Idaho Salamander

I found this guy in the dirt that was being leveled next to my house! He's lucky he didn't get killed by the heavy machinery, squished by a rock or stepped on! Just his tail was sticking outside of the dirt. I looked at it and thought, "no way that is a salamander THAT big in Idaho!" It's the first salamander I've seen out west since I moved here. He was 8-9 inches from tip to tail. Did I ever mention how much I love Amphibians?

Early Season Snowboarding

I can't believe I went snowboarding today, Oct.6th! It's early early early for this much snow to have fallen and more is on the way. The ski resort is closed, so we had to hike up the mountain instead of riding the chairlift. It was nice to get my feet back on the snowboard, take some falls, and make some turns. I don't know who the guy is jumping on his snowboard, but I thought it was a decent shot to post.

October 2nd hike

Be a better person -- take a hike

Be a better person -- take a hike

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Sept.30 Snow Storm

These pictures are from the Grand Targhee Resort website. This is how much snow they received overnight. Approximately 14 inches at the base of the ski hill! WOW!

Last warm weather hike of the season

Last warm weather hike of the season

Last warm weather hike of the season

It's snowing and and will remain cold for the next 10 days. Yesterday, the high was in the mid 70's, blue skies and perfect. I took full advantage of the last 2 warm weather days of the fall with a float down the Teton river 2 days ago, and a big day hike yesterday. In one of the pictures, you can see the smoke coming off of the mountain from a prescribed burn forest fire.

Wind River Mountains-- Backpacking

Wind River Mountains-- Backpacking

Wind River Mountains-- Backpacking

Wind River Mountains-- Backpacking

When backpacking in the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming, any time of year, a person can experience all four seasons--in one day. Hot weather, fall weather, snow, hail, 60+ mile winds and rain is what I experienced during this trip. This past August, it even snowed a foot! These mountains dwarf the Tetons. I can't wait to go back for a longer trip. Three days barely scratched the surface.