Last summer Glacier National Park published this short video, showing what it's like to drive across the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road to cross Glacier from east to west. It carries travelers through some of the most spectacular scenery the park has to offer. This engineering marvel spans more than 50 miles across the park's interior, and takes passengers over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Along its route the road passes glacial lakes and cedar forests in the lower valleys, and windswept alpine meadows and sweeping mountain vistas atop the 6646-foot pass. Although the road is still encased in snow and ice right now, here's your chance to enjoy it vicariously from the comfort of your home or office:
In addition to cruising the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the best ways to see Glacier National Park is to take a hike along one of the many hiking trails that meander throughout the park. Prospective visitors may also want to note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
BRICOLAGE : J`ai sculpté quelques totems des Indiens du Pacifique canadien ! (Complément)
Salut à tous,
Afin de compléter cette rétrospective du survol des totems des Indiens du Pacifique canadien qui me rappellent tellement de beaux souvenirs, j`ai pensé présenter sur ce nouveau message les photos des 5 totems réalisés, y incluant quelques notes et précisions supplémentaires.
Celui-ci s`appelle Yin-Yang, en bois de peuplier.
Le chapeau a été travaillé séparément, puis scellé sur le dessus du totem, afin de me faciliter le travail car au départ, cet item n`était pas prévu.
Les deux ailes sont en bois de pin, et encavées dans le tronc et collées. Date de finition : 26 / 01 / 06
Il porte le nom de Charlemagne, également en bois de peuplier.
Les deux aigrettes sur le dessus de la tête, de même que le bec et les deux ailes ont été rapportées, en les encavant dans une couche de colle.
Les deux ailes sont en bois de pin. Date de finition : 28 / 02 / 05
On m`a appelé Dionysos, dieu de la vigne et du raisin et de la force virile. Toujours en bois de peuplier. Et comble d`exotisme de ce totem, j`ai demandé de porter des anneaux dorés aux oreilles.
Et comme pour les deux précédent, le chapeau a été rapporté et ajusté à la tête par une cheville de bois pré-collée, incluant les deux oreilles. Date de finition : 8 / 01 / 07
Tecumseh le Dragon est mon nom. Comme mes frères, je suis en bois de peuplier.
Vous comprendrez que mes ailes au complet ont été rapportées, et les nombreuses courbes de mon corps semblent avoir données beaucoup de travail à mon ¨géniteur¨. Date de finition : 2 / 04 / 05
Installé en dernier, parce que je suis Fricotin le gardien, et de fait, je surveille mes frère, de loin, et bien entendu, la propriété de mon maître.
On m`a suggéré de porter mon beau chapeau vert, ma couleur préférée, et je trône donc depuis plusieurs années déjà sur le toit de la petite remise-tour, et de temps en temps, des oiseaux viennent faire la causette en se posant doucement sur mon chapeau.
Et autre particularité, j`ai été fabriqué dan une pièce de vieux cèdre, afin d`espérer avoir une longue vie... Date de finition : 7 / 03 / 04
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Afin de compléter cette rétrospective du survol des totems des Indiens du Pacifique canadien qui me rappellent tellement de beaux souvenirs, j`ai pensé présenter sur ce nouveau message les photos des 5 totems réalisés, y incluant quelques notes et précisions supplémentaires.
Le chapeau a été travaillé séparément, puis scellé sur le dessus du totem, afin de me faciliter le travail car au départ, cet item n`était pas prévu.
Les deux ailes sont en bois de pin, et encavées dans le tronc et collées. Date de finition : 26 / 01 / 06
Les deux aigrettes sur le dessus de la tête, de même que le bec et les deux ailes ont été rapportées, en les encavant dans une couche de colle.
Les deux ailes sont en bois de pin. Date de finition : 28 / 02 / 05
Et comme pour les deux précédent, le chapeau a été rapporté et ajusté à la tête par une cheville de bois pré-collée, incluant les deux oreilles. Date de finition : 8 / 01 / 07
Tecumseh le Dragon est mon nom. Comme mes frères, je suis en bois de peuplier.
Vous comprendrez que mes ailes au complet ont été rapportées, et les nombreuses courbes de mon corps semblent avoir données beaucoup de travail à mon ¨géniteur¨. Date de finition : 2 / 04 / 05
On m`a suggéré de porter mon beau chapeau vert, ma couleur préférée, et je trône donc depuis plusieurs années déjà sur le toit de la petite remise-tour, et de temps en temps, des oiseaux viennent faire la causette en se posant doucement sur mon chapeau.
Et autre particularité, j`ai été fabriqué dan une pièce de vieux cèdre, afin d`espérer avoir une longue vie... Date de finition : 7 / 03 / 04
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Smokies Seeks Volunteers at Clingmans Dome
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is recruiting volunteers to staff the Information Center at Clingmans Dome, from April 1 through November 30, 2017. Volunteers will work at the seasonal information center that includes a bookstore/sales area managed by Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA). Volunteers will assist in educating visitors about the park and provide recreational and trip planning information and directions to other destinations. Individuals are especially needed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but other days may be available.
“Volunteers staffing the station play an important role in enhancing the visitor experience to the Dome,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “They provide visitors the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of their high elevation visit through personal service.”
Volunteers will be working alongside GSMA employees. Each volunteer is asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers must be able to walk to Clingmans Dome Tower during the shift. The contact station sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a point source of information on the national park, in general, and on this high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem in particular.
Interested persons will be provided orientation and training and are required to attend training on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The training will be held at the Oconaluftee Administration Building near Cherokee, NC. To reserve a spot in the training or receive more information, please contact Park Resource Education Ranger Florie Takaki by phone at (828)497-1906 or by email at florie_takaki@nps.gov.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
“Volunteers staffing the station play an important role in enhancing the visitor experience to the Dome,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “They provide visitors the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of their high elevation visit through personal service.”
Volunteers will be working alongside GSMA employees. Each volunteer is asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers must be able to walk to Clingmans Dome Tower during the shift. The contact station sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a point source of information on the national park, in general, and on this high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem in particular.
Interested persons will be provided orientation and training and are required to attend training on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The training will be held at the Oconaluftee Administration Building near Cherokee, NC. To reserve a spot in the training or receive more information, please contact Park Resource Education Ranger Florie Takaki by phone at (828)497-1906 or by email at florie_takaki@nps.gov.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
BRICOLAGE : J`ai sculpté quelques totems des Indiens du Pacifique canadien !
😉Salut à tous,
Dans la vie, il est préférable d`essayer de réaliser ses rêves plutôt que de continuer à les rêver... Même si cela ne donne pas toujours les résultats escomptés, la beauté de ces rêves devenus objets se matérialisent alors à vos yeux, et ce, même dans leurs imperfections.
Le tout a commencé lorsque des membres de ma famille sont revenus d`un voyage dans les eaux du Pacifique canadien en me montrant un petit album, genre cartes postales, avec des photos de totems et j`en ai profité pour en reproduire quelques unes, et plus tard, j`ai commencé à réaliser un autre de mes rêves de bricoleur amateur... quelques totems de mon cru, pour le plaisir des yeux !
Je me suis donc procuré un outillage de base à cet effet, soit des ciseaux de sculpteurs, ainsi que deux outils rotatifs servant à creuser le bois et à le polir. Puis, possédant un grand terrain en campagne, dont un petit boisé, j`y ai coupé quelques arbres de bonnes tailles, des peupliers, et même rapporté deux vieux poteaux de clôture en cèdre, le tout devant me servir plus tard de matières premières pour débuter mon travail de sculpteur en herbe (ou en bois... ) !
Comme je n`avais jamais touché à cet art de la sculpture, je me suis procuré quelques instructifs livres traitant de ce sujet particulier (1), et qui m`ont grandement aidés pour la suite des choses.
Ayant choisi des photos qui me plaisaient, j`en ai reproduit des dessins le plus réaliste possible, avec de nombreuses précisions comme la hauteur désirée, les couleurs, les grosseurs, et les particularités de chacune d`elles, et la photo du centre, à gauche, est l`un de ces croquis servant de modèle à la photo de droite.
Vous comprendrez que l`utilisation du bois de peuplier n`était pas l`idéal pour des sculptures, mais comme c`était un travail personnel, et pour le plaisir seulement, la facilité de pouvoir travailler cet essence disponible en quantité me donnait une assurance supplémentaire, et malgré tout, après plus de 10 ans, exposées en avant de ma propriété en permanence, ils ont toujours fier allure.
Et à chaque automne, avant les grands froids et la neige, j`y fait quelques retouches nécessaires, et applique une couche de vernis extérieur.
(1) - Relief carving in wood. A practical introduction , by Chris Pye
- Lelooska The traditional art of the mask. Carving a transformation mask, by D. Congdon-Martin
- Carving the human face.Capturing character & expression in wood, by Jeff Phares
- Carving totem poles & masks, by Allan & Gill Bridgewater
http://ift.tt/2lR0ivM
(*) Le prochain message consistera à la reproduction de deux sculptures originales dans leur beauté et leur simplicité.
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Le tout a commencé lorsque des membres de ma famille sont revenus d`un voyage dans les eaux du Pacifique canadien en me montrant un petit album, genre cartes postales, avec des photos de totems et j`en ai profité pour en reproduire quelques unes, et plus tard, j`ai commencé à réaliser un autre de mes rêves de bricoleur amateur... quelques totems de mon cru, pour le plaisir des yeux !
