Teton Creek

Last weekend we discovered a new favorite spot.  We camped alongside Teton Creek in a dispersed site.  It quickly became one of our favorite sites ever.  My mom and Rachel joined us for the second night.  We were having too much fun to take many pictures (plus I forgot my camera), but here is a peek at some of the action.

the salmon river skunk

Based on warm river temperatures forcasted in Idaho this weekend, my journey to the Salmon river for steelhead fishing should have led to success. However, after 2 days (about 12 hours each) of fishing and hiking, I left the river with only a couple whitefish to show. I came home empty handed, save for high spirits and a sunburned nose. I also smelled pretty ripe after a weekend away, which was a plus for West, but sadly not for Jess.

Welcome to the Steelhead Inn. I actually found sleeping in the Montero quite comfortable. It reminded me of all the weekends I spent chasing steel in Washington, camped along the Wenatchee.

taylor mountain hike





West & I stalked this
Red Tailed Hawk for quite a while.
 The wind was roaring up at the bluffs,
but he didn't seem to mind.



We came rambling over a ridge,
and were suddenly face to face with this. 




Coincidentally, I've had the song,
 "Danger Zone" stuck in my head ever since.
...
Seriously though, it was a stirring sight. 
And, one I won't soon forget.



big game winter range

On Sunday, Sam & I went on an outing to the South Fork.  Our main mission was to see wildlife, with secondary gains established as wearing out West, and snowshoeing (I warned you it was here to stay). We definitely met all three goals, and decided that a hot thermos of coffee is one of life's simplest pleasures.  That, and making up wild turkey calls.

Two bald eagles together(!)

I wasn't able to capture it on film--
but we witnessed this eagle break off his branch in midflight,
 and then carry on like it was no big deal. 

I think this little critter counts as wildlife



year in review

2010 was good to us.  While it held it's challenges, it gave us many adventures and fond memories.  Here's a look back on our year, in pictures.



Happy New Year--here's to another wonderful 12 months.