Almost a New Year!

Good Morning on the last day of this year!

I am not sure of what this last year means to me. Surely the election of new President with hopes for us all is certainly a positive note. But, we have lost so many folks that I grew up with that it saddens me to think of their passing. Paul Newman and George Carlin are representatives of that group, not that they are the only ones of importance, just emblematic of an era for me.

My youngest daughter got married and that is good. My tenth year as a ranger in the Tetons was, for the most part good. The new duty station at Jenny Lake presented a new challenge for me but was a nice change. However, the last three weeks of duty made me begin to question whether I wanted to continue on with the park service. Maybe the coming summer will bring with it travel to places I have wanted to get to but haven't.

Yesterday my friend Marc came up to Flagstaff and we got some XC sking in at the nordic center. There is still a lot of snow out there but with the warming temps it is beginning to do that "freeze/thaw" thing. Plus, it warmed up pretty fast and we were shedding layers right away. The skiing itself was pretty good but conditions were a bit slick to begin with and getting soft by the time we finished, not the pristine conditions I had before Xmas. However, it was good to get out there.

Since last I wrote I have seen two movies. The first, Marley and Me, I saw with my daughter and grandsons in California before leaving. It was a nice family picture (although my grandson Cole said there were a couple of naughty parts). It was entertaining and enjoyable for what it was. The second movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is one of the best movies I've seen this year (I will list my top 10 for 2008 in my next posting). Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett give career performances. I found the story both poignant and thoughtful. There are many lessons here for living one's life. I highly recommend this film.

Happy New Year to all. Lets hope it brings better things for our personal lives, our country and the world.

Peace!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from NOT so sunny southern California!

I have been here since last weekend and it has been rainy or cloudy everyday, which is Ok for me. My sister Norma and I are having pretty low-key morning with a few presents to open and no kids around. Last year I got to spend my only Christmas morning watching my grandsons tear through their packages. That was not possible this year. Norma has usually gotten to spend the holiday with at least one of her daughters and grandchildren but that is not case for her this year. So, like my years spent with our mother on Christmas Eve and Morn, we have had a quiet morning and previous evening. Later we will go down to sister Marlene's place to have our dinner with her, niece Ashley, and our brother Russell. That will give us a nice family get-together. This evening I will stop by to see my daughter, son-in-law and grandsons and the aftermath of their day. In addition, I am thinking about daughter Natasha and her husband in snowy Flagstaff this morning.

Before driving over from AZ, I was able to get in a morning of XC skiing. It was beautiful and quiet skiing through the woods. I cannot wait to get back to Flagstaff to get back into it. It has snowed fairly constantly off and on since I left. There should be a good base.

At any rate, even though it is nice to get over to San Diego County to see family and friends, it will be good to get home to snow on the mountains and winter activities.

I hope that those who read this mundane drival have had a nice Christmas.

Movie reviews: 7 Pounds with Will Smith is a so, so presentation and I figured out the ending in the middle of the film but I like him and it is nice little bitter-sweet "feel good" movie (if you are "into" that genre). On the other hand Milk, about the assassinated first elected openly gay politician (San Francisco in 70s) was well acted by all the cast, especially Sean Penn and Josh Brolin. It is sometimes difficult to sit through but is worth seeing.

Cheers!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Good Morning All, or least those few hearty souls who still read these diatribes,

I guess local events here in Flagstaff come under the heading of "be careful what you wish for." We have had pretty close to a week of major snow storms. Personally, I like it but many here are saying enough is enough. My friend Ed, another old curmudgeon, is again ready to move to Scottsdale, or Florida. My only concern is one of getting out of here to head down to Prescott then California for the holidays. With the Interstates both being pretty icey I am afraid of being hit by other motorists as was the case a couple of years ago.

That is pretty much the reason I have yet to get out to the Nordic Center to cross-country ski, concern for other drivers on the road. Yeah, yeah, I know, I have been waxing on about getting out there and now we have had at least two days where I could have hit the boards. However, today is the day, or at least I hope it is!

As for Christmas, I head out tomorrow leaving behind daughter Natasha and her husband Jason.

They have opted to stay in Flagstaff on their own. She has to work, and since they do not have a car cannot make a short trip to Prescott to be with her mother and Grammy. In addition, they have a new cat that cannot be left behind for the week. I hope their first Christmas as husband and wife is a good one. Tasha and Shylock

Christmas fast approaches and the road beckons yet again. I am excited to see my family members and a friend in Southern California, not so much the place itself (even though it is my "hometown"). My mother was a big part of Christmas for me and with her passing the holiday became that much more diminished. I look forward to watching my grandson's joy on this holiday. Our lives move on and we step-up as the next generation with the passing of our parents.

Again, I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday. Here's hope for a good coming year as well!

Cheers!

Holiday Cheer?

Another Flagstaff Good Morning,

We were suppose to start getting snow last night but it did not happen in town. I should be cautious about complaining too much about lack of winter weather as my niece Kelly and her family are right in the middle of the massive power outages in New Hampshire due to Ice Storms.

Tonight, here in Flagstaff, there is the annual Christmas parade downtown. Up until this year, if I wanted to watch it, I could just step outside my door. I haven't done that the last couple of years.
Now my residence is a couple of miles from there which means, in all probability, I will not make the effort. Since Tasha and Jason have my old apartment maybe they can get in the holiday spirit for their first wedded one together by enjoying the parade.

My Christmas cheer has been waning quite a bit over the last few years. As a non-Christian, actually non-believer, my orientation to the holiday has always been tied up with family and the festivities. Last year was nice because I got to stay with my daughter and grandsons for the first time. I was able to again watch children open their gifts. But, that was an exception, and I am back to the status quo. I will be staying on the couch at my sister Norma's apartment.

For my mother's last ten years of life she and I spent very quiet Christmas Eves and mornings together alone. In the afternoon we would head up to my sister's for dinner and I might get to see Tania and the boys later in the day/evening for an hour or two. I remember the years prior when everyone dropped by Mom's place on the Eve. She was our "center." My mother has been gone two Christmas' now and I miss her. Christmas meant more to me when she was here on earth.

I wish everyone a good holiday and hope that niece Kelly and her family are safe and well.

As the "Monty Pythons" use to say, "Now for something completely different . . ."

Movie Review:
I keep expecting more good movies to emerge since this is the time of year when all the studios shoot for big "Oscar" releases. You would think that every weekend they would be hitting the theaters. But that does not seem to be the case. There were the few good ones before and around Thanksgiving, The Changeling, for one. They seem to be waiting to pile up on Christmas Day. Besides, there does not seem, from the previews, many that look all that good.

