The Remembrance Tree
Hidden deep in the forest near the Tetons stands a fully decorated Christmas tree — year-round. Covered in ornaments, glass bead garland, and a simple red ribbon, locals call it the Remembrance Tree…
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Welcome to
Musings of a
Wyoming Hick
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FIELD NOTES · SHORT STORIES · PARK ADVENTURES
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The Sound of a Cattle Guard
I had my eyes closed when my friend Roger drove over it. Wasn't asleep, exactly. My head rested against the passenger window, and the pickup was rocking me somewhere close to sleep, when the tires hit iron. Clatter-clatter. The sound came through the floorboards and up my boots, and I was ten years old again, riding beside Grandpa toward a weathered barn…
And on the 8th Day...
I had a cat once named Kitty — original, I know. He was a cuddler, the kind who’d fall asleep against your chest and stay there for an hour. And then, completely out of nowhere, h…
Reel to Reel
I still walk into rooms lit only by silver and shadow, where the world was quiet enough to hear a screen door slap shut behind me and know it meant supper, not escape. The coffee’s…
The Magical Adel Finch
Some folks you meet drift through your life like tumbleweeds, barely leaving a track. Others, well, others are like Adel Finch. She lived way down at the end of our half-mile dirt …
A Beacon in the Storm
In the heart of pine-scented mountains, vast and evergreen, A rustic cabin stood, a shelter snug within. Inside, there dwelled a rancher and his cherished wife, Their love, a stead…
The Mysterious Medicine Wheel
High up in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains lies the Medicine Wheel, a mysterious and ancient stone circle. This National Historic Landmark holds deep significance for many Native Ameri…
Winter’s Alchemy
Crystal fragments fall from slate grey skies, Kissing frozen earth as the north wind sighs. Bony branches reach from the swirling mist That cloaks the woods in silvered amethyst. S…
The Spell of Halloween
In the depths of the night, where shadows creep, Lie tales of darkness, so hauntingly deep. A moon cloaked in mist, a chilling wind’s wail, Where spirits awaken, and courage may fa…
My Dear Friend, Beula
Introduction This is the story of my dear friend, Beula. She was a beautiful dapple grey mare who came to live with us two days after my tenth birthday. Beula was already mature in…
Full Moon Rising
Stepped out on the porch for two minutes and ended up standing there for twenty. The moon came up huge and orange behind a bank of clouds, low enough over the ridge that for a while…
Lessons from the Wild
A story of misadventure and understanding The summer sun slanted through the open barn doors, coating the hay and wooden rafters in a golden haze. As I pitched hay, beads of sweat …
Historic Fishing Bridge
When I was growing up, a trip to Yellowstone always included a stop at Fishing Bridge. Looking down from the bridge, I was fascinated, watching the schools of fish swimming by. If …
More Than Mere Trees
In the depths of verdant woods, whispers dwell, Ancient trees stand tall, with stories to tell. A tapestry woven with secrets untold, The forest, a sanctuary for spirits of old. Th…
A Mountain Full of Trees
Can you smell the pine? It’s intoxicating. =]:)…
Underneath
Underneath, there are secrets Kept safe from prying eyes Held fast and secure Behind a lame disguise Would they think less of me If everything was shown I wonder, would their eyes …
Cloudy Building
I thought this building looked interesting, so I snapped a pic. Only later, when I looked at it, did I see how it blended into the sky. I think it’s pretty cool! =]:)…
An Autumn Walk
Come along on an Autumn walk down this country road. =]:)…
The Bat Tree
Spooky! I call this my bat tree. Can you see them? =]:)…
Fall Has Fallen
Fall has...fallen? This might be my favorite time of year. I love the scents, the colors, and the cooler weather; there’s just nothing better! =]:)…
Gallatin Range Panorama
This is Buffalo Plateau at sunset. =]:)…
The Road Less Traveled?
