Big Springs

Big Springs, located in Island Park, Idaho, produces 12 million gallons of water a day and forms the headwaters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River.

On the other side of the river sits a cabin built in the 1930's by Johnny Sacks, a German immigrant. In 1981, it became a National Landmark.

We were there after-hours so the cabin was closed for the day.

A water-wheel built by Johnny provides electricity and water to the cabin.

Doug stands at the mouth of the Snake River.

The diagram below shows you the area.

There are a lot of these birds around the area.

We walked about 4 miles on a trail and old abandoned railroad tracks.

These flowers won't have long to bloom as winter comes quickly around here.

Doug demonstrates the internet is available almost everywhere.

In the distance, the bridge to Big Springs.

The bridge has vending machines for food for fish and other scavengers who wait patiently along the bridge.

After a day of sightseeing, it was time to visit Big Jud's in Ashton, Idaho. If you are hungry, you won't be after you eat here.

Here's why: The Big Jud 1 Pound Burger with everything, especially an old fashioned milkshake with extra milkshake served on the side in the tin milkshake cup.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Fire and Rescue Cookout Fundraiser

Before we headed to work today, we stopped by the fire department's cookout. It was $5 for a hamburger, chips and a drink.

West Yellowstone had several things going on for the 4th of July. A community garage sale was followed by a town parade in the afternoon. The evening included entertainment in the city park and concluded with fireworks at 10pm.

The fireworks began just as we left work.

Believe it or not, these are all the pictures.

To see last year's parade and fireworks, click here .

To be continued...

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Today, we visited the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center with our friend and co-worker, Candice and Candice. The grizzlies were out early looking for food...

and playing with trash cans. That is why special metal trash cans with handles to open them are located all through the area. This helps keep bears from getting into the trash.

We arrived as they were having wolf pack chat. During this time, staff members get the wolves howling all at once.

The Center is located next to the IMAX and is open 365 days a year. All of the animals are not able to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

These young wolves were wide awake this morning and playing hard.

Time for a group shot. Notice the IMAX Theatre in the background.

Nothing like relaxing on a giant teddy bear.

Next, it was off to the museum just across the road and about a half block down.

This used to be the Union Pacific Railroad Station. Would you care to buy a ticket?

As you can see it can sometimes be challenging to get here in a train.

After the museum, it was time to get a bite at the Canyon Street Grill. We were unhappy we couldn't try the extra salad Depressing, whatever that was. Notice the box outlined in red.

Candice took us to see here parents' house. They have quite a view from their front window.

And plenty of windows with a view.

Their house, on the left, is about 7,000 sq feet.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...