November 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH

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Welcome to November!

 

Covid-19 Mask Update: The Teton County Commissioners extended the Mask Mandate until the end of 2021. Masks must be worn inside buildings, on public transportation, taxis, and tours.

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New Month : New Week : New Moon : New Daily Journal : New Park — November 1st

Well, it’s a new month and a new week. In a couple of days, there will be a new moon. Yep…you are looking at the first entry for the new November Daily Journal. Road ClosedThe “New Park” item in the list above takes a bit of artistic or editorial license. Let me explain: Yesterday, we could drive the Moose-Wilson Road along with the middle section of the Teton Park Road. Yesterday, fishermen were still fishing on the National Elk Refuge and hikers and bikers were still using the pathway along it. Yesterday, you could stop at Dornan’s to pick up some snacks or fill the coffee thermos, but the stores and restaurant are closed for the month of November. Only a few days ago, we could drive up and down Mormon Row and we could drive down to Schwabacher Landing. But, all of those areas are now padlocked. In a few days, there will be hunters, outfitted in orange, driving up and down roads hoping to nail an elk. Those are only a few of the recent and upcoming changes in Grand Teton National Park. Continue reading "November 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH"

October 2021 Daily Journal For GTNP & JH

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Welcome to October!

 

Covid-19 Mask Update: The Teton County Commissioners extended the Mask Mandate until the end of 2021. Masks must be worn inside buildings, on public transportation, taxis, and tours.”

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Three quarters of 2021 is in our rear view mirror, leaving us with three of the more interesting months. Foliage season, like the current moon, is waning, but it is not over! As the month begins, there are still plenty of brightly colored leaves around the valley. In many areas, the foliage season came four or five days earlier than “normal”. That’s my unscientific take after living here for 35 years. The Moose and Elk are in their rut, along with Deer and Pronghorns. The rut for the Bison is essentially over, but you might still find a bull interested in a late season cow. Grizzlies traditionally are more visible during October. Black Bears will polish off the berries along the valley floor and head back up the hillsides soon. As the leaves drop from the trees, Owls may become more visible. Worth watching!

Important Info for GTNP travelers:

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“Up” Memory Lane in Grand Teton National Park – The Hunter Hereford Ranch

Hunter Hereford Barn

Most people go “down memory lane” but if you want to visit these historic barns and structures, you’ll have to take a short hike “up” a slight incline!

Bill & Eileen Hunter used the ranch to raise purebred Hereford cattle. The historic Hunter Hereford Ranch rests remotely at the far east end of Antelope Flats Road.  Hunter Hereford Barns Even though the barn and buildings are accessible to the public, few people actually visit the location. I suspect there are two major reasons for the lack of tourist activity. One: It takes a mile to mile and a half hike on a slightly inclined road. Two: Many people are unsure if it is legal to go there. I can help with the latter. Continue reading "“Up” Memory Lane in Grand Teton National Park – The Hunter Hereford Ranch"

Moose Velvet Period — The End of the Beginning

Beginning sometime in June, bull Moose begin regrowing the antlers. The bulls would have spent the winter months antlerless. I typically don’t spend a lot of time with the Moose at that time of the year. Their June coats are usually mangy and shaggy—far from photogenic! Gradually, through July, their winter fur is replaced with a sleek, summer coat and their new antlers begin to take shape. Moose Group On numerous occasions, I’ve overheard tour guides telling their clients that Moose are “solitary” animals. Especially during the time they are growing their velvet covered antlers, I’ve found them to be quite social. Normally, a group will consist of two to six bulls, but will occasionally include a cow or a cow and calf. Possibly, this behavior gives them extra security with all the extra eyes and ears—alert for predators or other kinds of danger. I guess the guides read about the solitary nature of Moose in a book, but I find it to be an incorrect statement for our Wyoming Shiras Moose in and around Grand Teton National Park! The guides never like it if I challenge them on the statement even if, at the time, they are looking at four bulls together. Continue reading "Moose Velvet Period — The End of the Beginning"