Yellowstone in the Spring

We took our annual spring trip into Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. It is always a spring highlight and helps to get our minds off the frustrating road department who 'still' has not opened the road! We always see wolves and bears or at least wolves or bears. Of course that is in addition to the bison, elk, coyotes, sandhill cranes, eagles, and other critters. The best part, however, is the lack of people. While there were more people out and about than we had expected, with the exception of a handful, they were all ‘local' folks (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah).

Compared to last year, which as most of you know was a BIG snow year, I was surprised. There is a LOT of snow still in the Park. In fact, the Lamar Valley - usually our best bet for a wolf sighting - was nearly completely snow covered. A few bison and a lone coyote were all we saw. Of course there were folks with spotting scopes watching three WAY UP on the hill, but without a fancy scope (which we do not own), they were invisible.

The highlight of our trip were three wolves and one coyote. The coyote was running down the road in front of us. With the river to one side and a snow covered bank to the other, he was not too interested in moving off the road. When he eventually did, he did not go far. This afforded me the opportunity to take a couple nice photographs.

The wolves were close. A rare treat. Granted we've seen them as close at the lodge, but when they are in your back yard their interest does not outweigh their danger. These three wolves were hanging between the road and a small lake between Norris and Mammoth. They were a bit shy, but did not appear afraid (kinda like the wolves who came to visit us at the lodge).

Because the wolves only appeared, were visible for short periods of time and then disappeared around a group of trees, the crowds did not gather. We did hear the Cougar Pack has now become the Gibbon Pack and consists of about 20 animals. Perhaps these were part of that newly formed pack.

The day's disappointment was our failure to see a bear. Granted we spent less than 6 hours in the Park and someone else reported seeing a Grizzly, nonetheless, we had hoped. However, while there are reports the bears in Yellowstone are coming out of their dens, I have read of bears in other areas in Montana which are still not out. It made wonder if the local bears weren't moving a little slower than usual. Of course a recently Grizzly track sighting on Elk Lake Road proves at least one bear is awake near the lodge.

The most encouraging thing this year was the condition of the bison. Last year at this time, all the animals we saw on the west side were scrawny, pitiful looking specimens. While the slaughter of about 1,000 animals which wandered out of the Park last winter prompted a large protest, I must say I think it improved the conditions considerably for the remaining animals - at least based on what we saw.

There were also more ‘visible' bison, this trip than I had ever seen on a past trip through the Park. Still no calves, but several cows looking close. The elk, on the other hand, were scarce. We only saw a few on the west side and a few near Mammoth. Apparently they are still making their way back from their wintering grounds.

As we drove through the beautiful country which makes up this national treasure, I was struck again at the privilege I have of living so close to such a beautiful place. While other parks may boast more unique landscape, no park in the lower 48 offers a greater variety of wildlife or such unique geological features. It truly is a treasure. I hope those seeking to restrict our access do not win out in the end. I hope our children and grandchildren can continue to see and enjoy this special place for many, many years to come.

Lady of the Lake

Spring is Coming. . . . . .!

In spite of all the continue talk about global warming (even to the point I've heard rumors the new administration is thinking about (or is already) sending pollution particles into the atmosphere to ??? (You have me - I don't know why), we are enjoying (or enduring) another slow spring. While January and February were relatively mild, March was wet and windy, and April can't figure out what it wants to be when it grows up!

It amazes me to think we drove in to the resort in our van five years ago on the first week in April. Today, however, in mid-May we are still waiting for the road department to get the urge and the inclination to open the road. Although I know waiting is supposed to develop patience, sometimes I get tired of these character lessons :-)

So after several lovely, warm days, when spring really did seem to be in the air, we are back to blowing and drifting. It looks like winter out there folks!

However, we have reason to hope. The snow is settling. Bare spots are starting to appear. The snow is softening and feels wet and springy. And, in all reality, it is great to see our lakes full and our rivers running with abundance. Now if I can just figure out what to do to keep myself happy and entertained (without getting too fat with all this good cooking), and this, too, will pass.

Maybe I should take a lesson for the local Grizzly Bears. I hear the Grizzly's on the Rocky Mountain Front are taking it slow this year. Have you heard? According to the Great Falls Tribune, the bears are late coming out of their dens. Of course, the reporters also say the snow continues to fall, the dens are still well covered, and the wind is still blowing at these higher elevations (tell me about it). So, maybe I should take a lesson from the bears and settle in for a bit more of that 'long winter nap' :-)

Lady of the Lake

Bad Weather and Good Food

Snow continues to make the ‘news' around here. In fact, on Sunday the Centennial received another foot of new snow. Even today Ennis has four inches on the ground. Will it end? Sure. How soon? Sometimes it does not seem like it will be soon enough.

Inclement weather often keeping us inside more than we would like. As the season approaches, I start thinking about the food we will be serving. Thus this is a great time of year to do a few experiments.

Believe it or not, you are never our guinea pigs. We really do taste test the dishes we serve! The cold outside makes homemade soup and freshly baked bread seem even more appealing.

Many winter visitors enjoy our fresh baked bread with a bowl of soup One new soup recipe has received some rave reviews. One bread recipe smells as good as it tastes. I have been asked for both recipes.

Except for a few ‘house' recipes I have sworn to never reveal, I am usually happy to share recipes with guests who ask for them. Today I thought I would share a favorite bread recipe with all my blog readers.

Three Herb Loaf
Makes 1 loaf. VERY NICE, fragrant bread with a nice texture.

1 package active dry yeast

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

¼ cup warm water (105-115 degrees)

1¼ cups warm milk (105 - 155 degrees)

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

½ cup chopped fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons salt

4 cups bread flour

Glaze:

1 large egg, lightly beaten

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in warm milk, herbs, oil, egg, and salt.

Using a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and set on low speed, beat flour, ½ cup at a time, into yeast mixture until a stiff dough forms, 5 to 10 minutes.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour to prevent sticking. Place dough in a large greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1¼ hours.

Punch down dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 1 to 2 minutes. Shape dough into an oval loaf and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover dough loosely with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush loaf with glaze. Slash top of loaf in several places. Bake until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!

Lady of the Lake

Spring in the Air - Sometimes!

This is the time of year we start longing for spring. Of course spring in the high mountains means sunshine, snow, cold nights, and warm days.

While the warming days tempt us to believe spring is on the way, the cold nights remind us winter is still in control. In a good snow year this is a good time to play. People are few. The snow is good. However, there is a reason the people are few. We are all looking for signs of spring - not reminders of winter.

Fortunately this is also the time of year we get a break. Thus we can spend a week or so in a warmer climate, enjoying some green grass, trees which are beginning to bud, and even an occasional splash of color. Reminders of what will soon arrive in our corner of the world.

This is also the time of year we focus on improving and upgrading and repairing. The time of year we focus on getting things ready for our summer guests. The time of year we can focus more on family time. The time of year which allows us to prepare and regroup for the coming busy summer season.

Thus while we are longing for warmer nights and the first hints of green poking through the melting snow, we are also enjoy a breather between seasons, and we are preparing for and looking forward to your visit.

See you soon!

Lady of the Lake