Keeping all of this in mind, I went to see the opening, in Flagstaff, of The Day the Earth Stood Still. I have to say that it is no where near as good as the 1951 original with Michael Rennie. The earlier movie was a much more daring premise for its time. Remember the rabid McCarthyism was taking place and to put a film out that was anti-nuclear/war was a brave endeavor. In the new film the threats to the earth are up-dated and I applaud their attempt here but it is to heavy handed. They picked the right person to play the Alien representative. Keanu Reeves is about the most "wooden" of actors on the scene today. But, He is no Michael Rennie. There is no nuance in Keanu's portrayal. Jennifer Connley does a good job in the role played originally by Patricia Neal. I am prejudice here though; I like her.

As for movies I am looking forward to; they are Valkyrie, with Tom Cruise, Gran Tourino, with Clint Eastwood, Nixon and Frost, with Frank Langella, and a French Christmas film I cannot remember the name of that has a number well known artists to include one of my favorites, Catherine Denuieve (sp). The latter will never come to Flag so cannot count on seeing that one before DVD.

Cheers.

Chilly but NO Snow!

Good Morning Folks,

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I am back in relatively warm Flagstaff. The nights have been in the 20s but the days are balmy highs in the 50s. While on my trip south for the holiday, there was some minimal snow here, enough to make the peaks white for awhile but by the time I returned nothing at the lower levels. It looks like no XC skiing for a while.

My time in Prescott and Goodyear with friends was very nice. That is probably how holidays should be spent, with friends and/or family. The usual and only downside is that you are there for a short time and do not get the "Turkey leftovers" (as you would if you were preparing the meal at home). But, I have to say that was not the case this year. I got "leftovers" the two nights following Thanksgiving at Bob and Cindys (yummy), and on Tuesday my friends Ed and Bonnie, here in Flagstaff, invited me over for more. It was a bonus year for Turkey and the trimmings.

The saga of living in this beehive apartment complex goes on. It was perhaps one of the worst decisions I have made (amongst several in my life) to move in here. It is noisey with so many young folks residing in such close proximity. I recognize their right to live as they want to, but where has common courtesy gone?

This has been a pet peave of mine for years, not just since becoming an old curmudgeon. I go out of my way to be a good neighbor wherever I live, not too noisey, especially late at night and such. But, this whole "Me" thing that developed with my generation is exasperating. People cut each other off in traffic, do not respect other peoples rights/property, and just generally feel as though they are entitled to everything without working for it. They are discourteous in stores and restaurants. They talk loudly on their cell phones in public as if we are all interested in their conversations with no regard to the surroundings. I had a philosopy professor in college who said, "one person's freedom ends at the end of their nose." Think about it! That is my pre-Xmas rant.

As for movies . . . I saw three over the holiday, the best of which was a French film (yes, subtitles) with Kristin Scott Thomas. This is by far her best performance since the English Patient. The worst of the three was Four Christmas.' Vince Vaungan is a "one trick pony." He has no acting range at all. I have to admit that he is funny, but the film was a waste of the talents of Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duval, Sissy Spacek, and John Voight. The other film was a nice little Brit fil called Happy-Go-Lucky with Sally Hawkins.

Yesterday Natasha, Jason and I went to see Australia with Nicole Kiddman. This movie harkened back to the old romantic epics of my youth. It is a bit long and could have had about 30 minutes edited out too tighten it up. But, it was very entertaining and had great sweeping panoramas of Australia. The acting was very good throughout the cast. Even though long, I did not once look at my watch and that is usually a good sign.

Cheers!

Thanks, or not!

Happy Thanksgiving All,

Guess it is a day for reflection on what we are thankful for . . . maybe not for those original Native Americans who helped out the Pilgrims after some hard times. Don't think they knew what was in store for them for the next two centuries. Then there is the turkey itself. Except for that one that gets pardoned by the President, I don't think they are very thankful for this day. By the way, what did that turkey do wrong to get a pardon along with all the others Bush will let off the hook before he goes out of office. I hope he, at the very least, pardons those two border patrolman who were "railroaded" to prision.

Oh yeah, what I am thankful for is the topic isn't it? Lets see . . . my two daughters, their husbands, my grandsons, my sisters and brothers, their families, and all my friends are probably at the top of my list. Outside of that I am thankful for good health and a new President, particularly that it is a democrat who might do something to improve the country and our relationship to the rest of the world. There may be some cause for HOPE.

The first snow fell on Flagstaff a couple of weeks ago, not much, but over this holiday more is suppose to be on the way. I am in Prescott with my friends the Hammonds for the Thanksgiving repast, but will head down to Estrella (Goodyear, AZ) tomorrow to spend the rest of the weekend with Bob and Mooselee (Cindy) Henry. I would be very thankful if we got enough snow in Flag while I was gone so that I could go xc skiing. The old adage (or was it a bumbersticker?) applies, "Pray for Snow." Of course if you are the praying type put in a word for peace as well.

At any rate Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Meandering through my thoughts

Mornin' All!

You'd think a semi-retired person could get back to this blog a little more often. This entry is liable to be a bit random as I have all these stray thoughts going through my head.

As for the the election, I am as happy as are a majority of folks (except the right wing of course; they have already been carping). The problem now, as the economy keeps spiraling down, is that Obama is expected to be the saviour. With the mess that "W" has left it, it will take years for things to turn around. I have every confidence that the new President will surround himself with the "best and the brightest," but we all have a long haul to get to the other side. It may be, that at my age, I will not see it. Hopefully, my daughters and grandsons will!

Saturday I took my first stroll up in the Kachina Peaks (San Francisco Mts.) since returning to Flagstaff. Figured I'd better get up there before the snows began to fly in earnest. Even though working out in the gym 5 days a week, the 9000 feet elevation up there had me out breath after about a mile. It had snowed a bit about a week before but there were only a few traces left in the shade. I cannot wait for it and hope we have as good a winter as the last.

The Aspens were very stark with their leaves now gone. I missed their colors this year with all the activity and travels in my life after my return from the Tetons. Their beauty is still evident in preparation for winter. They are my favorite tree. As I walked the trail through these trees my thoughts were freed of other concerns. They always have a calming effect on me.

