Snowy Range - forgot to share!

Now that we are back from "out west," it is time to get organized (somewhat) before a research season (me) and business trips (Paul). Our new friends we met during our birding trip to the Snowy Range of Wyoming have shared the group photos from the trip, and Lori got a nice shot of Paul and I exploring the rocks. Paul and I a couple of good ones that I thought I would share as well. Enjoy!

Chipmunk for Mom

I am speaking tomorrow after lunch, but I needed a break from praticing my talk! I cycled through the pictures from our time in RMNP and came across one of MANY pictures of chipmunks. I don't see them very often in northeast Arkansas, nor did we have them in Florida growing up. However, I enjoy seeing them when I can and I know Mom would appreciate this picture.

The chipmunks in RMNP were accustomed to people along the paths within the park, probably a result of people feeding them! We did not feed them, but they are just so darn cute. Many of them were so bold that I was afraid they would get stepped on! This little guy was working very hard to find food, and in this shot it looks as though he found something to nibble on.

Snowy Range, Wyoming

Paul signed us up for an all-day birding tour of the Snowy Range, approximately 30 miles outside of Laramie, WY. Actually, I'm not sure how far we drove, but we had a fabulous time! Although we were not lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive American Dipper, I added some species to my life list and I think Paul enjoyed his first birding tour. He came equipped with brand new binoculars, and I think he got more than a few good looks at most of the birds.

The final view at the end of the tour was really spectacular. Despite the elevation and snow, most of us felt more heat than cold, especially when the wind was still. We saw marmots among the rocks, which was a new mammal for us. Mostly, we just enjoyed the scenery and tried to fathom just how high up we really were (10,500-ft).

Rocky Mountain National Park - Day 2

We recognized our limits and elected NOT to climb one of the 8+ mile hikes up to any of several peaks higher than 10000 ft. Instead, we took a 5.8-mile out-and-back hike through a different part of the park to check out 3 waterfalls. Although I was disappointed not to have trekked to a high peak, I must admit that we would need better preparation and training for something like that. I wonder how many visitors come to RMNP thinking they will ascend to the peaks and meet reality halfway up?

This is a beautiful place, and I hope we can return someday to see more of it.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Day 1

Our flight into Denver was smooth, uneventful, and 10 minutes early! Unheard of nowadays, but we were happy to arrive sooner than later. Seeing the mountains and taking a few hikes were some of our goals for this trip, and we were ready to "get at it" and enjoy time away from the daily grind (not coffee).

The altitude is definitely a force to be reckoned with, for those of us from the relatively low-lying east coast. Our pace for our first hike might be considered slow, but it was really the best we could manage. We did our best to keep hydrated and took many breaks, and we did see everything we had planned for that day. The most amazing thing about this altitude is that no matter how deep you breathe, there never seems to be enough oxygen!

Handsome Kona

Paul thinks that the photo of Kona I posted yesterday

is not very flattering. So, I have selected another

pictures of Kona, minus his tongue.

Feel free to weigh in on this issue:

is yesterday's pic of Kona really awful?