Je me suis donc procuré un outillage de base à cet effet, soit des ciseaux de sculpteurs, ainsi que deux outils rotatifs servant à creuser le bois et à le polir. Puis, possédant un grand terrain en campagne, dont un petit boisé, j`y ai coupé quelques arbres de bonnes tailles, des peupliers, et même rapporté deux vieux poteaux de clôture en cèdre, le tout devant me servir plus tard de matières premières pour débuter mon travail de sculpteur en herbe (ou en bois... ) !
Comme je n`avais jamais touché à cet art de la sculpture, je me suis procuré quelques instructifs livres traitant de ce sujet particulier (1), et qui m`ont grandement aidés pour la suite des choses.
Vous comprendrez que l`utilisation du bois de peuplier n`était pas l`idéal pour des sculptures, mais comme c`était un travail personnel, et pour le plaisir seulement, la facilité de pouvoir travailler cet essence disponible en quantité me donnait une assurance supplémentaire, et malgré tout, après plus de 10 ans, exposées en avant de ma propriété en permanence, ils ont toujours fier allure.
Et à chaque automne, avant les grands froids et la neige, j`y fait quelques retouches nécessaires, et applique une couche de vernis extérieur.
(1) - Relief carving in wood. A practical introduction , by Chris Pye
- Lelooska The traditional art of the mask. Carving a transformation mask, by D. Congdon-Martin
- Carving the human face.Capturing character & expression in wood, by Jeff Phares
- Carving totem poles & masks, by Allan & Gill Bridgewater
http://ift.tt/2lR0ivM
(*) Le prochain message consistera à la reproduction de deux sculptures originales dans leur beauté et leur simplicité.
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Smokies Announces Solar Eclipse Event
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced event plans for the Great American Total Eclipse occurring on Monday, August 21, 2017. The park is offering an opportunity to experience the total eclipse through a special, ticketed event at Clingmans Dome as well as informal eclipse viewing sites at Cades Cove and Oconaluftee. The park is partnering with NASA, Southwestern Community College, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to provide a special program with featured speakers and storytellers that help explain the science and cultural connection to this unique natural event at Clingmans Dome.
At 6,643 feet in elevation, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and offers the unique possibility of seeing the moon’s shadow approaching across the landscape. The area will be closed to all public vehicle traffic to better accommodate a safe, memorable experience for about 1,325 ticketed participants. The parking area will be converted into the special event site that will include a jumbotron screen for participating in a national NASA TV broadcast, telescopes, educational exhibits, and stage for special featured speakers.
“We are thrilled that the park lies within the narrow viewing band of this spectacular, natural phenomena,” said Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan. “I have great memories of the time I experienced a partial solar eclipse as a child and I am thrilled to view my first total eclipse from the top of the Smokies in the company of a passionate group of visitors.”
Beginning on March 1, tickets will be available for purchase on a first come first serve basis through www.recreation.gov for $30.00 each. You must have a ticket to attend the event at Clingmans Dome. Participants will be shuttled to the site from Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC by coach bus. The Clingmans Dome tower itself will be reserved for the media and live broadcasting teams to share the experience with the widest audience possible. Special presentations and activities will take place during the approximately three-hour period in the afternoon when the sun will be partially and, for a brief time, totally obscured by the moon.
With a full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, park rangers and partners are working together to provide a worthwhile experience, even if the sun is obscured by clouds on the day of the event. While a unique experience, the Clingmans Dome location does present logistical challenges that visitors must consider before making a reservation. Due to its remote outdoor location, an inflexible transportation schedule, and limited service facilities on site, interested visitors should closely review event details and consider which of the park opportunities, among many other planned eclipse events in surrounding communities, would best fit each personal situation. Visitors should also note that park roads, including Newfound Gap Road, may close on the day of the event depending on traffic congestion. For more information about the solar eclipse events, please call the information line at 865-436-1585 or visit the park website at http://ift.tt/2lPXpLN.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
At 6,643 feet in elevation, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and offers the unique possibility of seeing the moon’s shadow approaching across the landscape. The area will be closed to all public vehicle traffic to better accommodate a safe, memorable experience for about 1,325 ticketed participants. The parking area will be converted into the special event site that will include a jumbotron screen for participating in a national NASA TV broadcast, telescopes, educational exhibits, and stage for special featured speakers.
“We are thrilled that the park lies within the narrow viewing band of this spectacular, natural phenomena,” said Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan. “I have great memories of the time I experienced a partial solar eclipse as a child and I am thrilled to view my first total eclipse from the top of the Smokies in the company of a passionate group of visitors.”
Beginning on March 1, tickets will be available for purchase on a first come first serve basis through www.recreation.gov for $30.00 each. You must have a ticket to attend the event at Clingmans Dome. Participants will be shuttled to the site from Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC by coach bus. The Clingmans Dome tower itself will be reserved for the media and live broadcasting teams to share the experience with the widest audience possible. Special presentations and activities will take place during the approximately three-hour period in the afternoon when the sun will be partially and, for a brief time, totally obscured by the moon.
With a full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, park rangers and partners are working together to provide a worthwhile experience, even if the sun is obscured by clouds on the day of the event. While a unique experience, the Clingmans Dome location does present logistical challenges that visitors must consider before making a reservation. Due to its remote outdoor location, an inflexible transportation schedule, and limited service facilities on site, interested visitors should closely review event details and consider which of the park opportunities, among many other planned eclipse events in surrounding communities, would best fit each personal situation. Visitors should also note that park roads, including Newfound Gap Road, may close on the day of the event depending on traffic congestion. For more information about the solar eclipse events, please call the information line at 865-436-1585 or visit the park website at http://ift.tt/2lPXpLN.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Elkmont Historic District Work Will Temporarily Close Trails
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that work is underway in the Elkmont Historic District to preserve four structures and to remove 29 others as specified in the 2009 Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) among the National Park Service, Tennessee State Historic Office, and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In 2017, park crews will preserve the Levi Trentham Cabin, Mayo Cabin, Mayo Servants’ Quarters, and Creekmore Cabin in the Daisy Town area. The 29 structures slated for demolition are along Little River Trail and Jakes Creek Trail.
“Elkmont has long been recognized as a special place that tells the story of early logging and tourism, while at the same time harboring a rare alluvial forest that supports unique species like the synchronous fireflies,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “I’m pleased that we have the opportunity to move forward in helping both preserve pieces of the rich cultural history and restore natural habitats.”
Park staff plan to complete the stabilization work of the four Daisy Town structures by November 2017. Workers will repoint masonry features, replace rotted wood, paint, and make needed repairs to windows, doors, and roofs. The Daisy Town area, Elkmont Cemetery, Spence Cabin, Appalachian Clubhouse, and Elkmont Campground will remain open throughout the work project. Campers should expect noise throughout the day, but all quiet hours will be observed.
Weather permitting, demolition work will be completed by May 26 for the 29 structures located along Jakes Creek Trail and Little River Trail. Both trails, which are also used as administrative roads, will be closed during the demolition work to accommodate heavy equipment. Access to the river near the near the structures will also be restricted during demolition. Little River Trail will be closed, Monday through Friday, from March 6 through March 24 to remove six structures in the area known as Millionaire’s Row. Jakes Creek Trail will be closed, Monday through Friday, from March 27 through May 26 to remove 23 structures in the area known as Society Hill. Crews have already salvaged useable items from the structures for use in preserving historic structures in the park.
From 1992 through 2008, the park entered into a series of public planning efforts including an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that led to the 2009 MOU and an amendment to the park’s General Management Plan defining the disposition of the 74 remaining structures in the Elkmont Historic District. The EIS defined a full range of possible actions in seven alternatives for management of the historic district with the expected impacts and projected costs of each alternative. These alternatives ranged from full removal of all buildings as described in the park’s 1982 General Management Plan to incrementally greater preservation and reuse of the buildings for a variety of purposes with costs estimated between $1.4 million to over $30 million. As specified in the decision documents, 19 structures were designated to be preserved for public visitation, while 55 structures were identified for demolition. To date, two structures have been fully restored and four have been removed. Park officials continue to seek funding to complete the needed work.
For more information about the Elkmont Historic District Environmental Impact Statement, please visit the park website at http://ift.tt/2fjX2CU.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Park staff plan to complete the stabilization work of the four Daisy Town structures by November 2017. Workers will repoint masonry features, replace rotted wood, paint, and make needed repairs to windows, doors, and roofs. The Daisy Town area, Elkmont Cemetery, Spence Cabin, Appalachian Clubhouse, and Elkmont Campground will remain open throughout the work project. Campers should expect noise throughout the day, but all quiet hours will be observed.
Weather permitting, demolition work will be completed by May 26 for the 29 structures located along Jakes Creek Trail and Little River Trail. Both trails, which are also used as administrative roads, will be closed during the demolition work to accommodate heavy equipment. Access to the river near the near the structures will also be restricted during demolition. Little River Trail will be closed, Monday through Friday, from March 6 through March 24 to remove six structures in the area known as Millionaire’s Row. Jakes Creek Trail will be closed, Monday through Friday, from March 27 through May 26 to remove 23 structures in the area known as Society Hill. Crews have already salvaged useable items from the structures for use in preserving historic structures in the park.