Movies: Tasha and I went to see the new James Bond film. Both of us enjoyed it more than most critics. It may be that Daniel Craig seems to be the best Bond since Connery. Yes, there is much more in the way of cinematic mayhem than in the last but I find the relationships of the characters a bit more developed than the caricature Bonds of the past. The best film that I have seen in the last few weeks is Changeling with Angelina Jolie. The story is well presented by director Eastwood and she does a marvelous job in her portrayal.

RockunRolla, Guy Ritchie's new film is entertaining in a comic book (graphic novel these days) way but not all that memorable. I went to Zack and Miri Make a Porno for something to do, but found it to be another waste of time and money. Kevin Smith, the director seems to be stuck in a groove of sophomorphic sex humor. I liked his Clerks and Dogma, but this one misses the boat unless his audience is underdelveloped males in their late teens through early 30s. Of course that seems to be the audience for most Will Ferrell movies as well.

That's about it from the cluttered and random mind of evan.

Election Day

Mornin' All,

This morning is very important, in fact the whole day is, election day. I have been alive for many presidential elections now, going back to very bare memories of the end President Truman's time. However, my first real recognition of the presidency is of "Ike," who seemed in my childhood innocence, a nice, and grandfatherly man. I was old enough to adore the image and promise of Kennedy during his short tenure. Even LBJ, in retrospect, seems a much better president than I thought at the time. His "war" stinks, but he did not start it. Those roots go back to Ike and Kennedy. Nixon, Ford, Carter, Regan, and Bush#1 are forgetable to me, even though some were nice men. In my opinion, Nixon and Regan did the most damage with the roots of today's problems squarely in their court.

Then, there is Clinton and "W." The former a personally flawed man but bright and a good president from the point of view of the economy and social programs. "W" has been disaster. Not since possibly U.S. Grant have we had so much corruption and downright "selling" of our country down the river to the rich and influencial. Grant a good soldier let profiteering carpetbaggers run his government, while Bush in his "bullheaded" effort to show his father his worthiness led us into an unecessary war followed by the economic collapse of the country. His henchman and VP, Cheney was by far the worst of the lot, engineering the taking away of our personal freedoms in the guise of the "Patriot Act." The best I can say about "W" is that he probably meant well.

This election we cannot elect another "goof" on the assumption that "he is just like us." I don't want a President who is "just like me." I want a bright and intelligent person, someone above the "Average Joe." I think Obama is that person and I voted for him a few weeks ago before heading to California. Although he was not my first choice when this process began, he is now.

I have voted for McCain as a senator in one election (even though a democrat). There is no way I would now. He has shown that he will change his stripes too quickly to be president. And his choice for VP illustrates his lack of judgement. I could not ever support him again, even though he was a "Maverick" amongst repubicans for awhile. He is not now. Besides, it is time for a new generation to take charge.

I will not say, as many ads have, that you should get out and vote no matter for whom. That is a mistake. Get out and vote for Obama! Those are my last words on the subject!

Good morning from the Top of AZ

Mornin'

Again, it has been a while. Since last I wrote the road beckoned me once again. Have been to Phoenix to visit Ranger Bob and Mooselee (although am not sure of the latters nickname now that they have moved to AZ) where it was hotter than hell (in the 90s the whole time). Then I was off to southern California to visit family and friends where again it was very warm. Those October Santanas put the temps in the 90s in north San Diego County as well. I hate hot weather! Funny, I loved it when a young "beach guy." I did get a little time for that in Carlsbad with a friend when I first arrived.

My grandsons are a "kick" and always in motion. The number of activities they are involved in exhaust me just thinking about them. With all the soccer, basketball, (baseball to come)various practices/lessons and school activites I am amazed at my daughter's ability to get them where they are suppose to be at any given time. They, and she, are on the go from morn until they go to bed. They have very busy lives.

After the wedding, the move, and the trip I am ever so thankful to be back in Flagstaff where the temps have been in the low 70s. On the way back I did stop off in Prescott for a night. I needed to see some of my friends there. But, as I said, it is good to be back in Flag. I am hoping to "hunker down" here for a while before having to foray out again.

Movie reviews: I saw three movies in San Diego, two pretty good ones, and one so-so. I found "W" to be interesting but think that the director went overboard again in his style of trying to get too "trippy." In addition, the film is too long. Josh Brolin, along with the rest of the cast does a good job with the material they are asked to intepret. On the other hand Ann Hathaway's performance in Rachel Getting Married is by far her best ever. She should get an Oscar nod for this performance. Although the film is a great one i do not think it is for everyone. It is a bit of a "downer." The third film from my trip was The Secret Life of Bees, which is not really about bees. Dakota Fanning, Queen Latiffa (sp), and the other actors do a superb job in this small film about the growing pains of a young white female in the south of the 1960s who turns to black females for solace and meaning in her life. Some might call this a "chick flick," but I found it a good and compelling human story.

Upon returning to Flag I saw Pride and Glory, another cop film with predictable good versus bad policeman in NYC. There are good actors here going through the motions, Edward Norton, John Voight, and Colin Ferrell. I recommend waiting for this film to find it's way to DVD if you are into this genre or these actors.

That's it for now . . . Happy Halloween and be safe "out there."

Early Morning Musings . . .

Good Morning!


And, it is early in the morning. It seems for the past few weeks my sleep patterns have had me up even before "the crack on dawn," usually somewhere between 3:30 and 4:30am. That would be nice if I were a rancher or farmer, but I am not. There seems to be conflicting info about how much sleep one should get and the affects of its deprivation. My doctor says I should be fine with six hours, others say a minimum of seven is what you need. At any rate, I am one sleepy individual most of the time lately.


For the past two weeks, since arriving home in Flagstaff, I have been very busy. First there was the "prep" leading up to, and then Natasha's wedding itself. Then, secondly, amidst all of that, I decided to move in order to give the "newlyweds" my old apartment. So, following the wedding and beginning before this last weekend I began the arduous task of moving across town in Flagstaff. My friend Marc came up Saturday with his truck to help with the more cumbersome items, but most of the moving has taken place with 6 loads so far in my Subaru.


This move fits in with something that I had decided to do before leaving the Tetons. My life needed a "jolt" of sorts and my decision was to "pare" it down some. That is, there are too many things that I have been hanging on to that need to go, most of it material stuff. Moving is a good time to rid yourself of things like years of old Patagonia catalogs and other magazines. Why keep them, I never go back and look at them. The same is true of books. I love books but have decided to keep only a few and recycle the rest. Then, of course, there are non-material parts of life that need some change as well.

