Spring is FINALLY in control!

This was taken at an overlook, just downhill from Paradise on the way to Longmire yesterday. The western end of the Tatoosh Range is on the left-hand side of the picture. There is still a lot of snow on the mountain. The trail we use for school groups at Paradise still has 12 feet of snow.

The road is clear, many of the park roads are open now or will be open in the next two weeks. But the lenticular clouds are still hanging over the summit; we might be getting some weather. ;)

Funky Tree

I found this tree growing along the Kautz Creek trail last weekend. This area has been subject to flooding, mudslides, erosion, etc. for decades (probably centuries, but I haven't seen records for before 1947's flood).

What do you think caused this tree to grow like this???

It's Been A While...

I'm a bit punchy this morning; 6 out of the past 7 days have been trail days for me; 5 of which, I've had no less than 26 people trailing me behind me. I am exhausted!

Today is supposed to be an office day for me; I'm trying to put together a couple of programs that I'll be giving in the coming weeks/months. But so far, I can barely keep my eyes open. YAWN!

What to write about?

I haven't had much motivation to write anything lately. We work in a beautiful area, and spring is finally taking hold. The tulips were blooming in the garden next to the post office in Elbe this morning. Cherry trees and dogwoods are blooming as I sit here in Seattle, taking a lunch break while doing my grocery/shopping trip for the month.

I love snow and cold weather, but I'm so happy to see the 'little flower things'. And warmer weather is very welcome!

The next 4 weeks or so will be very busy for our office, we have a minimum of 3-5 classes visiting us each week and we'll be hosting two school groups of about 120 students in early June. Then the summer hits and, unlike with the rest of the programs in the park, our slow season hits. I'm hoping to pick up some training and hours with the rest of the interp staff at the various visitor centers and other areas of the park.

Rubus spectabilis

It's getting close to Salmonberry time! The brambles are blooming here at park HQ!

A Little RAK

Some people tell me how lucky I am to be living on the doorstep of a great National Park. The scenery is stunning (when clouds aren't obscuring the peaks ;) ), but in some ways, I am a bit cut off from the main world. I won't go into the details; some of it I've already mentioned elsewhere.

But last night, I got a little care package from one of my fellow Ravelers (Ravelry.com). Through one of the groups I belong to on that site, I particpate in a Random Acts of Kindness movement. Yeah, I like to think of it as a movement - cheering friends near and far, spreading kindness and generosity. A couple of weeks ago, I sent out postcards to everyone that had listed "real mail instead of bills!" on their wish lists. Postcards from a National Park always do the trick. ;)

Back to last night. I got home from work, opened the mail box, and found stuffed inside a bulging envelope. A new skein of yarn - a wool that I use for everything! - and my favorite brand of tea - in flavors I'd not tried. It made my whole night. :) Thanks Mary!!!!!