I've been here a little over a week now and the snow, although receding some do to about three days of warmer temps, is still quite evident. In fact, the amount of the white stuff piled up has kept us from opening Jenny Lake Visitor today. It is now sheduled for opening May 22nd. Regardless of that we have been working diligently on the inside to clean and organize. Colter Bay VC (where I use to work) is going to try to open as scheduled today. However, we did get a little more snow last night.
Sand Hill Cranes at Willow Flats
No matter the weather, it is spring to many species and they are beginning to arrive in Jackson Hole. This is especially true of the bears that "hibernate" here. Many have been out since the middle of April. Because of the snow they are ranging throughout the park and eco-system looking for food. This is the case with our local "signature" Grizzly known as 399. Her third spring "cubs" will be leaving her soon, sometime in May, and she will be ready to mate again.
There have been other Grizzlies sighted coming out in areas further south in the Park, i.e., Death Canyon and the Gros Ventre area. This bodes well for their bounce back from very small numbers bordering on extinction it the lower 48. However, it will make an interesting summer for hikers here. In the past we have been able to tell visitor's that in a lot of areas there was a low probability of the presence of Grizzlies. Now that is not the case. They range throughout.
The sun is coming up and the Alpen Glow on the Teton range is magnificent. What a wonderful place to work. Coming here in early spring and leaving early fall really gives me a taste the seasons here.
P.S. I went to the movies last weekend and saw Iron Man, and was pleasantly surprised by it. My usual cinema fare rarely includes "super hero" flicks, but as a fantasy this one was done well. The presence of Robert Downey Jr. in the lead made the movie. He did a great job. The supporting cast of Gwyneth (sp) Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Terence Howard added to the quality. My only criticism is the use of Paltrow so sparingly. This is an Oscar ward winning actress who's talents should be more usefully employed. Overall, I give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
2 comments:
Really beautiful.
You are master!
Have a nice weekend.
Wow!! Those are great pictures! I wish I got to see bears just wandering around outside. Of course, I live in Chicago, so it would be a little disturbing. But still, very cute!
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