From 1992 through 2008, the park entered into a series of public planning efforts including an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that led to the 2009 MOU and an amendment to the park’s General Management Plan defining the disposition of the 74 remaining structures in the Elkmont Historic District. The EIS defined a full range of possible actions in seven alternatives for management of the historic district with the expected impacts and projected costs of each alternative. These alternatives ranged from full removal of all buildings as described in the park’s 1982 General Management Plan to incrementally greater preservation and reuse of the buildings for a variety of purposes with costs estimated between $1.4 million to over $30 million. As specified in the decision documents, 19 structures were designated to be preserved for public visitation, while 55 structures were identified for demolition. To date, two structures have been fully restored and four have been removed. Park officials continue to seek funding to complete the needed work.
For more information about the Elkmont Historic District Environmental Impact Statement, please visit the park website at http://ift.tt/2fjX2CU.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
"Chimney Tops could be closed for years following fire"
Smoky Mountain News is reporting that the Chimney Tops Trail could be closed for years as a result of the November wildfires.
Last week Holly Kays from Smoky Mountain News took part in a guided hike, led by Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson, Dana Soehn, in which members of the local media climbed to the summit of Chimney Tops to witness firsthand the devastation brought on by the fire. Soehn told the media representatives that "it could be years before the full trail is open again". Moreover, it could take 80 years before the burned area returns to its pre-fire condition.
Additionally, "the Bull Head Trail, Sugarland Mountain Trail and Rough Creek Trail are all expected to see long-term closures as park staff watch how the slopes and soils stabilize over time."
You can read the full story by clicking here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Last week Holly Kays from Smoky Mountain News took part in a guided hike, led by Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson, Dana Soehn, in which members of the local media climbed to the summit of Chimney Tops to witness firsthand the devastation brought on by the fire. Soehn told the media representatives that "it could be years before the full trail is open again". Moreover, it could take 80 years before the burned area returns to its pre-fire condition.
Additionally, "the Bull Head Trail, Sugarland Mountain Trail and Rough Creek Trail are all expected to see long-term closures as park staff watch how the slopes and soils stabilize over time."
You can read the full story by clicking here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Encompassing more than 265,000 acres, and with more than sixty peaks topping out above 12,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. From wooded forests to alpine tundra, these majestic mountains provide habitat to more than 60 species of mammals, while more than 280 species of birds visit or reside within the park. With more than 350 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, Rocky Mountain is also widely recognized as a hiker’s paradise. Here’s why you should plan to visit Rocky sometime this year:
The Continental Divide
One of the best things about Rocky Mountain National Park is its accessibility to the high country. No other park in the country allows visitors to gain lofty elevations so easily. Roughly one-third of the park is above tree-line, and more than 60 peaks top out above 12,000 feet, including 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the highest peak in the park. In addition to trails like the Flattop Mountain Trail or the route to Mt. Ida, visitors can also drive over the Continental Divide along the highest continuous paved road in North America. With a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet, and more than eight miles traveling above 11,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road connects Estes Park with Grand Lake. The road also provides access to outstanding tundra hikes such as the Ute Trail, the Tundra Communities Trail and the Alpine Ridge Trail.
Wildflowers
Wet springs can bring exceptional wildflower blooming seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even during normal years the park explodes with a variety of wildflowers. Some of the varieties visitors might enjoy include Alpine Clover, Rock Primrose, Western Wallflower, Sky Pilot and Alpine Sunflowers in the tundra areas of the park, as well as Mountain Iris, Lupine, Mariposa-lily and Colorado Columbines in the lower elevations. Some of best wildflower hikes include Big Meadows, Cascade Falls, Emerald Lake and the Lumpy Ridge Loop, among many others.
Longs Peak
At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. The iconic sentinel is seen from almost anywhere in the park, as well as from many locations around northern Colorado. It’s also one of most popular “fourteeners” for hikers and climbers to tackle in a state that boasts a total of 53 peaks above 14,000 feet. Although considered a mountaineering route, thousands of hikers attempt to summit the peak each summer using the famous Keyhole Route. Personally, I don’t want anything to do with the narrow ledges and steep cliffs along the upper portions of the route. I much prefer safer climbs such as Hallett Peak and the Chapin-Chiquita-Ypsilon Mountains route to cure my big mountain summit fever.
Elk Rut
The annual elk rut is one of the premier attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each fall elk descend from the high country to the lower elevation meadows during the annual breeding season. During the rut, bull elk compete with one another for the right to breed with herds of females. Mature bulls compete for cows by bugling, posturing, displaying their antlers and herding, while occasionally fighting off young challengers. The peak season for the rut generally lasts from mid-September to mid-October in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fall Aspens
Just as the elk rut is kicking into high gear, another annual event that draws tourists to the park during the autumn are the brilliant fall colors of aspens. Each September the leaves of quacking aspens turn from green to orange and golden yellow throughout the park. Some of best hikes for viewing fall aspens include Bierstadt Lake, Alberta Falls, Cub Lake, Finch Lake, Adams Falls and Chasm Lake, among many others.
In addition to the hikes discussed above, Rocky Mountain National Park has many other outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the park has to offer. If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The Continental Divide
One of the best things about Rocky Mountain National Park is its accessibility to the high country. No other park in the country allows visitors to gain lofty elevations so easily. Roughly one-third of the park is above tree-line, and more than 60 peaks top out above 12,000 feet, including 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the highest peak in the park. In addition to trails like the Flattop Mountain Trail or the route to Mt. Ida, visitors can also drive over the Continental Divide along the highest continuous paved road in North America. With a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet, and more than eight miles traveling above 11,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road connects Estes Park with Grand Lake. The road also provides access to outstanding tundra hikes such as the Ute Trail, the Tundra Communities Trail and the Alpine Ridge Trail.
Wildflowers
Wet springs can bring exceptional wildflower blooming seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even during normal years the park explodes with a variety of wildflowers. Some of the varieties visitors might enjoy include Alpine Clover, Rock Primrose, Western Wallflower, Sky Pilot and Alpine Sunflowers in the tundra areas of the park, as well as Mountain Iris, Lupine, Mariposa-lily and Colorado Columbines in the lower elevations. Some of best wildflower hikes include Big Meadows, Cascade Falls, Emerald Lake and the Lumpy Ridge Loop, among many others.
Longs Peak
At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. The iconic sentinel is seen from almost anywhere in the park, as well as from many locations around northern Colorado. It’s also one of most popular “fourteeners” for hikers and climbers to tackle in a state that boasts a total of 53 peaks above 14,000 feet. Although considered a mountaineering route, thousands of hikers attempt to summit the peak each summer using the famous Keyhole Route. Personally, I don’t want anything to do with the narrow ledges and steep cliffs along the upper portions of the route. I much prefer safer climbs such as Hallett Peak and the Chapin-Chiquita-Ypsilon Mountains route to cure my big mountain summit fever.
Elk Rut
The annual elk rut is one of the premier attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each fall elk descend from the high country to the lower elevation meadows during the annual breeding season. During the rut, bull elk compete with one another for the right to breed with herds of females. Mature bulls compete for cows by bugling, posturing, displaying their antlers and herding, while occasionally fighting off young challengers. The peak season for the rut generally lasts from mid-September to mid-October in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fall Aspens
Just as the elk rut is kicking into high gear, another annual event that draws tourists to the park during the autumn are the brilliant fall colors of aspens. Each September the leaves of quacking aspens turn from green to orange and golden yellow throughout the park. Some of best hikes for viewing fall aspens include Bierstadt Lake, Alberta Falls, Cub Lake, Finch Lake, Adams Falls and Chasm Lake, among many others.
In addition to the hikes discussed above, Rocky Mountain National Park has many other outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the park has to offer. If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Cold Mountain Fire Closes Trails in Pisgah Ranger District
The Cold Mountain Fire is located in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of the Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, approximately 20 miles south of Waynesville, North Carolina, in the headwaters of Crawford Creek. It was reported on Friday afternoon, February 17, 2017. The human-caused fire is under investigation.
An emergency closure order is in effect on national forest system lands in the following area: The Art Loeb Trail (#146) north of Shining Rock Gap and the Cold Mountain Trail (#141).
The fire is currently 134 acres in size, with 0% containment. Approximately 49 firefighters and support staff, including two crews, two helicopters and various overhead, are currently assigned to the incident. Additional personnel and resources will be requested as needed.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
An emergency closure order is in effect on national forest system lands in the following area: The Art Loeb Trail (#146) north of Shining Rock Gap and the Cold Mountain Trail (#141).
The fire is currently 134 acres in size, with 0% containment. Approximately 49 firefighters and support staff, including two crews, two helicopters and various overhead, are currently assigned to the incident. Additional personnel and resources will be requested as needed.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
BRICOLAGE : Construction d`un atelier- entrepôt en ¨bois cordé¨ !
Salut à tous,
Après la construction de ma remise-tour, toujours dans l`optique de vouloir continuer à allier le pratique avec l`originalité, j`ai alors opté pour l`élaboration d`un atelier-entrepôt, une construction qui complèterait harmonieusement mes besoins futurs comme bricoleur.
Je me suis donc fait réserver un bon lot de billes d`épinettes sèches et de poutres pour mes besoins futurs, et durant la période hivernale, penché avec bonheur sur l`élaboration de croquis et plans de cette construction à venir.
