Update: I played around some more and was able to get the snake to it's full extent...so, the clog is somewhere beyond 25' worth of PVC from the pump. I was unable to get the snake in from the skimmer side this evening (it has started raining, AND I guess I have to eventually get my daughter to bed...)
I placed the DrainJet back in the pump and ran it for about five minutes. During that time, I repeatedly placed a plug in the skimmer hole, remove plug, repeat. Somewhere I read to use a tennis ball, but there was a plug handy. I periodically had some leaf debris pop out. I will see what it's like outside after I get the kiddo to bed.
If I can get back out there, I going to try the snake more from the skimmer side and see what happens...
If I can't get back out there this evening, then I am at a standstill until Sunday afternoon, and if that's the case, then keep the ideas open and flowing my way, and I will compile a list for Sunday...