As the snow swirls and collects on the ground, I reflect on the few Fall adventures I’ve shared with a friend and TAJ so far this season.

woman walking on trail in canyon of evergreens and fall colors beginning under granite canyon walls — Tanya enjoying a perfect Fall morning along a trail

Tenacious Tanya comes for a visit

Warm, sunny days and crisp Fall colors emerged during the days I awaited for Tanya’s arrival. We lucked out with perfect weather for a weekend of explorations. The main event included a trip over the pass, lunch in Cooke City, and a drive through Lamar Valley (where we casually rolled up to wolves having just crossed the road!), and concluded with a cool evening under winking stars while chatting around the fire pit.

I took Tanya boot scootin’ (line dancin’ lingo), shopping, out on the town for fine dining, and along open trails with views. My usual efforts of squeezing it all in were successful. Despite a lack of moose sightings (wolves are a better spotting anyway, right?), I deeply appreciate her efforts to get out here and spend time exploring where I live and adventure.

Up the Canyon with TAJ

TAJ offered a study break by driving us up the canyon in our side by side and I couldn’t stop trying to capture the beauty of the glorious Fall day with fruitless images via my phone. Don’t worry you will get a full inventory! Also, we conquered a few side trails and were rewarded with admiring the views together in solitude. Exploring the pass never gets old and we relish the opportunities afforded us to soak in the scenery.

sunny day lake view as seen through a vehicle window — Sawtooth Lake

multiple lakes in foreground with a mountain range in shadow under a bright blue sky filled with puffy clouds — The descent into Wyoming

“Up the canyon” is local parlance for a drive along the Beartooth Scenic Byway. The views along the stretch of road are unparalleled and cause one to question the engineering feat that we so casually enjoy. In fact, they cause me to question why I’m bothering to study so diligently anyway.

What am I studying for you may be wondering? Hardly more than improving my grammar and my writing and analytical skills, I am completing the requirements of an ELA teacher certification. Will this be useful? I also question this endeavor. At least I’m finally receiving the education I should have obtained in middle and high school. Ouch! shrug towards Georgia.

Anyway, I’ve been a little lackluster lately because of that time commitment (constraints?). My apologies to you for only providing basic accounts of adventures lacking insights and my usual flowery language. I’ve tired a bit of writing about myself in this process too. Feeling distant from my original purpose of helping you, I’m a bit lost too I think.

So, I’ve relied on pictures to satisfy you. Hopefully, that’s been enough and once I complete my final exam I can begin to offer better, more focused tales. Until then, enjoy these short ramblings and all the images they produce. Thanks for sticking with me through the melodrama!