June events

A local saying is that it usually snows for Memorial Day weekend.  At Grand Tetons Park, we had a few days of rain, very good for the earth and the forest.  It did snow in Yellowstone, which is over 8000 feet in elevation.  The following day I found the Spring wildflowers holding little diamond raindrops.  This is a Shooting Star.

     I have been out in the kayak twice.  This photo below from Jenny Lake.  It was the 2nd paddling trip for Fuji-camera and it did quite well.  I have a double set of waterproof bags for it live in during paddling trips.

Last weekend was a bigger adventure, I drove into Idaho to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument.  It was amazing to see different wildflowers growing on the lava fields.

                                                                     

 This pink Monkeyflower is about 1/4 " across, while the yellow one is only a few mm in diameter.  I am surprised this photo came out so well.  The photo below is a Phacelia in bloom.   This is an other-worldly landscape, extensive lava flows occurred from volcanic eruptions 15,000 years ago. I found roughly eroded lava along one trail with areas of more rounded lava formations nearby. At an area called Devils's Orchard I walked another the trail.  Pine trees, and other bushes were growing well, looking similar to Sunset Crater National Monument in northern AZ.

      The next morning I stopped at Camas NWR on my way back to the Park, and found nearly 35 species of birds.   Just north of Idaho Falls, this area is a wintering over site for many duck species.  Today I saw Mallards, Gadwalls, and Lesser Scaup males floating and sleeping on a small pond.  Their females may be on nests.  White-faced Ibis were fun to watch.
     Western Kingbirds harassed a Red-tailed Hawk nest their nest, Eastern Kingbirds and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Yellow Warblers sang from the trees.    

Gift Shop update:   new barcode scanners are working, most of the time.  There is always the occasional item that does not scan.  It is so helpful that we can print our own price stickers now.  Last year it took a week for stickers to be requested and delivered.  Our campground is full, cabins are full,  and trailhead parking needs to be secured early in the day.  Summer is on.  This photo of Grand Teton with Symmetry Spires taken from Jenny Lake boat ramp.