mid-February

Winter 2011-12 has been so different than last year. Wyoming had 300 % of normal snowfall in the mountains last winter. Yesterday I went to find winter.
Friday I joined a group for another snowshoe trip. We drove Hwy 14 just north of Rocky Mt Park into Colorado State Forest. Hwy 14 follows Cache de la Poudre River canyon up the eastern slope. Poudre River is still flowing, covered by a thick icy snowy layer. The Visitor Center is famous for the flocks of Rosy-finches coming to feeders behind the building. It was an amazing show. I have not seen such a big flock of Rosy-finches ever. 99 % were Gray-crowned, with a few Brown-capped. While we were snowshoeing the forest was very quiet.
Thursday morning I went to Poudre Learning Center for some volunteer work. They provide educational programs for school children in the Spring and Fall. High school students are allowed to do independent projects. Its still too early for the school groups so the Asst Manager sent me out to monitor the Bald Eagle nest and activity along the river.
A few days ago I received a phone call from the General Manager of Colter Bay operations at Grand Teton Lodge Company. He wants me to come back and work at Cabin Office for Summer 2012. I said Yes.
Photos from Friday along Poudre River. The full French name means "hide the gun powder," a reference to the early pioneer days when a large container of gunpowder was hidden in the brush along the river.