Near Specimen Ridge in Yellowstone, a male bison surveys the land while enduring an afternoon thunderstorm.

Photo courtesy David Dickey

At a scenic overlook in the Beartooth Mountain Range, a golden-mantled ground squirrel dines on food before disappearing into one of the many passageways hidden throughout the rocky surroundings.

Photo courtesy David Dickey

Yellowstone National Park often treats visitors to spectacular sunsets, and this one near the South Entrance of the park was no exception.

Photo courtesy David Dickey

At Lake Butte Overlook, a grouse takes a peek at visitors enjoying the views of Yellowstone Lake.

Photo courtesy David Dickey

A yellow-bellied marmot snacks on plants near its den close to the lower East Entrance of Yellowstone.

Photo courtesy David Dickey

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Blake Shelton recently released a song called God’s Country. As one hears the lyrics, they hear references to the South, farming communities across the United States and a wide variety of activities that make places near and dear to people’s hearts and souls.

In an interview published online, Shelton said for him, the song is about being from Oklahoma, the place where he was born. He goes on to say that no matter where a person is from or where they are standing, they are, in his belief, in God’s Country.

For me, one who grew up in Alabama, God’s Country is and will forever be Wyoming. I’ve traveled to and lived in many places in the United States. Every one of them offered something special and endearing. But when I hear that song by Shelton, my thoughts always take me back to my days in Wyoming.

My latest visit to the state was my first since 2013. And for those of you who knew me when I worked at the Powell Tribune, you will likely remember the love I had for Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Mountain Range and the Shoshone River.

I was only in Wyoming for a week, and that’s not nearly enough time to do all those aforementioned areas justice through photographs. But I tried, and I hope maybe I captured an image or two that conveys just how much I love the area that always will be, in my mind, God’s Country.

(David Dickey served as the Powell Tribune’s sports editor for 3 1/2 years, between 2005 and 2009.)