THE LAND OF SMILES.

RUNNING STREAMS.

The longer I live the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and wonder of the world. I have loved the feel of the grass under my feet, and the sound of the running streams by my side.  The hum of the wind in the treetops has always been good music to me, and the face of the fields has often comforted me more than the faces of people.

I am in love with this world. I have tilled its soil, I have gathered its harvest, I have waited upon its seasons, and always have I reaped what I have sown.

I have climbed its mountains, roamed its forests, sailed its waters, crossed its deserts, felt the sting if its frosts, the oppression of its heats, the drench of its rains, the fury of its winds, and always have beauty and joy waited upon my goings and comings.

John Burroughs

HOT POTS.

Both Nova, my '98 Land Rover and Boo, my dog were happy to run 10 miles down this dirt road, drenched in mud. Libby (pictured below) held her breath on the sketchy path to Granite hot springs. 

Libby led me to the hidden pool just below the Granite water falls. Its steam gave it away on the cool, Fall afternoon. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry (it was so cold) while crossing Granite Creek, the only thing standing between us and our perfect 'hot pot'.  Next trip: pack waders.   

Toss the clothes, the pic-nic, and the towels on a rock. Slip on in.

Happy place.

Smooth rocks, restorative algae, and reflecting pools spike the senses. Lay back, crack your beer, and let the crashing of the falls fill your ears.

The dirt road (Grassy Lake Road north of Flagg Ranch in Yellowstone) only takes you so far in route to the Polecat hot springs. Here, Greg leads me north along Polecat Creek through these golden, boggy fields.  I felt right at home with the wild cattails, the pine forests, and snow blankets. 

If you're lucky enough to spend an afternoon in grizzly country, you're lucky enough.  We went over 'bear safety' on the way up. Spray 'em, don't slay 'em. 

I soak in the middle of the three tapering pools sitting along Polecat Creek. We saw the sun set and dozens more steamy hot pots on our hike out. Next trip: more daylight and 'hot pot hop'. (Photo Greg von Doersten)

GIRL'S BEST FRIEND.

BIRTHDAY BEAUTY.

Drive through the Refuge where the antelope roam (and mate at this time of year). The storm rolls in as we roll up to Curtis Canyon.

Paul and Boo skinny dip in Goodwin Lake. The water flies and the snow falls. Burr. What a site!

Impromptu birthday shoot in my birthday suit. We built a fire (and drank some beer) afterwards to warm up. Running around naked in the woods: Typical Jackson off-season activity?

Had to squeeze in one more sunny soak in Granite Hot Springs before Winter. Boo, Paul, and I climbed up this waterfall that sits beneath the pools. It roars and makes tiny rainbows.

Tis the season for scaling fallen logs in woolen boots and gaping about at the changing leaves.

Me, blown away. Rachel gave me a night at the Amangani for my birthday.

My best friend, Rachel looking right at home on our balcony at the Amangani.

TWENTY-FINE NEVER FELT SO GOOD.
Rang it in right in my birthday suit, playing in the mountains, and at the Amangani.
All my love and gratitude for another amazing year.