Dès que le sol se fut asséché, je creusai une surface de 5m x 3m en enlevant environ 20 cm de sol, le remplaçant par du gravier grossier, et ne laissant que 5 cm pour y couler un mortier de bonne qualité, ainsi qu`un drain au milieu. Vu l`étendu de ce plancher, et le temps disponible pour effectuer ce fastidieux travail, une bonne partie de mes fin de semaines y était généreusement consacrée !
Puis le même principe de travail utilisé pour la remise-tour a débuté, alternant mortier et billes sur la première rangée, sauf qu`aux coins stratégiques, j`ai installé 4 poutres de bonnes grosseurs, comme vous pourrez en constater les dimensions sur les photos. et rendu aux fenêtres et porte, des cadrages adéquats.
Lorsqu`atteint la dernière rangée des murs, soit une hauteur de 2m, des poutres horizontales y ont été insérées dans le béton, tout autour de ce périmètre, ainsi que 3 autres disposées en leur milieux, et appuyé sur deux d`entre-elles, dans un bout, j`ai monté un plancher d`environ 1m de profondeur, utile pour y entreposer divers objets. Et des madriers, ou divers matériaux en longueur peuvent être entreposés sur ces poutres, laissant le plancher libre pour y bricoler sans perte d`espace.
Puis, pour terminer cette structure tout de même imposante, un toit d' environ 1 mètre de hauteur, recouvert de bardeaux de cèdre, et remarquez sur les photos la rencontre des poutres, un travail de précisions à bien déterminer au préalable.
Afin de minimiser la perte de terrain, cette dernière structure rencontre la remise-tour, et de fait le mur du début contient une partie de la remise-tour pour environ 1/2 de sa surface.
Une erreur de ma part concernant le toit. Voulant avoir un effet spécial, j`ai limité le début des bardeaux de cèdre de la première rangée, en oubliant le découlement de la pluie qui, de cette manière, s`est écoulée le long des murs, délayant tranquillement le béton, et m`obligeant à devoir refaire un mur complet. Par la suite, afin de corriger ce problème, j`y ai rajouté un demie-rangée de bardeaux de cèdre, ce qui a mis fin au problème.
* Le prochain message nous amènera dans le mon coloré des totems du Pacifique canadien.
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Je me suis donc fait réserver un bon lot de billes d`épinettes sèches et de poutres pour mes besoins futurs, et durant la période hivernale, penché avec bonheur sur l`élaboration de croquis et plans de cette construction à venir.
Dès que le sol se fut asséché, je creusai une surface de 5m x 3m en enlevant environ 20 cm de sol, le remplaçant par du gravier grossier, et ne laissant que 5 cm pour y couler un mortier de bonne qualité, ainsi qu`un drain au milieu. Vu l`étendu de ce plancher, et le temps disponible pour effectuer ce fastidieux travail, une bonne partie de mes fin de semaines y était généreusement consacrée !
Lorsqu`atteint la dernière rangée des murs, soit une hauteur de 2m, des poutres horizontales y ont été insérées dans le béton, tout autour de ce périmètre, ainsi que 3 autres disposées en leur milieux, et appuyé sur deux d`entre-elles, dans un bout, j`ai monté un plancher d`environ 1m de profondeur, utile pour y entreposer divers objets. Et des madriers, ou divers matériaux en longueur peuvent être entreposés sur ces poutres, laissant le plancher libre pour y bricoler sans perte d`espace.
Puis, pour terminer cette structure tout de même imposante, un toit d' environ 1 mètre de hauteur, recouvert de bardeaux de cèdre, et remarquez sur les photos la rencontre des poutres, un travail de précisions à bien déterminer au préalable.
Afin de minimiser la perte de terrain, cette dernière structure rencontre la remise-tour, et de fait le mur du début contient une partie de la remise-tour pour environ 1/2 de sa surface.
Une erreur de ma part concernant le toit. Voulant avoir un effet spécial, j`ai limité le début des bardeaux de cèdre de la première rangée, en oubliant le découlement de la pluie qui, de cette manière, s`est écoulée le long des murs, délayant tranquillement le béton, et m`obligeant à devoir refaire un mur complet. Par la suite, afin de corriger ce problème, j`y ai rajouté un demie-rangée de bardeaux de cèdre, ce qui a mis fin au problème.
* Le prochain message nous amènera dans le mon coloré des totems du Pacifique canadien.
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Controlled Burns Across all Four NC National Forests in Coming Months
Over the next several months as weather allows, the U.S. Forest Service is conducting several controlled burns across the four National Forests in North Carolina -- Croatan, Uwharrie, Nantahala, and Pisgah.
The agency will notify the public when the decision is made to conduct controlled burns in their area. Burning days are changeable because the proper weather conditions are needed. Controlled burning will only occur when environmental conditions permit; wind and relative humidity are key factors in fire behavior, safety, and smoke control. A scheduled burn may be cancelled that morning if conditions are not within the expected values.
Trails and roads may be closed the day before the controlled burn for firefighter and public safety. The public is asked to heed signs posted at trailheads and roads and to stay away from burn areas and closed roads and trails.
The Forest Service is required to meet state air quality requirements and will conduct smoke modeling to reduce the possible effects of smoke emissions. The proper personnel and equipment will be on site during the controlled burn.
Controlled burning is an important and versatile forest management tool that can mimic natural fire disturbances and safely reduce hazardous fuels buildup. Reducing fuels is key to limiting wildfire growth. During the historic fire season of last fall, some fires were quickly extinguished because of previous controlled burning that had occurred in those areas.
Habitat for a variety of wildlife can be improved through carefully executed controlled burns. Regular controlled burns promote the growth of herbaceous plants that provide food, such as fruit, for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and turkey.
Controlled burning is an essential ecological tool for restoration and maintenance of longleaf pine ecosystems in eastern North Carolina. In the Southern Appalachians, the Forest Service uses controlled burning to promote fire-tolerant native plants and restore threatened plants and communities, such as table mountain pine and mountain golden heather. The low- to medium-intensity burns create healthier, more diverse and more resilient forests.
All controlled burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants, and historic sites are not harmed. Burned areas can be unsightly at first; however, the forests will green up in a matter of months.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The agency will notify the public when the decision is made to conduct controlled burns in their area. Burning days are changeable because the proper weather conditions are needed. Controlled burning will only occur when environmental conditions permit; wind and relative humidity are key factors in fire behavior, safety, and smoke control. A scheduled burn may be cancelled that morning if conditions are not within the expected values.
The Forest Service is required to meet state air quality requirements and will conduct smoke modeling to reduce the possible effects of smoke emissions. The proper personnel and equipment will be on site during the controlled burn.
Controlled burning is an important and versatile forest management tool that can mimic natural fire disturbances and safely reduce hazardous fuels buildup. Reducing fuels is key to limiting wildfire growth. During the historic fire season of last fall, some fires were quickly extinguished because of previous controlled burning that had occurred in those areas.
Habitat for a variety of wildlife can be improved through carefully executed controlled burns. Regular controlled burns promote the growth of herbaceous plants that provide food, such as fruit, for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and turkey.
Controlled burning is an essential ecological tool for restoration and maintenance of longleaf pine ecosystems in eastern North Carolina. In the Southern Appalachians, the Forest Service uses controlled burning to promote fire-tolerant native plants and restore threatened plants and communities, such as table mountain pine and mountain golden heather. The low- to medium-intensity burns create healthier, more diverse and more resilient forests.
All controlled burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants, and historic sites are not harmed. Burned areas can be unsightly at first; however, the forests will green up in a matter of months.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
BRICOLAGE : Constructions d`une remise-tour en ¨bois cordé¨... pratique et peu dispendieuse !
Salut à tous,
L`un de mes premiers vrais bricolage d`envergure, réalisé il y a déjà plusieurs années, m`a procuré une grande satisfaction du travail accompli, et encore aujourd`hui, j`en suis toujours fier et satisfait, autant du côté pratique que du côté originalité, car je crois être l`un des rares a avoir ce genre de construction dans ma ville, et probablement dans ma région.
L`idée m`est venue peu de temps après l`acquisition d`une propriété, ayant projeté me construire un garage éventuellement, mais, tout en feuilletant un magasine, je remarque un article, avec photos, où l`on y mentionne la constructions de quelques maisons dites en ¨bois cordé¨, dans l`Ouest canadien, durant la dépression des années 30. Je contacte donc l`Université de la Saskatchewan qui y est mentionnée comme ayant un dossier ouvert sur ce genre d`habitations afin d`y avoir plus de précisions et détails.
Comme j`aime bien travailler avec une idée précise et détaillée, j`élabore alors un plan minutieux pour la construction d`une remise-tour, surmontée d`un toit pointu à 8 faces, ce qui m`a causé quelques maux de tête, vous vous en douté, concernant la pointe du toit et la rencontre des poutres.
Les premiers travaux ont consistés à creuser une surface circulaire d`environ 20 cm de profondeur, de le remplir par la suite de sable grossier, et sans oublier un drain central afin avoir un bon égouttement fluvial en cas d`entrée d`eau, et laissant un espace d`environ 5 cm pour y couler un mélange de mortier.
