The Black Lab, Toma

Anyone who knows me knows that my absolute passion is animals, especially furry, slobbery, tail-wagging ones! So I was thrilled to spend some time this Sunday morning shooting some portraits of 12 1/2-year-old Toma! She is such a sweetheart!

 A layer of dense fog made an interesting backdrop!

 

Sitting by the creek where she spent her summers playing with her family!

 Such a beautiful girl!

Toma's pal ~ I had to be quick to get a shot of her!

What better Christmas gift than a portrait of a loved one's cherished pet?  Pet sitting fees are only $35.00, so call 641-2335 or email jmthompson@spe.midco.net to book an appointment!

First Day in Yellowstone!

I have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to edit many of the pictures from my trip; however, I decided to take a little while this morning and at least get a few from my first day in the park finished!

I had hoped to get up early and be in the park by sunup, but sleeping in my truck in the Cody Wal-Mart parking lot proved to be a lot more comfortable than I thought, and it was almost 7:00 when I woke up...whoops! But I quickly got on my way and headed along the beautiful Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway to the East Gate of Yellowstone.  As I was driving, I realized that it was probably the first time I have ever made that drive in the daylight, as I have always tried to be in the park right at dawn, so I just took my time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery!

Full Moon over the North Fork of the Shoshone River

I was thrilled to come across a pair of moose having some breakfast just outside the gate of the park...

Then a grizzly bear out for a stroll at Mary Bay...

As I was putting my lens away, a coyote paused during his morning travels...

I had decided to camp at Mammoth Campground for at least a couple of days, so I figured I better head that direction first thing and get my campsite, as I knew the campgrounds would fill up quick, so I headed north towards Tower and Mammoth.  I got to Mammoth Campground just in time, as they only had two sites remaining! I got checked in, set up my tent, and headed towards Lamar Valley hoping to spot some wolves or another grizzly.  I was almost to Tower Junction when I came across a young black bear, who I would return to photograph almost every day during my visit.

 He was pretty scruffy, but he sure was fun to watch!

After spending about an hour with this bear, I headed to Lamar Valley, but with no luck.  Tired, but happy with the results of the day, I headed back to camp, ready to do it all again tomorrow!

McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range

Morning light over the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range

Well, I was hoping to be up in time to catch the sunrise, but I don't think I have slept so good in months!  I woke up to the morning sun beating down on me, and, much to my delight, a couple of curious colts staring at me!

I got my coffee going and had a bowl of cereal, as I took pictures of the herd grazing around me.  I think I would have been happy just spending the entire day right there!  But I wanted to see more of the range and other herds, so I packed up and headed out!

"Hey, I'll have some Raisin Bran Crunch!", but the stallion decided she was getting a little too close and drove her back!

After spending the entire day in the range, I found two other small bands, covered a lot of beautiful, rugged country, and had a fantastic day!  I had spent over 24 hours in this area and had not even seen another vehicle!

One of two wells installed by Friends of a Legacy (FOAL) volunteers and BLM

As I was working my out of the range, I saw a big band of approximately 15-20 horses grazing a few miles away.  It took about an hour to work my way to them, but I finally found them near a small pond.

Curious mares coming to visit...until something else catches their eye...

A herd of about 30 mustangs on the run to the water hole about a mile away...

The band I was watching wanted NOTHING TO DO with the larger band coming in.  

The stallion wasted no time rounding the mares up and heading out!

And these are the reason why...two very large and healthy bachelor studs trailing along with the two separate herds that came in...

And so began my best couple hours of the day! I was too late getting to the water hole to see the horses lying down in it, rolling in it, and drinking, as I had been photographing the other band and it took me a while to hike back to the waterhole, but just watching their interaction as they rolled, soaking wet, in the dirt, and then spent the evening socializing and grazing, was so much fun!

The family unit!

Sharing the waterhole!

Typical guy...loves to get dirty!

At least he stayed clean on one side!

I contemplated spending another night in the wild horse range, but I wanted to get an early start into Yellowstone the next morning (and I also wanted a shower!), so I headed into Cody.  I stopped at the KOA Campground on my way by, where you can get a terrific shower, clean with lots of water pressure, for only $3.00, and then headed to the Buffalo Bill Reservoir to catch an incredible sunset to end my day!

