Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park
June 26, 2022
My travel to Oxbow Bend began well before dawn from my temporary B&B home in Wilson, Wyoming. There is barely a cowboy on the streets of Jackson as I turn north into the National Park. The trip through the Grand Teton is full of life at this early hour - the moose near Schwabacher Landing, the Elk near the Snake River Overlook, the Bison as you near Moran. I turn west and pass the unmanned park gate. A short drive later I arrive at the Oxbow Bend view. I see five cars in the roadside parking already. It is time to set up the camera.
There is a call-out for a Grizzly Bear up the river moments before the alpenglow touches the ridge. People scramble. My Nikon with the Otus 28mm/1,4 and 6-stop Neutral Density filter is ready for the long exposure - no time for a snapshot. Within the minute we all see the legendary Grizzly Matriarch #399 walk between the cameras and the river, I researched it all and still never expected a 15-foot open encounter - but no cubs now, relaxed, almost gentle as she heads east into a frozen June meadow.
Then the mountains glow red.
Bison Jams, Bear-sightings, Elk along the wooded areas - these are the unexpected events every day while photographing this natural theater stage. Yellowstone remains just north, full of geysers and more wildlife, recovering from a thousand-year flash flood. South of that entrance, Jackson Lake Lodge is well worth a public stop. The Jenny Lake Lodge Breakfast is so amazing with a friend from nearby Lander. Thunderstorms booming over Teton Village. These are the memories I have from my week-long stay at Grand Teton National Park.
