Marion,
The page looks great, the photos are great, the subject matter is interesting... but the GIF files are WAY too big.
For example, the largest file on my S&S page is a huge critter photo that is 1201 x 889 pixels and 106 kilabytes. It takes up about a screen and a half on my computer. In contrast, the photo you have of #12 on the start page is 445 x 276 pixels and 194 kilobytes. This photo just takes up a small portion of my screen.
So, your #12 is about 1/10 the size of the critter photo but will take about twice as long to download.
Bummer.
BUT....... once you get those file sizes under control you are going to have a really neat web page. I had never heard about the Alder Gulch, but I can't wait to learn more!
Thanks, Michael