bay located in Grand Teton National Park and reservations in advance are a good idea. Rain interfered with our original plans and the company allowed us to change the date without any hassle. 

Our captain and guide

There were two boats of about 30 people per boat. It's a covered vessel and an interesting guide narrated as we went out to Elk Island.  It was about a 20 minute boat trip.  

Our dinner was cooked by the staff on the island and it was quickly served buffet style after we arrived.  We each had a nice steak, trout, corn on the cob, garden and fruit salad, and apple cobbler for dessert.  It was very tasty and John was able to get another steak too.  The boy sure does love beef.

The company was great and the views of the mountain range were beautiful.  Our only complaint was there really was not any time to see the island.  Shortly after dinner we loaded up to return.

Patsy, Bob, me, and John

Bob and Patsy

We went around the other side of the island on the way back and it was a nice cruise.Our guide told us more about the area and the Rockefeller family.

The prettiest part of the evening was after we got out of the boat and lingered in Colter Bay.  The sun was starting to set and the views were spectacular.  We sure do love it here!

Colter Bay

The cost of the cruise and dinner is $60/person.  This company also offers a breakfast cruise out to the same island.  Our friends Dave and Debbie did this option during their visit and enjoyed it too.

Thanks Bob and Patsy for joining us on this dinner cruise. Your company and friendship is so precious to us.

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.