As for the wedding, it was a lovely affair and Natasha looked beautiful. My sister Norma was able to fly over from San Diego. She was the only representative from my family. I wish Tasha's sister, Tania, could have made it over, but alas, my three grandsons made that much too difficult. However, in general the "turn-out" for the wedding and reception was good with a lot of Natasha's old friends and my friends that she had grown-up with in attendance.

I like my newest son-in-law Jason. I am lucky that both son-in-laws are good guys.

The next thing on my agenda is a trip to San Diego County to see family and a "friend." I miss my eldest daughter and grandsons. The boys always grow so much during my long periods away from them. This trip will mark the last time I will stay at sister Norma's house as it has been sold and she will be moving before I again return. It has been around 30 years in this house for her. She hosted many family get-togethers there. But, with our Mom gone and other changes in the air, it is time to move on.

Movie Reviews: Inspite of being busy, as many of you might suspect, I have squeezed in a couple of movies. Probably the best of them is Spike Lee's new WWII film, Miracle at St. Anna's. The performances are great and it covers a subject not generally known about, that is black American soldiers during that war. It is not overtly a political/racial movie as many of Lee's past films. Other critics have said it meanders too much. I think they are wrong. But be prepared; it is not a short film.

I just saw DiCaprio and Russell Crowes performances in Body of Lies. Again, the acting performances are good but I do not recommend this film to everyone. It is an interesting presentation of the CIA and their involvement in the Middle East but lacks something I cannot quite put my finger on.

Eagle Eye has an interesting premise but fails to follow through with a credible story. I think the male lead is miscast. Shia Le Beoff, or whatever his name is, just doesn't carry it off well. On the other hand I do like the female lead, even though her perfomance is wasted in this film.

Ciao All!

Back in Flag!

I am happy to say that I'm back in Flagstaff! As Dorothy says in the "Wizard of Oz," "There is no place like home.


The trip back was uneventful with the exception of a great interlude in Cedar City, Utah. My stop overnight there turned out to be wonderful. I went to the fall Utah Shakespearean Festival's presentation of "Julius Caesar." After last year's only fair production of "The Tempest," I was a bit wary. But, this was one of the best Shakepeare performances I have seen in years. The director had "tightened up the play" (as is often the case with this genre) and the acting was superb.


Arrival in Flagstaff was met with the flurry of activity that I had expected with the upcoming nuptuals of my youngest offspring. She, her fiance Jason and I have been running around trying to get everything ready for Sunday in Sedona. This is not to mention the alarming rate at which funds are flying out of my accounts. Bride to be, my daughter Natasha


Leaving the Tetons was bittersweet this year knowing I will, in all probability, not be going back. Some of the folks I worked with at Jenny Lake VC had a combination Equinox and "going away" party for me. They were a good bunch to work with. It was a good experience this season up until the last three weeks where some drama occurred to ruin my concluding time there.
Some of the Jenny Lake VC Rangers at Play on the Equinox

Movie Reviews: "Nights of Rodanthe," or something to that affect, with Richard Gere and Diane Lane is a bit vapid but probably a good "date" movie. "Ghosttown" was a nice comedy with Greg Kinnear, Tia Leone, and Ricky Gervais. I liked it. The comedy was fairly intelligent.

That's it for now . . . wedding stuff and getting settled in back home again is taking up most of my time. I will try to get back to this soon.

Not long now . . .

Howdy,

Again it has been a bit of time since last I wrote. My only excuse is that it becomes difficult to get to this after a while, it becomes something you feel obligated to do no matter how mundane the "drivel" you write.

So, here goes . . . went back to Montana again last weekend with friend Ranger Bob the younger. We did a fast trip up to Missoula to get the new kevlar canoe he had ordered. Even though it was a lot of driving in about 25 hours, it was fun. We came back through the Bitteroot Canyon and stopped at the "Big Hole National Battlefield" Historical monument. It is where the U.S. Cavlary ambushed Chief Joseph's Nez Pierce bands when they were attempting to flee to Canada. It was pretty interesting place, another sorry saga in American History. Bob Henry & Me, "Big Hole Battlefield"

The weeks have sped by and I am again preparing to leave Grand Teton Park next week, probably for the last time as a ranger. Events in the last couple of weeks have made that more a sure thing. I am too outspoken to work for the government. But the last 10 years have been a good run in a wonderful place. Ron & Brooke at their Lander House

I am on my last days off for the season. Wednesday, after work I headed down to visit my friends Brooke and Ron in Lander, WY. Ron is the person who introduced me to Wyoming and the Tetons about 18 years ago. Even though we only see each other once a year, we have remained steadfast friends. Real friends are few and far between in a lifetime
Ron & Me @ Sink's Canyon, Lander, WY

Movie Reviews: I liked the Coen Brothers new romp, "Read Before Burning," with Clooney, McDormand, Swinton, Pitt, et al. It is a dark comedy with very interesting characters. Again, this is not for everyone. "Traitor" with Don Cheadle was OK, better than most of the oft mentioned sparce quality of the summer.

This is probably my farewell blog from the Tetons. Next one will come from beautiful downtown Flagstaff. Fall colors in Grand Teton, Mt Moran

Cheers all!

I'm Back . . . But not in Flag Yet!

Howdy Folks,

It has been many miles put on my Subaru since last I wrote. The trip to Glacier National Park with "Old Ranger Bob" (not to be confused with "Ranger Bob," the younger) went well for us. The weather was not all that good, rained some, but not really bad either. Besides the scenery itself in that park, one of our high points was to see our good acquaintance, "Old Ranger Doug" present his evening program at Lake McDonald Lodge. He is about 81 years old and still sharp as a tack. He has been a ranger there for over 45 years. He always greets us with, "there's those Teton boys!" His program is about the history of the Glacier Park area and is a good example of what a ranger program should be. He packed the room and everyone there seemed to genuinely enjoy the program.

It was a bit of a meloncholy trip for us since it will probably be our last together since I have decided to "hang it up" on this "ranger gig." After 10 years, which have been wonderful for the most part, it just isn't fun anymore. I love the people I work with and have made some of my closest friends here, the two Bobs, Cindy (MooseLee), and Laine Thom. It saddens me in that respect. That is, knowing that in some cases, I will not see them much, or ever again. Luckily Bob and Cindy are moving to AZ. But enough of that . . . it is on to other things in life, most notably my youngest offsprings wedding in early October after I depart theses great mountains.

Another highlight of our trip to Glacier was seeing 6 bears, 4 Grizzlies, two Black. This is by far the most ever in that park for me after 7 trips. It has been a big "bear season" for me in all these parks, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and now Glacier. Since I consider the bear my "totem," I hope it bodes well for my future.

