I don’t know how old I was when I first saw the movie Shane, the 1953 American Western film produced and directed by George Stevens, but I do remember I was awestruck not only by the movie but by the scenery.  I was pleasantly surprised to find it last week on a visit with the Casper Photography Association to Grand Teton National Park in western Wyoming.  I didn’t even know it existed until someone asked if we wanted to see the Shane Cabin.  “Of course”,  was the answer.

We spent a few delightful minutes of photographing the place.  It didn’t even disappoint me that it was February, and I would have to wade through snow to get to the cabin.  It was exciting trying to think of the movie and bring back that awestruck feeling of my youth.  It didn’t look like I remember it as there is not much left.  Just the outer walls and some beams where the roof once was.  Still I was thrilled to be there.

Shane Cabin as I walked down from the road

All nine club members present began shooting their pictures.  We made sure we were not in each others way.  I tramped along the pole fence and carefully negotiated the deep snow through the gate, excited to take a look inside.  The floorboards had long ago vanished, so it was tricky picking my way to the blocked out wood window.  We were all interested in shooting a picture through that window.  I wanted to use the wood to frame the the view of the Tetons in the distance.  The mountains had been covered in clouds all day and were just now beginning to lift a little.

The Tetons as seen through the window of the Shane cabin. The clouds were just beginning to lift off the mountains.

We all explored the dilapidated cabin and jabbered excitedly about our memories of the movie, and how much fun it was to see and investigate what was left here of that famous movie.

The most exhilarating part to photograph was the cabin with the Tetons in the background.  It didn’t matter that it was Winter,  and the valley was snow-covered.  What did matter is that I was there, actually at the Shane Cabin, basking in it’s historical significance and trying to recall from old memories the movie and how much I enjoyed it.

Shane Cabin with Tetons in the background

As we finished our photography. we headed west to the town of Jackson.  But on the way back we were lucky enough to see more of the Tetons as the clouds did lift some,  not totally, but enough to shoot a few last moment pictures, and the sun began to sit.

The clouds did not totally leave the Tetons on this day

What I gained the most of this experience was “the experience”.  I suggest you just go out and shoot pictures of what interests you.  Enjoy the experience and just enjoy living life with your camera.

I have added these and other pictures to my web site.  Please visit it at http://SamSherman.imagekind.com/