Dubois, WY. Treehuggers not welcome.

Tough break then. Some old habits die hard as they say. Dubois, Wyoming used to be a very large logging town and things have changed. You can still find bumper stickers saying, “Save Wyoming’s Wildlife. Shoot a treehugger.” It is a town/city of under a thousand residents. It tries hard to keep its old western town feel and look. Old saloon style store fronts. The whole deal. The main draw to Dubois was two things. The scenery along Togwotee Pass and self-guided Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Tour sponsored by National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center.It is over 80 miles one way from Jackson through treacherous mountain passes, but it sure as heck is worth it!

The morning started out extra early and fresh. With Dina’s fantastic french toast in our belly we were geared up and ready to go. We spotted and hung out with over nine moose in total for the whole day. Not all at great range, but a great sighting. Four at a time at one pull off. (Unfortunately you get to realize how loud motors really do affect these animals. As soon as a crappy built ATV rolls on by, a huge pick up or semi the animals trot off in the other direction.) The pass is a twisting and winding ride that is filled with wonder. You’re over 9,500ft above sea level with views that are hard to imagine. The greatest part was watching the storm behind us break apart as we approached Dubois. The scenery is constantly changing. You just keep shooting as every moment is a unique sliver of time. Once you enter Dubois it feels like the badlands of the west. Even though it is at freezing temperatures; there is still no snow in sight.

The drive in to the refuge for the bighorn sheep (not a protected national park area unfortunately) is narrow, incredibly bumpy and 4×4 recommended. It is about a 6.6 mile drive inward. We didn’t think we would see much. However as we turned a corner near a mineral salt lick there was a nice herd of ten. Saw a yearling and a few males. Mostly ewes. Some harsh back-lighting that I thought was going to ruin the photos, but added a major boost to my photography. We didn’t stick around too long as I wanted to see what was left of the trail (figuring we could just go back later.) We get to the end and there is this hike I read about called the Glacier trail. I didn’t know about the climb part. Dina was a real good sport as we climbed 350+ft in less then half a mile. It was a multi-stop break climb for us. The views were incredible. The whole valley just opens up in front of you. The glacier view part was a frozen waterfall that wasn’t so spectacular and was filled with too much for the dynamic range of my sensor. Felt great to do the walk though. A chorus of black-capped chickadees, mountain chickadees, and red-breasted nuthatches were at the top to lead the way.

The trip on back after eating our packed lunches was looking to be a pleasant one. The herd was still there and patiently hanging out. To our dismal surprise some gigantic morons were walking onto private land approaching the sheep as you’re NOT supposed to. All for a stupid picture, not worth harassing any subject. To top it off, after those idiots left from my rude demeanor of a response, another guy gets out of his pick up and decides he will walk up a hill to a blind side of the sheep (comes up from behind them with the hill as a blind.) Real brainiac of an idea folks. As soon as he peaks over the hill guess what happens? They bolt away! Ruining any chances of capturing them on film (don’t worry tom0rrows experience-or is it today?- was incredible. Make sure to tune in). This all unfolded as we were sitting in the car. Not only inconsiderate to the animals, but how about the guy with a lens sitting in the car behind you!

After the trio of schmucks spoiled the fun we headed on out in search of vistas. Something this area is nothing short of. You can see the mountain snow covered peaks while being on the ground with rufous/rust covered hillsides. There were  a lot of ranches on the way out which were a treat to just see. They were filled with these beautiful and majestic horses enjoying the crisp winter air.

The ride home was filled with snow filled antics and many pull offs to take in the views. Trying to take it all in feels as if it would require an eternity of observation.

Our buddy the cow moose munching on some vibrant willow.

Just a sampling of the amazing peaks to be found along the Togwotee Pass.

There aren’t many more things cuter then a yearling big horn sheep. Especially with that fuzzy head.

Ewe smiling for a close-up.

A gorgeous tree being Rembrandt lit. It was amazing the sensor held such a range of light hitting this colorful tree along our trail.

A mountain chickadee on the hunt for some good seed.

The rust color rockside was just so vibrant and filled with color.

The photograph I was able to get off of a partial family before nimrod scared them off and up the hill.

Mule deer right by the side of the road. Made me a bit nervous as I didn’t want them to get hurt. They seemed more then patient with us. Especially with me reaching over the passenger side seat to try and photograph them.

The amazing expanse you can see entering the town of Dubois, WY. Simply gorgeous. These willows would have made you think it was fall.