October has been a mix of weather. It seems the local consensus is we missed both spring and fall. May and June were rainy and October has been colder than normal. We did have a few blue bird days but most of the month was unsettled. It gets the skiers excited and should help encourage holiday visitors. Mornings have been cold. Eight degrees is a bit chilly for October.

I always enjoy this time of the year as I watch nature change and prepare for winter. Chipmunks have been quite visible and active. The squirrels are caching cones and my favorite midden has quite a few. I plan to go back in the next week and check out the winter supplies. It did seem early to me with all the cones stored in September. I imagine that the squirrel knew October was going to be cool and unsettled.

I love to hear the sand hill cranes gathering and soaring above the clouds as they begin their fall migration. Teton Valley, Idaho is one of the main stopovers for the cranes so you can hear hundreds calling in the sky. It really is one of those awe inspiring moments. The Sibley Guide to Birds describes their voice as “a loud, resonant, wooden rattle hkkkkk or hkarrrr, variable, a rolling bugle, typically a long, slightly descending roll, but some variation.” The sound is ethereal and prehistoric at the same time. They are large graceful birds and a summer resident in this area. They always leave in October and resemble pterodactyls as they soar on the thermals. They will winter in the south, near Mexico.

Another fall indicator is the return of the elk to the National Elk Refuge located on the outskirts of town. We actually have fewer elk on this feed ground then in past seasons. The assumption seems to be that they have found sufficient forage further north in the valley due to a wet June or they are more disturbed by hunters on the southern part of the refuge. According to the 10/24 biological update, there are only 25 elk on the southern part of the elk refuge. I did share Grand Teton Park with some visitors this past month. It is always a thrill to watch the bull elk bugle and harem their females. We saw a few large herds which is a sure sign of fall.

Fall is also hunting season in the west and, unfortunately, a grizzly bear was shot. It happened to be the cub of our famous female, 399. She reared her cubs in the Jackson Lake Lodge area so visible to many. It was an unfortunate incident since the hunter didn’t have bear spray so used bullets to protect himself. There seems to be mixed reviews as to what exactly happened. The female grizzly was feeding on a moose carcass left by other hunters. She stood on her hind legs which they often do since they have poor eyesight. Her size must have frightened the hunter and he felt threatened. He shot and killed her. She was 40 feet away but only 5 feet from the moose carcass. Was she just being curious or actually going to attack? We will never know but bear spray has been proven to work with aggressive grizzlies. It might have been a better initial response and reinforces the need for bear safety awareness and the proper use of bear spray. Regardless, losing a breeding female hurts the stability of our bear population.  Death is never easy.

It’s 8:30 AM and the sun is just rising over the Tetons. Since I live in Teton Valley, Idaho which is west of Jackson Hole, our days start a bit later. It is 12 degrees outside and there is a bit of snow from the last storm system. The air is crisp and dry and nature is quiet. A few chickadees are at my feeder but most species are awaiting the sun. As it comes over the mountains, it glistens and dances with the ice on the branches. The day speaks of winter and the ongoing change of the season.

What’s in the woods-

10/1- snow in the valley and mountains

10/2-Grand Teton Park- bison, pronghorn, flock of mountain bluebirds

Shadow Mountain- clark’s nutcracker
10/3-puzzleface ranch- bald eagle in osprey nest

Munger Mountain- bull moose, flock of juncos

10/4-Munger Mountain- great grey owl, clark’s nutcracker, raven, magpie

10/8-Victor, ID- red tail hawk, bald eagle

10/9-fox creek- rose hips, sand hill cranes flocking

10/12- rain/snow mix

10/16- Victor, ID-sand hill cranes flocking

10/16- Grand Teton Park- herds of bison, herds of elk with male bugling, pronghorn, mountain bluebird, red tail hawk, mule deer, bull moose, beaver

10/17- beautiful blue sky day- juncos, chickadee, magpie, white-breasted nuthatch

10/27- snow in the yard

10/29- Ely Springs- red fox

Tour Suggestion:

With fall migration, October and November are always great months to look for animals. A great drive is along the Gros Ventre Road off Highway 89/191. You can find moose along the river bottoms and elk and bison in the sage flats. Inner park roads close November 1 so you do have to plan your travel routes more carefully.