Puis, me procurer une importante quantité de billes sèches d`épinette, de les scier en longueurs de 30cm chacune, et de les faire tremper quelques heures dans une solution de sulfate de cuivre, afin d`en protéger la qualité du bois de façon permanente, et de le rendre plus hydrofuge.
Et le travail proprement dit a débuté, demandant de la patience, car la préparation du mortier se faisait en petites quantités, car vous pensez bien que j`effectuais ce travail à mes temps perdus, ayant un travail régulier qui me laissait que peu de temps durant la semaine. Tout en laissant un espace de 5 cm en bordure de ce plancher, une couche de mortier frais est étalé et pose de billes sur cette masse visqueuse, espacée chacune d`environ 5 ou 6 cm, et continuer ce premier cercle au complet de la même manière. Puis, couvrir le tout de jute humide afin de faire effectuer au mortier un durcissement maximal, laissant le tout reposer tel quel durant 24 heures au moins.
Et à la reprise du travail, remplir les vides entre chaque bille avec un mortier frais, et en y rajoutant une autre couche d`environ 5 à 6 cm, et d`y à nouveau intercaler de nouvelles billes, pour former un autre cercle de béton-billes. Et détail important si l`on veut avoir une finition parfaite et esthétique, se servir d`un niveau en continue pour que le mur extérieur soit bien droit, et lorsque nous avons dépassé en hauteur celle de notre niveau, l`installer en permanence sur un madrier parfaitement droit qui nous servira d`étalon jusqu`à la hauteur du toit.
Et durant la montée du mur, y installer 3 cadrages servant de fenêtres et un autre pour la porte à double-battant, dont une petite section de la porte de droite pour son ouverture partielle.
Enfin, comme la structure est autoportante, deux poutres en croix y sont insérées dans la dernière rangée du mur. Une poutre de même grosseur est installée verticalement au centre de jonction, et sert de support pour élaborer les 8 madriers supportant les planches devant servir de couverture au toit. Et le tout est ensuite recouvert d`un papier noir, puis de bardeaux de cèdre.
http://ift.tt/2kBxins
http://ift.tt/2lmU4n0
*Le prochain message traitera de la construction d`un atelier en bois cordé.
Au plaisir,
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 / MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
L`un de mes premiers vrais bricolage d`envergure, réalisé il y a déjà plusieurs années, m`a procuré une grande satisfaction du travail accompli, et encore aujourd`hui, j`en suis toujours fier et satisfait, autant du côté pratique que du côté originalité, car je crois être l`un des rares a avoir ce genre de construction dans ma ville, et probablement dans ma région.
L`idée m`est venue peu de temps après l`acquisition d`une propriété, ayant projeté me construire un garage éventuellement, mais, tout en feuilletant un magasine, je remarque un article, avec photos, où l`on y mentionne la constructions de quelques maisons dites en ¨bois cordé¨, dans l`Ouest canadien, durant la dépression des années 30. Je contacte donc l`Université de la Saskatchewan qui y est mentionnée comme ayant un dossier ouvert sur ce genre d`habitations afin d`y avoir plus de précisions et détails.
Comme j`aime bien travailler avec une idée précise et détaillée, j`élabore alors un plan minutieux pour la construction d`une remise-tour, surmontée d`un toit pointu à 8 faces, ce qui m`a causé quelques maux de tête, vous vous en douté, concernant la pointe du toit et la rencontre des poutres.
Les premiers travaux ont consistés à creuser une surface circulaire d`environ 20 cm de profondeur, de le remplir par la suite de sable grossier, et sans oublier un drain central afin avoir un bon égouttement fluvial en cas d`entrée d`eau, et laissant un espace d`environ 5 cm pour y couler un mélange de mortier.
Et le travail proprement dit a débuté, demandant de la patience, car la préparation du mortier se faisait en petites quantités, car vous pensez bien que j`effectuais ce travail à mes temps perdus, ayant un travail régulier qui me laissait que peu de temps durant la semaine. Tout en laissant un espace de 5 cm en bordure de ce plancher, une couche de mortier frais est étalé et pose de billes sur cette masse visqueuse, espacée chacune d`environ 5 ou 6 cm, et continuer ce premier cercle au complet de la même manière. Puis, couvrir le tout de jute humide afin de faire effectuer au mortier un durcissement maximal, laissant le tout reposer tel quel durant 24 heures au moins.
Et à la reprise du travail, remplir les vides entre chaque bille avec un mortier frais, et en y rajoutant une autre couche d`environ 5 à 6 cm, et d`y à nouveau intercaler de nouvelles billes, pour former un autre cercle de béton-billes. Et détail important si l`on veut avoir une finition parfaite et esthétique, se servir d`un niveau en continue pour que le mur extérieur soit bien droit, et lorsque nous avons dépassé en hauteur celle de notre niveau, l`installer en permanence sur un madrier parfaitement droit qui nous servira d`étalon jusqu`à la hauteur du toit.
Et durant la montée du mur, y installer 3 cadrages servant de fenêtres et un autre pour la porte à double-battant, dont une petite section de la porte de droite pour son ouverture partielle.
Enfin, comme la structure est autoportante, deux poutres en croix y sont insérées dans la dernière rangée du mur. Une poutre de même grosseur est installée verticalement au centre de jonction, et sert de support pour élaborer les 8 madriers supportant les planches devant servir de couverture au toit. Et le tout est ensuite recouvert d`un papier noir, puis de bardeaux de cèdre.
http://ift.tt/2kBxins
http://ift.tt/2lmU4n0
*Le prochain message traitera de la construction d`un atelier en bois cordé.
Au plaisir,
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 / MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
Smokies Plans Prescribed Burn in Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Piedmont Zone fire management staff plan to burn approximately 800 acres of fields near Hyatt Lane and the western end of Cades Cove. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur Thursday, February 16th through Sunday, February 19th.
Over the last 20 years, park managers have conducted these burns during the spring and fall under specific prescription parameters to safely restore meadow habitats. Park staff closely monitor fire weather conditions including woody fuel and soil moisture, wind, and relative humidity to ensure that conditions meet the burn plan objectives for the site. These seasonal controlled burns help perpetuate native herbaceous species that provide high quality cover and foraging opportunities for a diversity of wildlife including deer, turkeys, and ground nesting birds.
“The selected fields will be burned to restore meadow species, prevent the open fields from being reclaimed by forest, and to reduce hazard fuels,” said National Park Service Burn Boss Chris Corrigan.
Visitors should expect to see firefighters and equipment along Hyatt Lane and the western end of the Cades Cove Loop Road. The loop road and historic structures will remain open to visitor use, but brief delays and temporary closures may occur to ensure public safety during burn operations. Park staff will be present to answer questions during operations at overlooks and parking areas.
Visitors should expect to see fire activity and smoke during controlled burn operations. Fire managers ask that motorists reduce speed in work zones, but refrain from stopping in the roadways. If smoke is present, motorists should roll up windows and turn on headlights.
For more information on the use of prescribed burns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the park website at http://ift.tt/18CKAdk.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
“The selected fields will be burned to restore meadow species, prevent the open fields from being reclaimed by forest, and to reduce hazard fuels,” said National Park Service Burn Boss Chris Corrigan.
Visitors should expect to see firefighters and equipment along Hyatt Lane and the western end of the Cades Cove Loop Road. The loop road and historic structures will remain open to visitor use, but brief delays and temporary closures may occur to ensure public safety during burn operations. Park staff will be present to answer questions during operations at overlooks and parking areas.
Visitors should expect to see fire activity and smoke during controlled burn operations. Fire managers ask that motorists reduce speed in work zones, but refrain from stopping in the roadways. If smoke is present, motorists should roll up windows and turn on headlights.
For more information on the use of prescribed burns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the park website at http://ift.tt/18CKAdk.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Fire: A Useful Land Management Tool on the Cherokee National Forest
USDA Forest Service officials say prescribed (controlled) fire is a useful tool for managing national forest land. Approximately 20,000 acres are scheduled for burning throughout the 650,000 acre Cherokee National Forest during 2017. A significant portion of the prescribed burning is planned for early spring.
To many people the word fire creates visions of great devastation and waste. While this concept can be true of wildfires, it is the opposite with prescribed fires. The term prescribed fire means exactly what it implies. It is a recommended treatment for a specific area. Before prescribed burns are conducted on national forest land, a well thought out and documented “prescription” is written by Forest Service resource specialists. A prescription identifies objectives of the proposed burn, examines possible environmental impacts, addresses smoke dispersal, describes how and when the burn will be conducted and under what weather conditions. After a prescription has been approved, fire management personnel go about the task of planning and conducting the burn.
Mike Bot, Acting Fire Management Officer for the Cherokee National Forest said, “At any point during a prescribed burn a decision can be made to stop burning if conditions are not right. We conduct prescribed burns when conditions will minimize the amount of smoke produced and its effect on people. Safety is top priority of every prescribed burn. Before we begin any burn, managers consider the safety of people, property and the natural resources. Prescribed fire helps to reduce the chance of wildfires that could pose a threat to communities.”
Prescribed fire is used in the Cherokee National Forest for several reasons including:
1) Hazardous Fuel Reduction: Fuels (vegetation) such as grass, leaves, brush, downed trees, and pine needles accumulate and create a fire hazard. By burning an area under favorable conditions these fuels are removed, decreasing the amount of vegetation that is available to burn during a wildfire. Reducing heavy vegetation build up helps protect communities from the threat of wildfire, as well as being beneficial to the forest.