I have 14 duty days left here as a ranger and although it will be sad to leave, I am ready.

Sunday, Sunday . . .

Good Morning All,

It is strange that the mornings up here are getting darker. Guess strange isn't really the correct word, but this far north I am use to the the sun coming up around 5 am. That has changed dramamtically over the last couple of weeks. It is now dark when I awaken signalling, as mentioned in the last blog, that autumn is on it's way.

I spent Thursday night and day in Yellowstone again. After a circuitous route my "stimulus" check from "the Pres" finally made it here, so I decided after paying off one of my credit cards, that I would spend another night up there. I got a cabin at Canyon; have never stayed there (in the cabins that is). It was a another interesting trip in that the wind was so strong that it blew down some trees and caused a power outage in the whole Canyon Village. That morning I went up by way of "Old Faithful" and walked the almost 3 miles around the Geyser Basin. Having earned my lunch, I had a good one at the Lodge Cafeteria there. It turned out to be a good thing as I was unable to get dinner later because of the power outage.


Yellowstone is a great place. This was my 8th trip up there this season. It has so many things to offer. Some have asked me why I do not apply to work there. I have, and turned down a couple of offers over the years. Why is that so? My main reason has been the same as for Glacier Park and the Grand Canyon. Working in a place seems to take a little of the shine off of it for me. I still love Grand Teton Park, and it will always have a strong pull for me, but having worked in the government "infrastructure" here has dulled that glow somewhat.


One month left for me here with the annual pilgrimage to Glacier with Bob coming up in a little over a week. That trip is what has gotten both of us through our last weeks here each season when we are both "chomping at the bit" to get home. This year it is even more the case for me with the coming nuptials of my youngest offspring so soon after I return.


Movie review: This week "Brideshead Revisited" came to Jackson, WY. Although no where near as good as the 1980s mini-series with Jeremy Irons, it was done well and the acting was good. I have to admit that i am a sucker for this genre of Brit films so that colors my review. For many who enjoy the vapid summer barrage of innane comedies and action "flicks," this will be a slow moving and boring film. It is not for everyone. Remember Elaine of the old "Sienfeld" TV shows comments on "The English Patient?" She was bored. If you cannot sit through a movie where there is character development and a real story then this will not be your "cup of tea."

Its been a while

Hey All, or Whomever,

Sometimes when you begin something like this blog it becomes a burden to come up with something to say. I know it has not really been one of much substance, just my own musings. There are many more out there that purport to give you all kinds of "news, " philosophical renderings, and just pure nonsense. For me, this has been more a diary than a journalistic endeavor.

Marc & Me @ Taggart Lake Trailhead

For the past couple of weeks my focus has been on work, and four days off spent partially with a visiting friend (Marc) from AZ, and the rest travelling in Yellowstone and to Bozeman, Montana with other close friends (Bob & Cindy Henry). It was good to get away from the park for a while. Even though this is a beautiful place, we rangers get pretty "burned out" by August.

Double rainbow in Bozeman

The park has been experiencing its usual influx of the rude and "driven" August visitors. We are hoping that in the next week the tide will change and and the numbers will go down with school starting in many places. The real change comes after Labor Day. At that point there are fewer children (except "homeschoolers") and more mellow, mature visitors. Plus, there is the added bonus of the fall colors beginning.

The weather in the last few days has changed from very hot (in 80s) to a bit cooler days and chilly nights in the 30s. I think we are beginning to feel a tinge of fall approaching. No sign yet of the aforementioned colors though. That will be a couple of weeks down the road.

This time of my season here makes me antsy to get back to Flagstaff. I have one more big activity to look forward to before I depart; and that is my annual trip to Glacier National Park with Ranger Bob, the elder. Since this may be the last one for us it becomes more important to me. I love that park and it will be my 8th trip there, once with my youngest daughter, once with a woman no longer around and the balance with Bob. We both look forward to seeing old Ranger Doug there. He is in his early 80s and still doing programs.

Me, Ranger Doug, & Bob

Movie reviews: It has been a tradition that when Marc visits me here we go to a really bad film and that has been upheld with the movie Pineapple Express. Even though many critics gave it decent reviews my opinion is that it is disjoined "crap" made for 15 year old males. Although I laughed in parts, it is not something worth spending the money. The other film was Tropic Thunder. Once again proving to me that Ben Stiller, like Will Ferrell is a "one trick pony." It is better than the first film but not by much. Again, I cannot wait until this long summer of forgettable films is over. Those of note were far between and few; The Visitor, The Counterfeiters, The Dark Knight, and maybe, Iron Man.

Good Morning All, or at least those few who read these words I put out every once in a while.


Haven't really had much to say for a while, and cannot say that I do today either. But, thought that my paltry "audience" would be wondering where I was . . .


As with most of you, I have just been going to work everyday, albeit in a beautiful place. August is an exhausting time for us in many respects. Firstly, we begin to lose some of our seasonal rangers to school and teaching. What that means is that we will have to do the same number of programs through Labor Day with fewer folks to cover them, especially tough is the last couple of weeks of this month. Once Labor day has passed we do fewer programs so that the "heat" is off of us. Secondly, the type of visitors we get to the park changes during this month. A lot of folks have waited to cram in their vacation and are hot, tired and impatient. Many are overly demanding and downright rude. This is a time when rangers are becoming a bit "burned out" as well, so we have to be careful to not be come too "short" with them.


Once we hit September things change here. The type of visitors to the park are quite different. The kids are back in school, except for a few that are "home-schooled." Most folks are older who come later in the season. In addition, they seem more relaxed and interested as well as knowledgable.


The fall colors are the real bonus as we hit September and we even get a bit of snow from time to time, not as much as when I got here in May, but some. The nights become crisper, which I like very much. But, for now, we are still dealing with the heat. The fire danger has gone up to "Very High," and there have been fires in Yellowstone, one near Cody and one not far from Red Lodge, MT. All are not too far from here so we are watching carefully.

Movie Review:

It has been a poor summer for films with a couple of noted exceptions. Will Ferrell keeps cranking out really bad and sophmorphic films. I did get out to view Kevin Costner's new film, "Swing Vote." I can not say that it was a great film, but was somewhat entertaining. The young girl who plays his daughter is the best actor and real "star" in the film. It has some potential but suffered from poor editing which caused it to drag in the middle. There were some good messages about our voting and election system but they never really took a stand either way. Dennis Hopper was poorly cast and Kelsey Grammar did a passable job as the incumbent President. If you do not have anything else to do and your choice is between this and "Step Brothers," go see "Swing Vote," or better still, save your money.