Choosing tour options is always a bit challenging with the season change. I like to hike when the ground is frozen so you don’t slog through the mud. Ski Lake is a great fall hike in the southern Tetons. It is above the valley floor so usually frozen. It is accessible at the Phillips Pass trailhead off Highway 22. Once the snow gets a bit deeper in the high country, you can begin to ski. The top of Teton Pass is always a fun start to the season. You can ski south towards Black Canyon. I also like to walk my dogs on country roads. I like Fox Creek in Teton Valley, Idaho since you can hear the water. I also like Game Creek in Jackson which is south of town and also has the soothing sounds of water. I recommend seeing what the weather is doing, bundling up and heading out to explore. The great part is you never know what you might see!

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit our web site: http://www.holehike.com

Popularity: 12% [?]

So many kittens are available . . . in all colors, shapes & sizes!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Come meet Teton County’s local and regional farmers and enjoy this year’s harvest at the Jackson Whole Grocer for their 2^nd annual festival. Sample grilled beef & lamb from local ranchers, delicacies from local food producers, breweries, wineries & mead makers. Purchase food from their deli, local products and produce from local farmers’ last harvest of the season. Watch free demonstrations, enjoy kids’ activities, listen to local musicians and celebrate the end of another growing season!

When: Saturday, September 26, 11am-4pm

Where: Jackson Whole Grocer’s parking lot, rain or shine!

For more information on the event or to get a complete list of participants contact Steve Michel, JWG’s Director of Sustainability at 733-0450 or stevenm@jacksonwholegrocer.com.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Lily is a one-year-old heeler mix. She’s good with dogs, cats, kids, you name it. She’s a love muffin who will warm your heart. Come take her for a walk today and help her find a permanent home.

Popularity: 5% [?]

It’s the last week of August. I sit at my desk and listen to the rain softly fall on the leaves and the plants below. It whispers change and possible snow in the mountains. It is soft, light as a feather, consistent and peaceful. This month has seen diverse weather. We have reached 87 degrees and snow has fallen in the mountains. It is a month of contrast. Hot days but also frosty nights. Day length shortens, change begins, geese fly in formation, blue birds’ flock…they ask, ‘should we go or stay’?

Nature continues to flourish but there are some fall colors in the plant world. At lower elevations, the vegetation is beginning to pass and turn color but you can still find fields of yampah and blooming asters. Yampah was a great food source for the local people. It has a sweet, nutty flavored root and I have fond memories of smiling boys as they dig in the soil with their new knives bought on their first trip to Yellowstone. They dig to find the treasure. You have to be gentle and massage the soil so it will release its’ grip and give you the small and tasty tuber.

I would classify August as berry season. I have tasted succulent huckleberries, service berries, choke cherries, gooseberries, currents and thimble berries. Tasty treats as you hike along. Since we have had so much moisture, we also have great berries. Huckleberries are found in the lodge pole pine forest. The bush grows about 1-5 feet tall with thin, bright green, ¾-2” long, finely toothed leaves that turn red or purple in the fall. They are a great source of vitamin C and tasty! You can also eat the leaves. They are similar to blueberries and you have to decide which you like better.

I did get the excitement of running into a black bear. He or she was walking with a purpose and certainly was enjoying the freedom of the trail. We stopped and it kept coming. We moved off the trail but couldn’t get that far since the bear was walking at a consistent clip. Before it crossed our path, it jumped off the trail and went around the opposite side. It was interesting to watch because it did ensure its’ “personal space”- the distance it needed between us. We did have our bear spray out but it wasn’t needed. The bear had its’ plan. We shared the trail and off it went. It happened so fast- here one minute and gone the next. We warned the approaching hikers but my guess is the bear was long gone.

I did hear about a small bear in the String Lake area. The rangers are trying to protect the bear from all the people who were grilling hamburgers and leaving bags of chips lying around. I am sure you have heard of the saying, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” Most bears are naturally afraid of people but if they get fed, they lose that fear with the desire for hamburgers. I hope the bear survives. We all need to be extra careful in bear country to keep our food safely stored so they don’t get a reward and become habituated.

