In August 2024, my wife and I spent eight unforgettable days at the Snake River Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming. It was her first time visiting Jackson Hole, while I’d been there before. We packed our trip with adventures, booking tours through Yellowstone and the Teton National Forest, a float trip down the Snake River, a hot air balloon ride, and rides on trams and gondolas that took us to breathtaking points in the Tetons.
During our excursions, we were lucky enough to spot a variety of wildlife: bears, elk, moose, coyotes, mule deer, and bison. We also saw hawks, eagles, and numerous other birds. Each encounter felt magical, but one particular experience stood out.
One day, while on a hillside overlooking a river, we saw a lone bison in the distance. We stepped out of our vehicle and watched through binoculars as he strolled down the hill, heading toward the river. After taking a drink, he began to swim across! It was incredible to watch. Once on our side of the river, he climbed up the hill, crossed the road we were on, and joined a herd of 20-30 bison grazing in a nearby field. The scene was like something out of a dream.
A few days later, we visited Jackson and wandered through shops, galleries, and restaurants. In one art gallery, my wife spotted a stunning photograph of a bison. Both of us were captivated by the image. The gallery assistant told us that the photographer had captured it from inside a barn after waiting for hours for the bison to appear. The story behind the photograph made it even more special.
Unbeknownst to my wife, I went back to the gallery a few days later and bought the photograph as a Christmas gift. Now, it hangs in our home as a beautiful reminder of our time in Wyoming and the amazing wildlife we encountered.
Written by Jack McCloskey, Mountary customer.
