Thursday, September 8, 2011

After Labor Day




Several guest service buildings are now closed for the Winter. All the horses have been trailered away from the corrals, the cafeteria is closed, activities booth has been shut down, and the visitor center has shortened hours. Its good to be able sell a night of cabin lodging to people who have no reservations. The cabins were 100% filled for 3 months.
...........Avian notes: The lone CAL Gull has returned to the Marina. Barn Swallows nesting on the grocery store building have successfully fledged 4 young ones. I saw the entire family sitting on a street light arm a few days ago. White Pelicans have departed from Oxbow Lake, replaced by a group of American Wigeons.
...........Yesterday I drove to Jackson Hole and beyond to Teton Village. My coupon for a free ride up the tram was accepted, and I ascended to 10,400 ft with other visitors. Mountain views to the south and west were amazing. Forest fires burning to the southeast were pushing smoke up the valley and made for hazy views in that direction. Alpine tundra flowers are still blooming in some places, and a few tree islands sheltered Yellow-rump Warblers and Chickadees. Clark's Nutcrackers flew between the tree islands gathering seeds and hiding them. These birds have phenomenal memories and can remember the location of buried seeds far into the winter.
The experience of hiking above tree-line was truly wonderful. In 2 months this area will be covered with snow.
Photos of kayaking on String Lake, Gentian blooming at 10,400 ft, and trees close to tree-line.

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