One fine day, while we were hiking in this wild, yet picturesque western landscape, we were on the constant lookout for wild creatures. We were very aware that wild buffalos, elks, moose, coyotes, and even bears roam this place.

But instead, we spotted a solitary figure who emerged from the shadow.

The familiar stance. The hat. Could it really be? Does he truly exist? Was it the legendary Lone Ranger?

But before we can blink, the shadowy figure was gone.

So we tried to pursue his trail towards the water edge.

Then we follow the river upstream. And then……

And there he was again! The Lone Ranger was resting among the fallen logs in the river, gazing at the nearby falls.

Before we can come near him though, he once again, disappeared.

We crossed the river and climbed up the rugged mountain searching for him.

And after some time, when we looked up, there he was!

Perched high on the rocky cliff was the Lone Ranger. Now you see him…..

Now you don’t!

As we tread on higher up the mountain, we heard water gushing. We must be nearing a  spring.

And sure enough, there was a refreshing rushing spring. And guess who was there? The Lone Ranger, of course!

And then like a ghost, he vanished from our view.

All what was left was a glimpse of his shadow.

As we cannot find him no more, we trekked back down the mountain.

When we navigate our way through the forest, we saw the Lone Ranger’s hat. Was he nearby watching our every move?

But we never saw him, not even his shadow again.

We came back to where we started. We were tired, hungry, and disappointed. We were preparing our picnic table when……

Out of nowhere he came out into the open again!

But wait a minute……he was with……he was with someone! He was not even a lone figure.

That’s not the Lone Ranger! He was the Wrong Ranger!

We were following the Wrong Ranger all along. The End.

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(* all photos taken at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)