Not much going on, but the crowds . . .

Hey all,

Your eye on the Tetons has nothing much to report this week. It has been a rather mundane week, or two, here. The temps have risen considerably to the high 80s in the park and 90+ in the town of Jackson. I hate hot weather. I could live quite comfortably with something between 50-60 degrees. The only plus in all this is that it cools down at night.

I didn't do much with my days off this week, but did get in a 7+ mile hike out to Bearpaw Lake. It is one of the easiest hikes in the park, beautiful but mostly flat. Haven't really attempted any major ones into the mountains. This has not been my summer for major treks. Probably should try a couple since I have decided this is my last season here. But, I have lost my motivation for it. Haven't even seen any bears lately. They are around, and folks are seeing them, but I am in our offices at Jenny Lake Visitor Center most of the time.

It is difficult to believe that it is almost August. The parks visitation has geometrically increased. We have no room for all these folks. What about the gas price crisis? It does not seem that these Americans are staying close to home. At any rate here and in Yellowstone it is like Disneyland. Oh for September when things calm down a bit.

No movies to report this week. The offerings are slim in quality again, "Mama Mia," "The X Files," and "Stepbrothers," all pretty innane stuff. I use to go to a movie just to go, but now I have a problem with supporting that kind of crap, even to review it. Some of you "musicals" fans may like "Mama," but since they are not my general fare, I decided to miss it!

Cheers you all!

Ranger Evan with great Niece & nephew

It is July 20th already. Where has the time gone? My season in the Tetons is over half completed, 10 more weeks and it is back to Flagstaff. After 10 years here as a ranger I have decided to "hang it up." I am far from tired of the place but need to do something else, more specifically, I think I'd like to be able to travel some again in the summers before age catches up with me. In additon, I'd like to vist my daughter and grandsons in the summer time, go to the beach with them, maybe a ball game. Time goes by so fast and you miss the time with family and those grandsons are growing up fast.

The weather here has maintained a normal summer temp in the low to mid 80s. The number of visitors to the park have steadily increased as per usual for this time of year. This inspite of higher gas prices. The parking lot at Jenny Lake is perpetually full by 9am. There are many complaints about that; it is like "Disneyland!

However, I do have a different perspective on park visitation now that I have worked at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center after 9 years at Colter Bay. Even though much smaller than the other two VCs, we get the bulk of the visitors. I think that for time spent in the park visitors spend more time in our area. By the same token, Colter Bay is a very busy area as well. In both cases there are campgrounds, stores, camp talk amphitheaters, and hiking trails associated in each area. The big, new "Discovery Center" at Moose, near headquarters, while having great displays, is just a stopping off point. There is no reason for vistors to "hang out" there for very long. Perhaps it might have been more beneficial to have built new VCs where the people hang-out, but what do I know, I am only a seasonal ranger.

Movie review: I saw the new Batman flick (The Dark Knight) the other day and it was excellent. Again, I say I am not a fan of "Super Hero" movies but this one along with "Iron Man" were the quality of the summer in that genre, although Batman is better. The late Heath Ledger steals the movie as "The Joker." In the past these movies have played as "tongue in cheek" fantasies, but this is a darker view, with some undertones dealing with real issues. It is a continuation of "Batman Begins" by the same director/screen writer. Although I liked Michael Keaton as Batman ( and not others since who have played that role including George Clooney, who I like a lot in other roles) Christian Bale is far and above the best in this character. The cast is phenomenal. I recommend this film.

Good Morning from beautiful Grand Teton National Park,

It has been a busy week for me what with working and having family visitors. My niece Kimberly, her husband Dennis, great niece and nephew Melissa and Kyle were here part of the week and in Yellowstone for the balance of their time. I took my fifth trip up to the oldest national park on my days off to hike and hang out with them. We had a great time and those kids are "pistols," and very sharp in their observational skills. it made me wish my own daughter's and their families could have made it up here while I was a ranger.

This morning they will get up and head back to Littleton, CO. It makes me think about how in the coming years it may be more and more difficult for families to hit the road on driving vacations. My Subaru gets between 32 and 36 mpg while here in WY. But even at that it costs me over $50 to fill it with gas. Families who have larger vehicles to carry all that a family of four needs will not be able to afford it the way gas prices are going up. Sadly, it may put an end to these educational and bonding trips for all but the "well heeled," and as we know the upper end of our class structure does not travel by automobile. The far away national parks may become, as they started out, destinations for the wealthy.

Movie review for this week:

I was able to get to a really good "Indie" film this week, The Visitor. This is the second excellent film of the summer for me. It is a very low key character drama with a great leading performance by an actor we have only seen in character roles before. You will recognize him as one of those actors that you say, oh, I've seen him before, but do not know his name. The film is about an economics professor who is sliding through life after his wife has died a few years earlier. He is gentlely forced by his department chair to present a paper in New York City at a conference. It just so happens that he owns an apartment there that he rarely visits. When he arrives there is an illegal immigrant Muslim couple in residence. They have been duped into believing they had sublet it. The professor allows them to live with him while looking for another place. He grows close to them and then something happens involving their immigration status.

It is a very poignant and wonderfully acted film. The immigration issue in this country and our way of dealing with these folks since 9/11 comes out very personally here. It would be a travesty if it does not get some award nominations. But, it is a small film so may get overlooked.

Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to all!

I spent the day up in Yellowstone again with my friend Cindy Henry. We did not encounter much wildlife except an errant Bison. The day was filled with Geysers in the "Old Faithful "area. We saw "Grand, Daisy and Old Faithful" Geysers go off. I heard a child in the crowd say they are like fireworks. How apropos of this day usually celebrated in that way. So, here is one for your independence day pleasure.

Old Faithful

Yellowstone is a spectacular place with lots to see. Of course, this time of year it is packed with people from all over. It is best to visit early in the season as I did a couple of times already, and late is good too, maybe after Labor Day. That is true of Grand Teton park as well.

I have seen a couple of movies in the last week. The first was "Wanted" with Angelina Jolie and James McLvoy. It was a highly entertaining film based on a graphic novel. However, it was very violent so it is not for all. Yesterday I went to see "Hancock," Will Smith's new movie (along with Cheris Theron, another one wasting her talents here). Although I really like him as an actor, don't waste your time with this one. I guess you might call it an anti-superhero movie.