I also saw the cutest pine marten!  They are carnivores and in the weasel family. They might be cute but they are also feisty!

July and August have been busy months in Jackson. With our wet June, the summer season took time to start but these last two months have been hopping. Our visitation is down, but business’ seem to be doing alright. People do come to visit the parks and you can’t beat this area with all the protected land, wild animals, and fun things to do.  September will mean cooler temperatures, fall colors, the mystical elk bugle, and a slower pace in the Tetons. I am ready for the change.

What’s in the woods-
8/1- fresh huckleberries
8/8- Moose Creek- fields of yampah, Indian paintbrush, berries,
8/9- snow in the Tetons
8/10- grey, cool, overcast
8/11- Shadow Mountain- fields of yampah, harebell, geranium, ripe serviceberry, fireweed, bull moose
8/14-Grand Teton National Park- pipsissewa, female mule deer, james saxifrage, monkey-flower, golden eye, townsendia, moss campion
8/15-Pole Canyon- monkshood, white angelica, cone flower, erigeron, leafy aster, red squirrel, chickadee, nuthatch
8/17- Highway 22- bald eagle in power pole
8/19- Jackson, WY- Geese flying in formation, cool, overnight frost
8/20- Victor, ID- flock of mountain bluebirds
8/21- Ski Lake- ripe huckleberries, yampah, yarrow, horsemint, Indian paintbrush, Hot- 87 degrees
8/22- Paintbrush Canyon- huckleberries, grass of parnassius, elephant head, monkey flower, englemann aster, thick stem aster, black bear!
8/23- Victor, ID- rabbit brush
8/25- Blue Miner Lake- thickstem aster, lupine, pine marten!, bear tracks, clark’s nutcrackers

Trail Suggestion-
One of my favorite summer hikes is Table Mountain in Teton Canyon. You do have to drive over Teton Pass to access the trail but it is well worth it. The entire distance is 12.8 miles round trip with 4100 feet elevation gain. The hike has beautiful meadows and forested areas with a few stream crossings. It is a great area to explore whether you summit the mountain or not. The summit is directly across from the Grand, Middle and South Teton so you can’t beat the views. To access the trailhead, you drive up and over Teton Pass on Highway 22 and continue north to Driggs, Idaho. The highway number does change to Highway 33 as cross the state line. When you reach Driggs, you turn right at the lighted intersection and drive to Alta, WY. After you drive through Alta, you will see the sign and the right turn to Teton Canyon. You drive 4.4 miles to the trailhead. The first climb is a bit steep but then the trail mellows so it does suit all abilities based on how far you want to go. Have fun, be prepared and enjoy the time in this magnificent country!

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit The Hole Hiking Experience.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, and fresh strawberries are favorite summer foods. Though we have access to these foods year round, there is nothing like freshly harvested varieties available in the summer that are grown close to home even here in northern Wyoming! Here are some nutritional highlights:

Watermelon

Watermelon is related to cantaloupe, squash, cucumber and pumpkin and was first cultivated in Egypt. China is the world’s top producer of watermelons as well as Russia where a popular wine is also made from this fruit. In Japan watermelons are forced to grow square to fit in small Japanese refrigerators. All parts of the watermelon are edible and in other parts of the world the rind is often pickled and the seeds roasted.

Watermelon is a concentrated source of antioxidants – vitamins A & C and the phytonutrient lycopene (also found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit). This fruit is also a very good source of vitamin B6 and good source of vitamin B1 (thiamin), magnesium and potassium. Watermelon’s high water content (92%) makes it a great calorie bargain at just 46 calories per cup (and less than 12 grams of carbohydrate and nearly a gram of fiber). Antioxidant levels rise as fruit ripens so in addition to taste it is more nutritious to eat watermelons and other fruit when they are fully ripened.

Strawberries

Strawberries have been a symbol of passion in many cultures due to their heart shape and red color. In ancient times these berries were used medicinally to treat melancholy, fevers and blood diseases. Today we know these delicious berries are a good source of antioxidant nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber making them a boon to heart health and part of a diet to prevent several chronic diseases.