2) Site Preparation: Certain trees cannot tolerate shady conditions created by other species. In areas being managed for pines, prescribed fire reduces certain types of vegetation that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Prescribed fire also reduces the leaf litter on the forest floor which often prevents seed germination for natural reproduction of desirable vegetation, including native grasses.
3) Wildlife Habitat: Prescribed fire promotes new sprout and herbaceous growth that serves as beneficial food and cover for many animals.
Although other methods of treatment have been used, none have been found that can produce the same benefits as prescribed fire for the same cost. Other methods may cost many times as much and have less benefit to the larger forest ecosystem.
Wildfires usually burn with great intensity and cause damage to the forest environment and can be a threat to life and property. On the other hand, low intensity prescribed fires are beneficial and very important to the management of national forest land.
Bot explained that, “Growing conditions in east Tennessee allow burned areas to quickly green up within a relatively short period of time. In most cases, shortly after a burn is conducted, a casual observer would scarcely notice that this beneficial tool has been used.
“We are about to begin a very busy prescribed burning effort in the near future. We want to ensure that people are aware of what we are doing. Because of changing weather conditions it is difficult to say exactly what days we will be burning. In many cases we really won’t know exactly when we are going to burn until the day before. However, the next several weeks should provide us with some days of ideal burning conditions.”
If you have questions concerning the Cherokee National Forest prescribed fire program in your area contact one of the following Ranger District Offices: Ocoee/Hiwassee (Benton, TN) – 423-338-3300; Tellico (Tellico Palins, TN) – 423-253-8400; Unaka (Greeneville, TN) – 423-638-4109; Watauga (Unicoi, TN) – 423-735-1500.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Mike Bot, Acting Fire Management Officer for the Cherokee National Forest said, “At any point during a prescribed burn a decision can be made to stop burning if conditions are not right. We conduct prescribed burns when conditions will minimize the amount of smoke produced and its effect on people. Safety is top priority of every prescribed burn. Before we begin any burn, managers consider the safety of people, property and the natural resources. Prescribed fire helps to reduce the chance of wildfires that could pose a threat to communities.”
Prescribed fire is used in the Cherokee National Forest for several reasons including:
1) Hazardous Fuel Reduction: Fuels (vegetation) such as grass, leaves, brush, downed trees, and pine needles accumulate and create a fire hazard. By burning an area under favorable conditions these fuels are removed, decreasing the amount of vegetation that is available to burn during a wildfire. Reducing heavy vegetation build up helps protect communities from the threat of wildfire, as well as being beneficial to the forest.
2) Site Preparation: Certain trees cannot tolerate shady conditions created by other species. In areas being managed for pines, prescribed fire reduces certain types of vegetation that compete for light, moisture, and nutrients. Prescribed fire also reduces the leaf litter on the forest floor which often prevents seed germination for natural reproduction of desirable vegetation, including native grasses.
3) Wildlife Habitat: Prescribed fire promotes new sprout and herbaceous growth that serves as beneficial food and cover for many animals.
Although other methods of treatment have been used, none have been found that can produce the same benefits as prescribed fire for the same cost. Other methods may cost many times as much and have less benefit to the larger forest ecosystem.
Wildfires usually burn with great intensity and cause damage to the forest environment and can be a threat to life and property. On the other hand, low intensity prescribed fires are beneficial and very important to the management of national forest land.
Bot explained that, “Growing conditions in east Tennessee allow burned areas to quickly green up within a relatively short period of time. In most cases, shortly after a burn is conducted, a casual observer would scarcely notice that this beneficial tool has been used.
“We are about to begin a very busy prescribed burning effort in the near future. We want to ensure that people are aware of what we are doing. Because of changing weather conditions it is difficult to say exactly what days we will be burning. In many cases we really won’t know exactly when we are going to burn until the day before. However, the next several weeks should provide us with some days of ideal burning conditions.”
If you have questions concerning the Cherokee National Forest prescribed fire program in your area contact one of the following Ranger District Offices: Ocoee/Hiwassee (Benton, TN) – 423-338-3300; Tellico (Tellico Palins, TN) – 423-253-8400; Unaka (Greeneville, TN) – 423-638-4109; Watauga (Unicoi, TN) – 423-735-1500.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Smokies Announces Paving Operations on the Spur
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced temporary, single-lane closures on the Spur, between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, beginning in late February, and lasting through mid June for paving operations.
Estes Brothers Construction, Inc. of Jonesville, VA was awarded the contract for $6,388,630 to make paving repairs on both directions of the roadway, as well as the crossover bridges at Gum Stand, King Branch, Gnatty Branch, Huskey Grove, Flat Branch, Wiley Oakley, and Little Smoky roads.
Work includes milling and replacing the asphalt surface on the roadway, pulloffs, and crossover bridges. It also involves installation of concrete curb and gutter in areas where the road shoulder needs repair, application of new pavement markings, replacement of traffic signs, and selective replacement of timber guardrails.
Motorists should expect single-lane closures, days and nights, for the duration of the contract. No work will be allowed on holidays or on weekends from noon on Friday through Monday morning. In addition, no work will occur from April 6 through April 23 due to expected heavy traffic over the Easter holiday. Access into and out of the side roads off the Spur could be affected at times. Park officials will provide more detailed information on scheduled traffic interruptions when it becomes available.
The project will be managed by the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Division Office of Eastern Federal Lands in Sevierville in conjunction with the National Park Service. The project is expected be complete by June 15, but work schedules may be revised if inclement weather affects work progress.
For more information about road conditions, please follow at SmokiesRoadsNPS or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Estes Brothers Construction, Inc. of Jonesville, VA was awarded the contract for $6,388,630 to make paving repairs on both directions of the roadway, as well as the crossover bridges at Gum Stand, King Branch, Gnatty Branch, Huskey Grove, Flat Branch, Wiley Oakley, and Little Smoky roads.
Work includes milling and replacing the asphalt surface on the roadway, pulloffs, and crossover bridges. It also involves installation of concrete curb and gutter in areas where the road shoulder needs repair, application of new pavement markings, replacement of traffic signs, and selective replacement of timber guardrails.
Motorists should expect single-lane closures, days and nights, for the duration of the contract. No work will be allowed on holidays or on weekends from noon on Friday through Monday morning. In addition, no work will occur from April 6 through April 23 due to expected heavy traffic over the Easter holiday. Access into and out of the side roads off the Spur could be affected at times. Park officials will provide more detailed information on scheduled traffic interruptions when it becomes available.
The project will be managed by the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Division Office of Eastern Federal Lands in Sevierville in conjunction with the National Park Service. The project is expected be complete by June 15, but work schedules may be revised if inclement weather affects work progress.
For more information about road conditions, please follow at SmokiesRoadsNPS or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The Anarchy A
| Hey! That's how bald I am! |
Recently, people keep reminding me that the Circle-A symbol is associated with anarchism,...maybe even with Anarchism.
No shit.
One woman kindly commented on a post of the above sign to let me know that the anarchist crowd uses that, and she wasn't sure if I did it on purpose.
Ahh...yup. Thanks.
A sixty-ish photographer somberly asked me if I knew what that A-in-a-circle meant as he got a shot of my daughter and I at a rally. He looked grim when I confirmed:
Si, Professor.
Maybe especially around here, people think anarchist and they envision black bloc ninjas throwing rocks through windows, but there are degrees and species of Anarchy just like there are of any other -ism.
To begin with, some reject anything but little-a anarchy.
My anarchy dropped orthodoxymoronic Anarchism years ago. My anarchy fails the purity test (I'm a government worker, for Marx's sake). My anarchy doesn't mind government preventing corporations from poisoning the earth and ripping us off, and it knows damn well that NO government just means the armed and greedy get their way. My anarchy begins in the womb, where no government should be tolerated, and lives in a body and mind that should not be violated.
My anarchy is old and likes naps, but it ain't dead yet.
So yeah, I'll continue to march with Womxn and support Planned Parenthood and protect Mother Earth with my "Dads Against the Patriarchy" sign. Lots of people have said they liked it, shot photos, and been very supportive. Lots of them know what the A means, some of them are really supportive, and a few people get uncomfortable.
Which is good. The Circle-A hasn't lost all its power.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Challenges Baxter State Park 2017 A.T. Hiker Cap Due to Lack of Research and Analysis
The following is a statement from Ron Tipton, Executive Director/CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy:
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) does not agree with Baxter State Park’s (BSP) new Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hiker Permit System, which limits the number of long distance Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers that can access the northern terminus of the Trail on Katahdin each year.
This new policy imposes a cap on the number of long distance A.T. hikers who are allowed to climb Katahdin that is 15% higher than 2016 A.T. Katahdin hiker numbers. In our view this policy is not based on best practices, sufficient research or analysis of the current impact of A.T. hikers on park resources and the hiking experience.
Last year the ATC made significant progress in improving hiker awareness and compliance with BSP rules by increasing education and outreach to the hiking community, particularly in the Monson, Maine A.T. Visitor Center.
While we share the Park’s desire to protect the fragile alpine ecosystems on Katahdin, the ATC believes in a science-based, adaptive management approach to increased use at popular sites on the A.T. We will continue to work with BSP to provide an opportunity for long-distance A.T. hikers to climb Katahdin and complete their incredible journeys."