It has been a late spring/early summer of the usual not so good "spectaculars."

Tomorrow starts another ranger week at Jenny Lake. It's back to work for me, but the rest of you have a good holiday

Friday Morning, My "Ranger" Sunday!

The Tetons and Jackson Hole are officially warm. The Temps have sustained 70 -81 degrees for two weeks now. The wildflowers are in bloom and the vistors to the park have increased exponentially. It is a beautiful place to be.




Earlier in the week, as I commuted down to Jenny Lake for work, I was thinking that I had not seen a bear in a couple of weeks. And, "low and behold," I went only a mile further and there were two black bears, one brown and the other black. I surmise that one is a female the other a male. We are nearing the end of their mating season and males will often follow a female around for a week or two during this period. But, alas, they will go their separate ways in a week or so. If she has a good summer and fall foraging, when she dens in November her eggs will implant in the uterus. Cub, or cubs will be born in February in the den.

.



What is interesting to me is that I did not see any black bears when I first arrived in May. All I saw were Grizzlies (which in the past I almost never saw). But, now, all I am seeing are blacks.
That is your Natural History lesson for today Kiddies!


The Fourth of July is coming up in a week and the park will be over-run with vistors. Shortly after that my niece Kimberly and her family will be here. I am looking forward to seeing them. This will be their third trip here, more than any other of my visitors except a couple of my friends. With the exception of a combined visit with her sister's family (Kelly) a few years ago, these are the only family members to come here during my tenure as a ranger.


I am headed off to do a hike before it gets to warm. Then, perhaps, I will got to a movie in town, which means my next blog may have a movie review. I have only been going to films intermittently this summer as I have stated before, the pickings are lean.




Ciao, from beautiful "downtown" Colter Bay, garden spot of the Jackson Hole Valley and Grand teton National Park.

Passing of the 60s

Guess I am getting old . . . this morning with hearing of the passing of George Carlin I have been waxing nostalgic with memories of my favorite and most influential decade, the 60s. Carlin represented a different kind of humor. Yes, Lenny Bruce was more outrageous and a pioneer, but he was not, in my opinion as downright funny as George. His comedy was satire of the human condition, while Lenny's was more angry.

It is not that I listened much lately to Carlin, but he was the voice of that time for me. We all, among my close friends, tried to imitate his humor and demeanor. He was a great commentator for that period. I am greatly saddened by his loss.

The 60s for me was first Junior and High School, then it was on to the Army. After that it was college and the Viet-Nam anti-war movement. During that time an important event for me personally occurred, the birth of my first daughter. There were good times of that era (maybe the best in my life) with my friends Ronnie (now deceased), Paul, Angie, and a few others. These days only one of those friends from that time remain, Paul, and I see him infrequently.

We lost our innocence then, both as a country and as individuals. The losses of the Kennedy brothers, Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, and others contributed greatly to this time of change. Sadly, all the "peace and love" many of my generation preached about has turned to decades of gluttony and a "me" orientation. And, we are again involved in a war we should not be in, conducted by leaders who never had to serve in the military (non-war National Guard service does not count Mr. President). Again the lives of young people are being wasted on a "bogus" premise.

So, I say Good-Bye to that earlier time and to George Carlin! As Crosby, Stills and Nash said, "the past is just a good-bye."

What a Difference a Week Makes!

Last Thursday I communicated that the snow and rain were still with us in the Tetons/Jackson Hole, with pictures to back me up on it. Well, guess spring/summer are here now! By Friday of last week, the very next day, we began having sunny and warmer days, in the 70s. This Saturday it is supposed to be 80 degrees.

All but the highest trails have begun to melt out, but are still a bit sloppy in places. Afterall ,that is a lot of water to displace. The wildflowers have begun to come out, most prominent are the Arrowleaf Balsam Root, which are usually fluorescent in May. The Lupine are also making their emergence as well. It is another beautiful time to be here.

As alluded to above, I think we might move right into summer with very little spring, especially since tomorrow is the Summer Solstice. It is the longest day of the year and the outmoded Gregorian Calendar marking of the first day of summer. So one should go out celebrate as many cultures have and do. It is marked by rituals customary to many diverse groups.

I am off tomorrow and have visitors from Prescott, a former colleague from Yavapai College and her husband. My suggestion for an activity,when we get together, will be to mark the solstice with a nice hike. It will not be a long one, nor one that goes into the mountains, but a three miler to a lake with great views. I think this a fitting recognition of the day.

Alas, the movie situation is no better this week in Jackson so I will again forego it. I did end up going to "Sex and the City" last Friday for lack of new offerings. All I can say is that it will satisfy those who were fans of the TV series (like my youngest offspring). But, as for the rest of us, it is an overly long and vapid display of materialism. I enjoyed parts of it but it could have ended several times. It suffered from a lack of good editing. It was not really a "theater" movie, more suited to a TV finale, which will be my finale for this time too!

See you on the flip side . . .

Just Another Late Spring Day in the Tetons!

A Snowy morning at Colter Bay here in Grand Teton National Park!

As you can see the weather is a bit unsual here in Grand Teton National Park for this time of year. It has snowed the last two days and is at the moment raining. The visitors to the park are not all that enthusiastic about it all. I love it. Every morning, or at least for the last few days, Yellowstone Park has closed their roads until snow can be cleared off of passes. They usually open by mid-morning but park visitors tend to pile up down in this park as we are on average a thousand feet lower.

We are trying to figure out if summer will be here on the actual date of the solstice, or not. There has not been much of a spring so far . . . has delayed most of the seasonal flowers. Hope is in the forecast. Temps are supposed to move up tomorrow and through the weekend. I hope so, for one reason, I haven't been able to take a hike yet. As it is, hiking will still be limited on mountain trails for a while. My favorite trail to Amphitheater Lake will not be hikeable by the likes of me until about July.

Old Ranger in the Tetons

One interesting phenomena we have encountered is visitors comments about Global Warming. Many seem to think that all this "chilly" weather means that we do not have anything to worry about. But, what they do not understand is that all these climatic changes are a part of it. The abnormal fluctuations are actually indications of the process. We are not out of the woods, and need to be concerned!

And it goes on, Life that is . . .

Howdy Folks,


Do not have much to tell you since the last posting. Although, our weather has turned a bit on the winter side again, just seems to want to hang on until summer. I had my second late evening program last night and we had snow. By the time the program started at 9:30pm the temp had gone down to 30 degrees. There were about 14 stalwart souls who were in attendance for the program. Last Tuesday's evening program, my first of the season, was in a continuous downpour of rain. I would not have sat through it myself but 6 individuals did so. Needless to say these were not tent campers, but RVers who could return to their warm mobile abodes.


