Stretching Trumpeter Swans

On about any Winter day, you can usually find between 20 and 40 Trumpeter Swans at the north end of Jackson, WY. Flat Creek winds its way through the National Elk Refuge on its way to the Snake River south of Jackson. After a cold night or cold spell, Flat Creek freezes. Swans hunker down on the ice during the coldest hours, but become active as the morning sun warms the area. It’s during this “waking up” period that you will have a great chance to see and photograph Trumpeter Swans stretching their wings. This page features a full sequence of photos of a beautiful Swan stretching while standing on the frozen creek. You have to be ready! A typical “stretch” lasts only three or four seconds.

When ready, the Trumpeters thrust their chest, then begin a stretching sequence. Continue reading

January 4, 2019January 10, 2019

A Blast of Color

An Eclectic Gallery of Colorful Photos from Jackson Hole and Nearby Region

Unless you are up very early for sunrise, much of the “color” in the winter spans a limited portion of the color spectrum. Other than a little blue in the morning snow and a little color in the sky, much of the landscape is generally brown, gray, black and white. Same for the wildlife! Photos on this page were selected from my archives because they have color punch! I opted to limit the text so the images could speak for themselves. Enjoy!

July 5, 2017July 12, 2017

Jackson Hole’s Great Solar Eclipse!

A Page of Resources and Links

August 21st will be the big day for this year’s Solar Eclipse—and Jackson Hole is directly in the totality path! The Park Service is preparing for the event with extra staff, one way roads, camping and parking restrictions and so forth. Expect bumper to bumper traffic and all kinds of “issues”. Even with a few potential logistical hassles, this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us. Luckily, I live in the path so I don’t have much invested in the eclipse. I don’t have to gamble at all! Others will have paid premium prices to be in Jackson Hole for the event—with no guarantee of clear skies. Heavy clouds, and even smoke from area fires, are always a possibility. Barring clouds or smoke, onlookers can expect some of the least polluted skies in the country. Plenty of areas of the country will be in the path of the Solar Eclipse but Jackson Hole will be a hot ticket! Remember—it will be August. Traditionally it is a very hot month in most parts of the US. Jackson Hole’s cool weather and clear skies make it a premier location. NOAA Map

NOAA: Ready, Set, Eclipse: As the map indicates, JH is predicted to have a good chance of clear skies for the Eclipse in August (Historical Averages). Viewers originally planning on being in Oregon might rethink their choices. The “clear skies” gamble is much higher there. Continue reading

June 7, 2017June 9, 2017

Beating the Summer Crowds in Grand Teton National Park:

Tips and Strategies to Help Make Your GTNP Visit More Enjoyable!

Visitation at Grand Teton National Park has been on the incline for several years—each one breaking the previous year’s totals. We are likely on a similar pace this year, and that’s not taking into consideration the extra visitors in August for the Solar Eclipse! Air travel is getting more and more difficult—and less fun. It is probably going to get worse with new restrictions on computers and eventually photo gear. Gasoline prices have remained relatively low and there is a renewed interest in the Parks in general. That’s great for our regional market. It’s great for the tour operators, merchants, galleries, restaurants, dude ranches, and activities! If you are stuck behind a bear jam or waiting to get through the entrance station, it’s not so great! Continue reading