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
This new policy imposes a cap on the number of long distance A.T. hikers who are allowed to climb Katahdin that is 15% higher than 2016 A.T. Katahdin hiker numbers. In our view this policy is not based on best practices, sufficient research or analysis of the current impact of A.T. hikers on park resources and the hiking experience.
Last year the ATC made significant progress in improving hiker awareness and compliance with BSP rules by increasing education and outreach to the hiking community, particularly in the Monson, Maine A.T. Visitor Center.
While we share the Park’s desire to protect the fragile alpine ecosystems on Katahdin, the ATC believes in a science-based, adaptive management approach to increased use at popular sites on the A.T. We will continue to work with BSP to provide an opportunity for long-distance A.T. hikers to climb Katahdin and complete their incredible journeys."
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Free Camping at Big South Fork during President’s Day Weekend
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be observing President's Day Saturday, February 20 2017, by authorizing free backcountry permits and one night of free camping at Alum Ford Campground. Take this opportunity to experience the unique serenity of camping during the winter as well as behold the magnificent landscapes of our parks while the foliage is absent.
Other fee free days during 2017 include:
• April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 30: National Public Lands Day
• November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend
For more information, contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275. Visit http://ift.tt/wKzgLp to learn more about fee free days in 2017. For more information on hiking at BSF, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Other fee free days during 2017 include:
• April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 30: National Public Lands Day
• November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend
For more information, contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275. Visit http://ift.tt/wKzgLp to learn more about fee free days in 2017. For more information on hiking at BSF, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Un Torii complétant ce petit aménagement paysager de style japonais ! ( 4de4 )
Salut à tous,
Lorsque l`on possède une parcelle de terre,
on possède également la portion du ciel qui la recouvre !
Les six poteaux verticaux reposent sur des plates-formes en béton, ayant chacune une tige métallique sur laquelle est inséré chacun d`eux, évitant ainsi la pourriture de la base.
Enfin, dans l`autre photo, une vue d`ensemble de cet aménagement paysager, sauf le jardin japonais non-visible car situé plus à gauche de la pagode.
* Prochain article dans le monde des bricoleurs : Deux constructions en ¨bois cordé¨ !
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows 10 / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Grand Teton National Park
Rising more than 7000 feet above Jackson Hole, the high peaks of Grand Teton National Park provide one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Although many people seem to treat it as an afterthought, only visiting the park as a side trip while visiting its more famous neighbor to the north, more time and focus should be given to this stunning landscape. Within its 310,000 acres the majestic mountains of the Teton Range are home to a wide variety of wildlife, eight peaks that top out above 12,000 feet, more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes, and more than 240 miles of trails that provide intimate access to all of this incredibly beautiful scenery.
Cascade Canyon
The Cascade Canyon Trail is widely touted as one of the best hikes in the entire National Park System. In addition to the stunning views of 12,928-foot Mt. Owen, the trail visits Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The route is also known for the wide variety of wildlife that is frequently seen, especially bears and moose.
Lake Views
Lying along the eastern base of the Teton Range is a series of glacially-carved lakes. Rising sharply above their western shores, the views of the rugged mountains are stunning and dramatic. From the shores of Jackson, Leigh, Jenny, Phelps, Bradley and Taggart Lakes, hikers will enjoy some of the most striking views in the park.
Wildlife
Although Yellowstone rightfully receives a lot of attention for its wildlife viewing opportunities, the Grand Tetons are also known for its diversity of wildlife. The rugged mountains provide habitat to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, pronghorn, wolves, fox, lynx, bobcats and mountain lions. There are also more than 300 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, ospreys and bald eagles. A drive along Moose-Wilson Road is a popular way of spotting mega fauna such as bears and moose. However, hikes such as Amphitheater Lake, Hermitage Point, Moose Ponds and the Emma Matilda Lake Loop are all great choices for possibly seeing wildlife in the backcountry.
Photography
The abrupt rise of the Tetons from the valley floor arguably makes them one of the most photogenic mountain ranges in the world. As a result, professional and amateur photographers alike will enjoy a multitude of photo opportunities around the park. Some of the best spots for getting that perfect shot include Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher’s Landing, as well as the Snake River Overlook, which was made famous by Ansel Adams' 1942 photograph. Of course all of the backcountry locations mentioned above will also provide outstanding photo opportunities.
Snake River Float Trip
The Snake River meanders along the sage brush flats below the Teton Range, and provides park visitors with the unique opportunity of enjoying the majestic mountain scenery from a raft. Although outfitters offer trips throughout the day, I highly recommend the morning trips, as the mountains typically look their finest when bathed in the glow of early morning sunshine. Morning is also the best time to view wildlife along the river banks, including bald eagles.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a variety of other outstanding hikes. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings as well as other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Cascade Canyon
The Cascade Canyon Trail is widely touted as one of the best hikes in the entire National Park System. In addition to the stunning views of 12,928-foot Mt. Owen, the trail visits Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The route is also known for the wide variety of wildlife that is frequently seen, especially bears and moose.
Lake Views
Lying along the eastern base of the Teton Range is a series of glacially-carved lakes. Rising sharply above their western shores, the views of the rugged mountains are stunning and dramatic. From the shores of Jackson, Leigh, Jenny, Phelps, Bradley and Taggart Lakes, hikers will enjoy some of the most striking views in the park.
Wildlife
Although Yellowstone rightfully receives a lot of attention for its wildlife viewing opportunities, the Grand Tetons are also known for its diversity of wildlife. The rugged mountains provide habitat to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, pronghorn, wolves, fox, lynx, bobcats and mountain lions. There are also more than 300 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, ospreys and bald eagles. A drive along Moose-Wilson Road is a popular way of spotting mega fauna such as bears and moose. However, hikes such as Amphitheater Lake, Hermitage Point, Moose Ponds and the Emma Matilda Lake Loop are all great choices for possibly seeing wildlife in the backcountry.
Photography
The abrupt rise of the Tetons from the valley floor arguably makes them one of the most photogenic mountain ranges in the world. As a result, professional and amateur photographers alike will enjoy a multitude of photo opportunities around the park. Some of the best spots for getting that perfect shot include Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher’s Landing, as well as the Snake River Overlook, which was made famous by Ansel Adams' 1942 photograph. Of course all of the backcountry locations mentioned above will also provide outstanding photo opportunities.
Snake River Float Trip
The Snake River meanders along the sage brush flats below the Teton Range, and provides park visitors with the unique opportunity of enjoying the majestic mountain scenery from a raft. Although outfitters offer trips throughout the day, I highly recommend the morning trips, as the mountains typically look their finest when bathed in the glow of early morning sunshine. Morning is also the best time to view wildlife along the river banks, including bald eagles.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a variety of other outstanding hikes. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings as well as other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Annual Great Backyard Bird Count Marks Its 20th Year
A lot has changed since the first Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was held in 1998. Each year brings unwavering enthusiasm from the growing number of participants in this now-global event. The 20th annual GBBC is taking place February 17-20 in backyards, parks, nature centers, on hiking trails, school grounds, balconies, and beaches—anywhere you find birds.
Bird watchers count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. All the data contribute to a snapshot of bird distribution and help scientists see changes over the past 20 years.
"The very first GBBC was an experiment," says the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Marshall Iliff, a leader of the eBird program. "We wanted to see if people would use the Internet to send us their bird sightings. Clearly the experiment was a success!" eBird collects bird observations globally every day of the year and is the online platform used by the GBBC.
That first year, bird watchers submitted about 13,500 checklists from the United States and Canada. Fast-forward to the most recent event in 2016. Over the four days of the count, an estimated 163,763 bird watchers from more than 100 countries submitted 162,052 bird checklists reporting 5,689 species–more than half the known bird species in the world.
Varying weather conditions so far this winter are producing a few trends that GBBC participants can watch for during the count. eBird reports show many more waterfowl and kingfishers remaining further north than usual because they are finding open water. If that changes, these birds could move southward.
Also noted are higher than usual numbers of Bohemian Waxwings in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. And while some winter finches have been spotted in the East, such as Red Crossbills, Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, and a few Pine Grosbeaks, there seem to be no big irruptions so far. A few eye-catching Snowy Owls have been reported in the northern half of the United States.
Jon McCracken, Bird Studies Canada's National Program Director, reminds participants in Canada and the U.S. to keep watch for snowies. He says, "The GBBC has done a terrific job of tracking irruptions of Snowy Owls southward over the past several years. We can't predict what winter 2017 will bring, because Snowy Owl populations are so closely tied to unpredictable 'cycles' of lemmings in the Arctic. These cycles occur at intervals between two and six years. Nevertheless, there are already reports of Snowy Owls as far south as Virginia."
In addition to counting birds, tens of thousands of stunning images have been submitted since 2006. For the 20th anniversary of the GBBC, the public is invited to vote for their favorite top photo from each of the past 11 years in a special album they will find on the GBBC website home page. Voting takes place during the four days of the GBBC.
To learn more about how to participate and what scientists have learned from the Great Backyard Bird Count over the past 20 years, visit birdcount.org The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada and is made possible in part by sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Bird watchers count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. All the data contribute to a snapshot of bird distribution and help scientists see changes over the past 20 years.