Fresh strawberries are one of summer’s most delightful treats. Though we now have access to strawberries any time of year, summer is when they are freshest and you are likely to find berries grown closer to home. The taste of strawberries depends on the variety, weather and ripeness when picked. Strawberries do not ripen after picking and make sure the green cap is still in tact – removing this activates an enzyme that breaks down the vitamin C in the berry.

The dots on the outer skin of strawberries are seeds. Each berry contains an average of 200 seeds, making them a good source of dietary fiber (3 grams in just 10 medium size berries – and only 36 calories!). Strawberries are also one of the richest food sources of vitamin C and contain potassium, manganese, folate and the cancer-fighting phytonutrients ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

Corn

Corn (also known as maize) is a cereal grain and often consumed fresh as a vegetable. Corn is an important food plant native to America and thought to have originated in either Mexico or Central America. Corn comes in a rainbow of colors, including violet, blue, and black. Darker varieties contain greater quantities of antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins. Blue corn tortillas contain about 20% more protein and 8% less starch giving them a lower glycemic index than the more common version made with white corn

Corn kernels fresh off the cob are a whole, unprocessed grain providing many health benefits. One medium ear has 106 calories, 18 grams of carb, 4.9 grams of fiber, 3.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and nearly 20% of the Daily Value for calcium (42 grams). Corn is a good source of many nutrients including the B vitamins thiamin (B1), pantothenic acid (B5) and folate, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. Corn is also a good source of dietary fiber and the phytonutrient beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid that holds promise in protecting against lung cancer.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Friends of Pathways is pleased to bring the Jackson Hole community the first annual Bike-IN Movie.  The first of its kind in Jackson Hole, this event will bring together the classic feel of an outdoor movie without the driving.  Working with our premier sponsors the Center for the Arts, Fitzgerald’s Bicycles and the Snake River Brewery, the Bike-IN will take place on Saturday, August 15 at the Center’s outdoor amphitheater on 265 South Cache Street. The event will feature three independent bike films:  Bikes vs. Boyfriends, Ryan Leach in Prague and Seasons.

The free event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with films beginning at 8:30 p.m. and all members of the community including visitors are encouraged to attend. Dogs are not allowed on the Center for the Arts lawn and will not be permitted to attend. “We’re really excited to start using the amphitheater and lawn at the Center for the Arts for it’s originally intended purposes; community focused, family friendly events.  We hope to see more events like this happen in the future.” stated Doug Henderson, Center for the Arts Facility Director.

Food, beverages and treats will be sold at the event. Pica’s Taqueria, The Bunnery, Betty Rock, Snake River Brewery and the Liquor Store have all generously donated their tasty food and beverages to support pathways and trails.  Local shops and non-profits will be creating a bike festival type atmosphere with contests and games for the entire family. Computers will be available so GoByBike participants will be able to log miles and continue to compete for most miles logged at www.GoByBike.FriendsOfPathways.org.  A great raffle is planned which includes an Electra 7-speed cruiser bike generously donated by Wildernest Sports. “We’re really looking forward to a fun bike festival evening of eating good food, having fun and watching some amazing films” said premier sponsor Scott Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Bicycles.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the trails and pathways in Jackson Hole. Stephanie Thomas, Friends of Pathways Development and Communications Director remarked, “This really was a perfect way to bring together our mission of promoting non-motorized transportation with great entertainment and lots of community fun”.  Friends of Pathways is celebrating its 15th year of promoting a complete pathways system, safer streets and great trails for Jackson Hole.

Popularity: 8% [?]

U.S. Bancorp announced Friday that it has taken over The First Bank of Idaho and its Jackson Hole branch, the First Bank of the Tetons. The announcement came after the First Bank of Idaho, a Ketchum, Idaho-based operation, released a statement that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has taken over its operations via the Office of Thrift Supervision.

U.S. Bank said it will not change the name of the First Banks, and they will operate as branches of the U.S. Bank.

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Popularity: 5% [?]