December Nature News
Posted on Friday, January 2nd, 2009
Happy New Year! What an exciting year it has been. We are on the cusp of change, and energy is increasing. It is an exhilarating time to be alive. I feel with uncertainty comes the ability to reflect. With the current changes, I can’t help but reflect on my chosen lifestyle. With inner peace, we can foster a grounded relationship with ourselves, the planet, and our neighbors. I wish you all peace and happiness in the New Year!
December has been quite a month! We started the month cold and dry. By mid-month, we were still in need of snow and the valley was brown. But, on December 21, it all changed. Over five feet of snow has fallen in the last eight days. We have more snow than we really know what to do with and avalanche danger has made skiing and backcountry travel a challenge.
It seems once snow blankets the valley, I see more eagles. They are amazing birds and will be found throughout the valley since their winter diet is carrion. I feel they are the appropriate symbol of America. They are large and beautiful, strong and graceful. Native people view the Bald Eagle as powerful in all seasons and during daylight. They are the illumination of spirit, healing and creation. You can’t help but look at these birds with awe and respect. One great place to look for them is on the National Elk Refuge outside of town.
Of course, December is the winter equinox. We have entered our season of light with the sun’s radiance making its way back to the northern hemisphere.
The solstice reminds us that every quality contains and gives way to its opposites. There can be no light without darkness, no darkness without light. Justice is not a question of one side defeating the other, but of finding the dynamic balance between them that generates the energies that sustain the world….
I wish you the best in 2009! Be joyous, laugh lots, and remember nature is always there to bring you peace and rejuvenate you.
What’s in the woods:
12/4- Victor, ID- white-breasted nuthatch, raven, magpie, black-capped chickadee, male and female house finch
12/5- Darby Canyon- stellar jay, flock of robins
12/6- Victor, ID- evening grosbeak
12/8- snow!
12/11- Phillips/Ski Lake- Clark’s nutcrackers, female moose
12/11- Highway 22- Puzzleface Ranch- coyote
12/13-Victor, ID- red fox in our yard
12/16-Snow!
12/17- Teton Village Road- red fox
12/18- Victor, ID- 2 bald eagles
12/24- Jenny Lake- stormy, windy- bald eagle
12/25- Victor, ID- sharp-shinned hawk, white breasted nuthatch, black-capped chickadee, evening grosbeak, gold finch, house sparrows, magpie
12/27- Snake River- two bald eagles
12/30- Jenny Lake- cow and calf moose
Victor, ID- bald eagle
Tour Suggestion:
With all of our new snow, avalanche danger is quite high so before journeying into the mountains make proper decisions.
Shadow Mountain is a great place to explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis. It is directly across from the Teton Peaks so you do have amazing views of the Tetons. It is also an area not as heavily traveled as other parts of Grand Teton National Park. From Jackson drive north on Highway 191 to the Gros Ventre Junction, turn right, and drive past the town of Kelly. You continue on this road for five more miles until you reach the end of the plowed road and the parking area. You can ski up the road for a seven mile round trip tour or you can snowshoe throughout this area. To ski the road, ski north on the flats until you reach the edge of the forest and then turn east to ski up the unplowed forest service road. It climbs about 1,500 feet and you can ski back down the road or on the southwest flank of the mountain. To snowshoe you can explore the south side of Shadow Mountain. You can climb the hills or tour through the open meadows.
A great source for trail suggestions is the free publication called the Trailhead. It is printed twice a year by Skinny Skis, a mountaineering store. You can get a copy at the store or various places around town. The store is on Deloney St. near the town square.
Have fun and be safe!
Experience nature! Join us to snowshoe or cross-country ski and make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit our web site: HoleHike.com