Not anymore. I went running on that road. =]:)…
Fog Rolling In
A foggy day at the lake. =]:)…
Palette Spring Rime Ice
Welcome Spring. Rime ice at Palette Spring in Mammoth. =]:)…
White Peaks and Mount Holmes
In Yellowstone National Park, Mount Holmes is a significant mountain peak. It is the highest peak in the Gallatin Range’s Wyoming section. In the park’s northwest corner, Mount Hol…
Snowy Abiathar Peak
Abiathar Summit is a mountain peak in Yellowstone National Park’s northeastern part, in the Absaroka Range of Wyoming, elevation 10,928 feet (3,331 m). Members of the Hague Geologi…
What is Rime Ice?
Rime ice forms when supercooled water liquid droplets freeze onto surfaces. Meteorologists distinguish between three basic types of ice forming on vertical and horizontal surfaces …
Frosty Jenny Lake
A frosty morning on Jenny Lake Jenny Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most popular destinations. The park’s showpiece is the lake, which is tucked away at the base of the…
Frosty Sagebrush
Frosty sagebrush in Grand Teton National Park. =]:)…
Red Squirrel Tracks in the Snow
The Red Squirrels of Wyoming Scientific Name Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Identification 11–15 inches long, 6.7–7 ounces. Brownish-red on its upper half; dark stripe above white ventral…
Your Attention Please!
Fall has been discontinued because of snow. There will be no refunds given. =]:)…
Mountain Ash in Fall Splendor
Natures frilly foliage Yellowstone Mountain Ash in beautiful Autumn colors. =]:)…
Autumn in the Tetons
Flowers of Autumn These are Arrowleaf Balsamroot, reaching to the sun in an Autumn sky. =]:)…
Bison Rest Among Aspens
A Bison break Bison take a break beneath the Autumn colored Aspens. =]:)…
One Lonely Aspen
One lonely Autumn Aspen... amongst the pine trees. =]:)…
Happy 100th Ranger Betty!
Betty Reid Soskin is the oldest active ranger in the National Park Service. Over the past decade and a half, Ranger Betty has shared her experiences as well as the efforts and sacr…
Walking in the clouds
Walking in the clouds in Grand Teton National Park. Fall is in the air. =]:)…
Happy 105th Birthday NPS!
The National Park Service was officially established on August 25, 1916! For 105 years, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the h…
He didn’t want to chat
This little guy wasn’t interested in having a friendly conversation. =]:)…
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day from the Grand Tetons! =]:)…
Sunrise Over Lamar River
A Lamar River Sunrise The Lamar River is a tributary of the Yellowstone River. It’s about 40 miles long. The river is located entirely within Yellowstone National Park. Before the …
Spring Snowstorm in the Tetons
It’s Spring in Wyoming! No, wait, it’s winter! Nope, the calendar says Spring. Oh well. Whatever season it happens to be, the Tetons are always magnificent! =]:)…
The word is Fernweh
This is my new favorite word I’m sure many of us can relate to this word just now. We long for the days when we can decide to travel and just go. Hang in there. Those days will be …
Garnet Canyon Hike
Hike into the heart of the Teton range You should be in good shape and experienced at hiking to do this one. It is about 8.4 miles round trip and will take you from 4 to 8 hours wi…
Epic Animal Migrations
Yellowstone Migrations Yellowstone’s 22.6-million-acre region contains the longest known pathways for mule deer and pronghorn. The distance, movements, and routes rival wildebeests…
Some Park Staff Naked?
Some Yellowstone Park staff won’t wear clothes! No, the Yellowstone park rangers haven’t started a nudist colony, although that would be interesting, I suppose. I’m talking about t…
The word is Whist
This is my new favorite word Whist; whisted; whisting; whists \ ˈ(h)wist \ is a verb. I love the way this word sounds. It’s soothing as you speak it. I’m having trouble using this …
Yellowstone Camping Sites
What are the best campsites in Yellowstone? Glad you asked! I prefer to camp outside the park in more remote areas. It’s just as beautiful, but less crowded and no reservation requ…