Sunset at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir...a beautiful close to a terrific day! 

Heading to Wyoming!

My cancer treatment is finished, I am getting my strength back, and after spending over nine months cooped up in the house, it's time for a road trip!  First heading to the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range just outside of Cody for a couple of days, then to Yellowstone to spend some time with the bears!

Usually when we head over the Big Horns we are in a hurry and don't have time to stop and enjoy the scenery.  This time, I had as much time as I wanted to take, so I played tourist and enjoyed a leisurely drive over Highway 14 from Sheridan to Shell, which is absolutely beautiful this time of year!

Some horses relaxing on a beautiful fall day!

It was late afternoon when I reached the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range, so I figured I would just head in and do a little bit of exploring and then camp where ever I happened to be when it got dark.  For anyone who has never been to McCullough Peaks, I highly recommend a Jeep or short wheel-based SUV, NOT a one-ton crew cab 4x4!  I can't count the number of times I had to back up (sometimes for a LONG ways to find a place wide enough to turn around) because the little 2-track I would be following would come to a washout that was too steep for my truck, but a shorter vehicle would handle it with no problem!  I have been telling my husband for a year now that I "need" a Jeep...maybe this will convince him!  This place is definitely the "Badlands of Wyoming", very rugged, and very beautiful!  I had been exploring for a couple of hours when I found a small band of horses and stopped to take some pictures.

 The stallion was curious, but he wasn't too worried as long as I kept my distance.

This mare is seeking some reassurance from the band stallion.  

After she figured out everything was okay, she brought all of her girls to say hello!

A group of lovely ladies coming to say hello!

As the sun started to set, these two little guys still weren't too sure about me! 

It was starting to get dark, so I figured this was as good of place as any to camp.  I started heating some water for some soup, and these two little colts kept circling my camp and getting closer each time...very curious yet not quite as brave as the big horses!

As it started getting darker, the coyotes started howling.  

That sent the babies scurrying back to the herd!

Moonrise over the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Range

The sunset was incredible! 

My camp guard...the stallion keeping watch above my camp

I fell asleep listening to the coyotes serenade to me and the wild horses grazing just outside my camp, counting my blessings and being thankful for the incredible day, and looking forward to what tomorrow would bring!

Fall in the Black Hills

I decided to head out this morning and capture some of the beautiful fall colors that take over the Black Hills this time of year.  I started with a drive up to Mount Roosevelt, where the aspen and the ferns along with the brilliant blue sky made for some wonderful contrast!

From there I headed to the Iron Creek Trail, which is one of my favorite areas to hike.  Since I had my dog, we didn't spend any time photographing along the road in Spearfish Canyon, but we did spend quite a bit of time in Iron Creek!

The colors should be reaching their peak just in time for the first Black Hills Photo Shootout this weekend, and there should be some fantastic photo opportunities for all of the participants!  This will be my first photo workshop, and I am really looking forward to having a fun weekend and meeting so many other photographers!

Muskrats in the Rain!

I have been so busy with senior and family portraits lately, I have been having a wildlife withdrawal! Although it was a little wet and cold this morning, I had to take a break from picture editing and venture out with the big lens.  I called up a friend who I know also has an affinity for cute, furry little critters, and we headed out to hopefully find a muskrat family out playing in the rain!

Not doing much playing, must have been breakfast time!

Hiding...someone had to show up with their dog to see what we were taking pictures of...

I will be heading to Wyoming next week to spend several days in Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons, so I should be able to get my wildlife fix!!!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!?

It was an exciting night of football at Lyle Hare Stadium as the Spearfish Spartans played their first home game, hosting Rapid City Central.  The fans came out in force to support the teams, and the boys played hard and put on a terrific game!  Although the Spartans lost their lead and fell to the Cobblers in the last eight minutes of the game, they were a force to be reckoned with the entire game, and the future is looking good for what has been a struggling team!  If you are looking for an exciting way to spend Friday night with the family, Friday, September 17, the Spartans will host Sioux Falls Roosevelt at Lyle Hare Stadium!

More images can be viewed and purchased at Thompson Photography.