Sunday, June 25, 2017

June in Paradise

Its been a month of clouds and sun.  Two slow-moving weather systems came across NW Wyoming bringing much rain and wind to the valleys, and snow in the higher elevations.  The tremendous snowpack has begun to melt, flooding rivers, creeks, and roads.  Part of Gros Ventre road has eroded away and access to other riverside locations has been closed.
    These 2 photos were typical views for quite awhile.  Where are the mountains ?  When the fog (or clouds) clear away the guests can see the  mountains.

I finally was able to repair the roof racks I use for carrying Dolphin-kayak, and was able to go out on String Lake.  Its a pretty lake, sheltered from wind, and now quite flooded.  I paddled into the forest and into grassy areas that are usually high and dry.
 Below photo shows the west edge of the lake.


When paddling in the forest, many logs need to be avoided.



The creek through this grassy area is all melt-water from a huge snowpack in the high elevations.











Those of you who are birders can look at  ebird  for Teton county to see the checklists I have submitted for this area.  Photo of a Ruffed Grouse who was surprised I found him while he was drumming from a log.