There were no movies once again for my weekend (Thursday & Friday), or least none of the normal bill of fare. They are having the Jackson Hole Film Festival currently but these films were scheduled at odd times, never fitting into my schedule. I had contemplated going to see "Sex and the City," but could not bring myself to actually do it. The reviews have been fairly bad except for those that say fans of the TV series will like it as coming to "closure" with the characters and their lives.


In addition, Friday, June 6th was the second anniversary of my mother's death and I was feeling a bit of melancholy. It seemed that the above mentioned movie was just too frivilous for my mood. My mom was a great mother even though her choice in men was not all that great. I keep thinking that I will never see her again in this life and sometimes that seems so unfair. But I am glad for that portion of her 82 years that she was a part of my life.



My mother and her children at her 80th B-day

Yellowstone River flowing in Hayden Valley,
Mt. Washburn in the background

Greetings from my intermittent blog. It seems now that I am back to work, the busy requirements of a "lead" ranger have exhausted me to the point where my motivation, and time seem to be directed to other venues. Today I have a late start and will present my first evening campfire program of the season.

The snow is melting here and some of the valley trails are finally accessible but are, in many case, a bit sloppy. To aggravate this we are getting our usual June rain storms. But, all of this does not keep our more intrepid visitors to the park from getting "out there." And, in fact, on my next days off I will attempt my first hike of the season, a modest 4 miler in the Taggart Lake area.

On a continuously rainy last Friday I again traveled up to Yellowstone to traverse the eastern lower loop (by car). We get a lot of questions about our sister park and I always feel the need to visit to better inform our vistors. I stopped off at Fishing Bridge and Canyon visitor centers in that endeavor. Both of these are my favorites in that park.


Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, Yellowstone

Between the two visitor centers, travelling through the beautiful Hayden Valley, I was able to spot another Grizzly and her cub. It is amazing to me that for my first 7 years as ranger in this area I only ever saw one. It is wonderful to see all of these bears doing well throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecological System.





In addition, we have begun to see black bears as well. The other evening my friends Bob, Ben and myself saw a black bear and her cub take down an elk calf. I know for some of you this seems cruel, but it is the way of the natural world. Remember, even down to the molecular level, everything eats everything else, it's part of the chain/cycle of life.

"Now for something completely different" (credit Monty Python) . . .

Brief movie reviews . . . as mentioned before there are a dearth of good films in late spring and early summer. However, I liked the new "Indiana Jones" film. It was not the best of the series and as many reviewers said you either love or hate it depending on whether you are a fan. I happened to be one and for pure escapism it fills the bill. A truly excellent movie, and winner of the best Foreign Film Oscar this year, is the Austrian flick "The Counterfieters." It is based on the true story of Jewish concentration camp inmates being used by the Nazis to make British and American currency during WWII to flood the market and destroy the economies of their enemies. The acting is wonderful and the script serves the story well.

Jackson, WY with it's fairly mixed population (a lot of wealthy, well educated second home owners, combined with cowboys, river runners and a myriad of outdoor types)) sometimes, surprisingly, brings some nice international and independent films to town. Currently they are quietly having a small spring festival with two a week of their seven screens being taken up with that fare. But as the summer proceeds the larger summer "blockbusters" will take over.

Thats about it for this time from beautiful "downtown" Colter Bay, garden spot of Grand Teton National Park. Catch you all on the "flip side!"

Hold that thought!

Remember last week when I told you it was getting warmer? Well, it did for several days reach the 70s here in Grand Teton Park. BUT, it rained and snowed yesterday and throughout the evening. For the next few days the forecast is for the same. I love it but there are folks who live here year round, like some in Flagstaff, who want it to be over.

The wildlife are still, more than ever, making their presence evident. This will not be the case as the spring and summer proceed. As we get more visitors in the park and it gets hotter, the larger animals will have to be seen earlier in the morning and later in the evening. The sightings of grizzlies should become less frequent. I hope so for their safety.

Sad news, but the way of nature, is the predicted split of Grizzly 399 from her third year cubs. She has pushed them on their way to independence and has mated at least twice with a big boar grizzly that seems to have come up the Gros Ventre area. He was seen to run off her big male offspring. Ben Hoyle and I observed one of the adolesent cubs crossing in front of us near Colter Bay. I fear for these cubs lives as they have been raised to forage close to roads. It is a shame that three cubs made it to adolesence (which in and of it self is amazing since the average mortality is 50%) and will possibly be hit by cars.



Solo Grizzly 399 cub moving North toward Colter Bay

There are no movies to review as Jackson, WY theaters have been bringing the usual "beginning of the summer pap" for the masses, or decent films I have already seen in AZ. This weekend may be an exception with the new "Indiana Jones" release. Some early reviews have tended to pan it but you got to take it for what it is, just fun! I'm going to see it!

Finally, a bit Warmer

After a week of snow flurries alternating with days of 50 degree temps the snow cover here in the valley of Jackson Hole is finally receding. In fact, we finally opened the Jenny Lake Visitor Center today, a week late. We spent the week preparing for the opening, beginning with sledding in materials and ending the week with a shoveled path. Today it was 70 degrees.

The Teton Mountains are still snow covered, beautiful, and inaccessible except by snowshoes or skis. It will be late June before one will be able to hike up Cascade Canyon, which is interesting because last year was the first year that I was able to do that in May with my good friends, Cindy and Bob Henry. What a difference a year makes!


Snow along road through Lewis River Canyon

I made my first trip of the season up to Yellowstone Park yesterday. I love that park as well. Even though roads have been cleared the snow there is very deep. My trip took me to the "Old Faithful" area. It is wonderful time to be there because of the lack of crowds. I was hoping to walk the three miles around the Geyser Basin but it was closed due to the presence of two Grizzlies in the area. The Geyser Basin was the only "trail" free of snow but not of ursine.


Old Faithful Inn

Good fortune shown down on me as I was driving into the area a Grizzly came down the road in front of my car. He then dropped down the side of the road by the last bridge before the final descent into the "Old Faithful" area. I was able to get a couple of shots of him. This whole eco-system is "Grizzly happy" this year. I only hope, with so many, that they will not get into trouble with humans, but that is bound to happen.





This is a great place to be this time of year. The wildlife are abundant. And, they all are looking for food after a long hard winter.