You may remember this photo as I have shared it before, though a long time ago. We weren’t as close as it seems as we had a zoom lens on our camera, but still relatively close. However we were in a protected area at Lake Jackson Lodge, where we were staying for a few days. It had a great view high off the ground, overlooking the Grand Teton and between us, this large area of land where elk would pass through, and other wildlife.
There were several people out there already, but still lots of space to comfortably take photos without being elbow to elbow. When I reached my spot and looked down, this mother elk and her calf were a sight to behold. I can’t remember how long I stayed just looking at them, taking many, many photos. And then I couldn’t move for the longest time. I was mesmerized! It seemed a very long time but eventually mama elk stopped posing and munching on the long grasses, ambled out of sight with her calf trotting behind her.
There was plenty of seating, along with tables if you wanted to have a hot drink or a cocktail. I felt a bit chilled and ordered a pot of tea.
If you want to take a look at the Lodge, you can copy and paste the following into your search engine.
https://www.gtlc.com/lodges/jackson-lake-lodge?
I borrowed this image from their website. The rooms were wonderfully rustic (we were last there in 2007 or maybe 2008). They were clean, comfortable, cozy and what a view! This was the same vacation where I saw the dawn rise listening to the wolves in the distance. I had awakened and wondered what I was listening to, and then I realized. I made myself a hot drink, grabbed a blanket, wrapped it around me and sat outside listening for what seemed a long time to them ‘talking’ to each other. It was misty out there and it felt magical. Our room was in the far left building, facing the mountain range. I added the red arrow.
I hope all goes well with you and
thanks so much for your visit today.
They just posed and posed for you! The photo looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny, it seemed like they did but I bet that grass was tasty, lol!
DeleteDear Denise, that must have been a wonderful experience; I can imagine how moving it was to see—and even photograph,that moose family. It must have been a marvelous vacation there. hanks for asking, I’m doing well,just the usual little aches and pains that come with our age and I hope you’re doing well too.
ReplyDeleteHugs Elke
Dear Elke, thank you very much and it was very moving to see this elk family. Seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat was a joy. I am very happy you are doing well. I understand about the aches. At our age it can often prove challenging but each day is a blessing. Hugs to you too, Denise
DeleteWhat a lovely photo, but to actually be there would have been wonderful. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosie, thanks so much! It was a great memory. Wishing you a great Friday and weekend :)
DeleteThey posed well, they knew they had to r still so you could take their photo Denise.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly seemed that way. Thanks Margaret :)
DeleteThat would be something to see. It's one thing to see pictures of wildlife to be right there and see them in person is totally different. This sounds like an amazing place
ReplyDeleteI would love to go back again Ann, not sure if it is possible now but I couldn't agree more, I was very happy to be able to see them in the wild. Now I am happy if I see a squirrel, hahaha!
DeleteThe elk bring back memories of us being at Yellowstone decades ago. Wildlife! Amazing to see.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Lynn and Precious. I hope I can get back there one day. That whole area is spectacular both with scenery and wildlife.
DeleteThat’ a good memory, and more than one memory.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, there were many memories on that trip :)
DeleteMy most vivid memory of the interaction between elk and human was in Estes Park, Colorado, where they roamed the streets at will and some were even resting on people’s porches.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great memory David. A friend told us years ago that when hunting season was on, the elk knew to come down to the outskirts of town and inside the town where they knew they were safe. I'm not sure how legit this story is but he was quite sincere and said he saw it himself :) He lived in Colorado for many years.
DeleteIt seems highly credible, Denise.
DeleteThank you for coming back David. I am glad you thought it credible :) Our friend told us many wonderful stories about the wildlife he saw.
DeleteGreat shot of the Elk. The Tetons and Yellowstone are two of my favorites park, the wildlife sightings are great. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, I'm glad you have been there and know for yourself what it is like. You take care and I wish you the same :)
DeleteA nice remembrance of a special vacation.
ReplyDeleteVery special indeed Marcia, thank you :)
DeleteHi Denise, wow what a great picture! You really captured a lot of detail for being so far away. It looks like a really beautiful place. My husband and I used to really enjoy going to the state parks when we were younger. It's a little hard for us to travel these days. But I too have so many memories of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon and Acadia as well as others. Nature is so amazing because there is always a surprise waiting around each corner if you keep your eyes open. Thank you for your kind comments too over on my blog! Have a great day ahead. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Delisa :) and my pleasure. You have a lovely blog. I thank you for visiting me also. We used to travel a lot more also but have slowed down considerably. One of the reasons I love to go through old photos. I have enjoyed Yosemite and Yellowstone, several others but have not been to Kings Canyon or Acadia, my loss. Nature can hold many surprises can't it? Have a great day and weekend.
DeleteWhat a fabulous room location! Elk mesmerize me as well.
ReplyDeleteIt surely was Linda. We really lucked out as we didn't know about its location, but if we ever get back there, we will book well in advance and get the same building. I remember you going to Benezette and seeing all your wonderful elk photos. They are incredible aren't they?
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful..
ReplyDeleteHugs cecilia
Happy you think so, thank you Cecilia. Hugs, Denise
DeleteIt was a picture-perfect moment.
ReplyDeleteVery much so, thank you Sandie :)
DeleteSometimes these animals take their time as if they know that they are safe
ReplyDeleteThat’s a lovely thought Red and makes excellent sense. They have a way of knowing, don’t they?
DeleteThat is a lovely photograph.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday Wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, she posed so beautifully I had a lot of time to set up that photo :) Happy Friday Wishes to you too and all the best, Denise.
DeleteI've stayed in Yellowstone but not Grand Teton, although I have visited the park. When we last went to Yellowstone in 2022 it was mating season and we saw a few male elk with their harems. It was quite interesting, but I wouldn't want to get too close. Your photo is lovely and thanks for sharing the info about this lodge too. Have a great Saturday ahead.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Erika :) That must have been an amazing experience. I have heard their bugling, it gave me goosebumps but in a good way :) No, I wouldn’t want to get too close either. I heard many a ranger come in and tell the tourists to get to a safe distance.
DeleteYellowstone and the Tetons are my favorite places to visit. We've never actually stayed overnight in the Tetons but have in Yellowstone. I love the smell of the trees, the air, the animals, the beauty of the mountains. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe love the same place and the same things. There are a lot of beautiful places in this world. I wish I had three lifetimes to see them all but because I have visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons a few times and have fallen in love with them every time, they still call to me. I dearly hope I can get back there. You have a wonderful weekend also and it’s lovely to see you :)
DeleteThat lodge looks like a great place to stay to enjoy the Grand Tetons! I would enjoy seeing that area in person.
ReplyDeleteI can highly recommend a visit Ellen. It has spectacular scenery and we loved staying at the lodge. In fact we said if we ever go there again, we would stay much longer.
DeleteNeat photo!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Linda :)
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