That first year, bird watchers submitted about 13,500 checklists from the United States and Canada. Fast-forward to the most recent event in 2016. Over the four days of the count, an estimated 163,763 bird watchers from more than 100 countries submitted 162,052 bird checklists reporting 5,689 species–more than half the known bird species in the world.
Varying weather conditions so far this winter are producing a few trends that GBBC participants can watch for during the count. eBird reports show many more waterfowl and kingfishers remaining further north than usual because they are finding open water. If that changes, these birds could move southward.
Also noted are higher than usual numbers of Bohemian Waxwings in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. And while some winter finches have been spotted in the East, such as Red Crossbills, Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, and a few Pine Grosbeaks, there seem to be no big irruptions so far. A few eye-catching Snowy Owls have been reported in the northern half of the United States.
Jon McCracken, Bird Studies Canada's National Program Director, reminds participants in Canada and the U.S. to keep watch for snowies. He says, "The GBBC has done a terrific job of tracking irruptions of Snowy Owls southward over the past several years. We can't predict what winter 2017 will bring, because Snowy Owl populations are so closely tied to unpredictable 'cycles' of lemmings in the Arctic. These cycles occur at intervals between two and six years. Nevertheless, there are already reports of Snowy Owls as far south as Virginia."
In addition to counting birds, tens of thousands of stunning images have been submitted since 2006. For the 20th anniversary of the GBBC, the public is invited to vote for their favorite top photo from each of the past 11 years in a special album they will find on the GBBC website home page. Voting takes place during the four days of the GBBC.
To learn more about how to participate and what scientists have learned from the Great Backyard Bird Count over the past 20 years, visit birdcount.org The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada and is made possible in part by sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Team to Begin Chimney Tops 2 Fire Review at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A team of fire experts is assembling at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to conduct a review of the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 fire that started in the park on November 23rd.
The purpose of the review team is to identify the facts leading up to and during the Chimney Tops 2 fire within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as make recommendations on any planning, operational, or managerial issues which can be addressed locally, regionally, and/or nationally to reduce the chances of a similar incident in the future.
The team is assigned to the fire review through the division chief for the National Park Service Division of Fire and Aviation in Boise, ID. Division Chief Bill Kaage stated, “The team will conduct a thorough review of the actions and response to this fire, which will include compliance with policy and application of professional wildland firefighting practices. Ultimately the purpose of the review is to identify lessons learned from this incident for use by any wildland firefighting agency.”
The Chimney Tops 2 fire review team is made up of interagency representatives: a team leader, a fire behavior specialist, two fire operations/risk management specialists, an NPS fire management officer from outside of the region, a municipal fire department representative from within the region, and an NPS management liaison.
Joe Stutler, a senior advisor for Deschutes County, Oregon, will lead the team. Stutler has extensive experience in wildland fire at the federal level as well as in local government and the private sector. He has nearly 50 years of knowledge of the complexities of fire management, including fire behavior and policy.
Other team members include:
• Fire Behavior Specialist: William Grauel, Bureau of Indian Affairs – National Fire Ecologist, Boise, ID
• Municipal Fire Department Representative: Jimmy Isaacs, Boone Fire Department – Chief, Boone, NC
• Fire Operations/Risk Management Specialist: Shane Greer, U.S. Forest Service – Assistant Fire Director-Risk Management, Region 2, Golden, CO
• NPS Fire Management Officer: Mike Lewelling, Rocky Mountain National Park – Fire Management Officer, Estes Park, CO
• Fire Operations/Risk Management Specialist/Writer/Editor: Miranda Stuart, NPS Branch of Wildland Fire – Fire Management Specialist, Crawfordville, FL
• NPS Management Liaison: Tim Reid, National Park Service – Superintendent, Devils Tower National Monument, WY
The work of the review team is expected to take up to two weeks. After that, the team has 45 days to complete their report and submit it to Chief Kaage for review prior to it being made public.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
The purpose of the review team is to identify the facts leading up to and during the Chimney Tops 2 fire within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as make recommendations on any planning, operational, or managerial issues which can be addressed locally, regionally, and/or nationally to reduce the chances of a similar incident in the future.
The team is assigned to the fire review through the division chief for the National Park Service Division of Fire and Aviation in Boise, ID. Division Chief Bill Kaage stated, “The team will conduct a thorough review of the actions and response to this fire, which will include compliance with policy and application of professional wildland firefighting practices. Ultimately the purpose of the review is to identify lessons learned from this incident for use by any wildland firefighting agency.”
The Chimney Tops 2 fire review team is made up of interagency representatives: a team leader, a fire behavior specialist, two fire operations/risk management specialists, an NPS fire management officer from outside of the region, a municipal fire department representative from within the region, and an NPS management liaison.
Joe Stutler, a senior advisor for Deschutes County, Oregon, will lead the team. Stutler has extensive experience in wildland fire at the federal level as well as in local government and the private sector. He has nearly 50 years of knowledge of the complexities of fire management, including fire behavior and policy.
Other team members include:
• Fire Behavior Specialist: William Grauel, Bureau of Indian Affairs – National Fire Ecologist, Boise, ID
• Municipal Fire Department Representative: Jimmy Isaacs, Boone Fire Department – Chief, Boone, NC
• Fire Operations/Risk Management Specialist: Shane Greer, U.S. Forest Service – Assistant Fire Director-Risk Management, Region 2, Golden, CO
• NPS Fire Management Officer: Mike Lewelling, Rocky Mountain National Park – Fire Management Officer, Estes Park, CO
• Fire Operations/Risk Management Specialist/Writer/Editor: Miranda Stuart, NPS Branch of Wildland Fire – Fire Management Specialist, Crawfordville, FL
• NPS Management Liaison: Tim Reid, National Park Service – Superintendent, Devils Tower National Monument, WY
The work of the review team is expected to take up to two weeks. After that, the team has 45 days to complete their report and submit it to Chief Kaage for review prior to it being made public.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Un petit jardin japonais afin d`y rajouter un peu plus d`exotisme ! (3de4)
Salut à tous,
Voici le troisième et avant-dernier volet de mon espace de style japonais situé dans mon arrière-cour. La simplicité comme le symbolisme d`un jardin japonais se complètent très bien avec le gravier tout blanc, et la pierre, auxquels j`ai rajouté quelques vivaces basses formant un tout harmonieux de détente et de plaisirs pour les yeux.
Sa construction est très simple, et il suffit de la proportionner à son environnement afin qu`elle fasse partie intégrante d`un tout. Il m`a fallu tout d`abord
trouver le style de briques qui pouvait me plaire, ainsi que la quantité nécessaires, et surtout, ne pas oublier les supports sous chacune d`elles, afin d`en assurer une stabilité à long terme.
En furetant dans les pépinières locales, l`une d`elle avait en réserve, sans semble-t-il ne pouvant trouver preneur, une bonne quantité de graviers de marbre blanc dans des sacs, et presqu`à l`abandon, et évidemment que la négociation n`a pas été très difficile , et surtout, très satisfaisante pour bon budget.
Après avoir creusé un espace suffisant, autant en superficie désirée qu`en profondeur, j`ai étendu un polyéthylène de bonne épaisseur dans le fond, afin d`éviter la repousse d`herbes non -désirées. Puis, comme par hasard, chez le marchand où je me suis procuré les briques, il y avait à l`entrée du commerce un baril contenant des résidus de grosses pierres, et on m`a gentiment permis d`en choisir trois gratuitement, et qui par la suite, on pris place en des endroits stratégiques du jardin, et pour compléter le tout, le déversement du gravier de marbre.
Enfin, trois variétés de plantes basses rampantes, de teintes différentes, ont été repiquées autour des pierres, laissant la nature refaire tranquillement son travail de régénération, et se permettant annuellement une brève mais très décorative floraison annuelle, rajoutant un charmant colorie dans son environnement.
Et tout près, un minuscule abri rustique recouvert de bambous, supportant trois lanternes, un abreuvoir pour les oiseaux du voisinage, et quelques arbustes pour compléter le décor.
(*) L` image de droite prise lors de la fin des travaux, en 2006.
(**) La photo de gauche prise en 2016.
http://ift.tt/2jZbX7V
Pégé
Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Ubuntu 14.04 LTS / Linux Mint 17 / MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.
あるはなきに勝る
« Peu est meilleur que rien »
Voici le troisième et avant-dernier volet de mon espace de style japonais situé dans mon arrière-cour. La simplicité comme le symbolisme d`un jardin japonais se complètent très bien avec le gravier tout blanc, et la pierre, auxquels j`ai rajouté quelques vivaces basses formant un tout harmonieux de détente et de plaisirs pour les yeux.
trouver le style de briques qui pouvait me plaire, ainsi que la quantité nécessaires, et surtout, ne pas oublier les supports sous chacune d`elles, afin d`en assurer une stabilité à long terme.
En furetant dans les pépinières locales, l`une d`elle avait en réserve, sans semble-t-il ne pouvant trouver preneur, une bonne quantité de graviers de marbre blanc dans des sacs, et presqu`à l`abandon, et évidemment que la négociation n`a pas été très difficile , et surtout, très satisfaisante pour bon budget.
Enfin, trois variétés de plantes basses rampantes, de teintes différentes, ont été repiquées autour des pierres, laissant la nature refaire tranquillement son travail de régénération, et se permettant annuellement une brève mais très décorative floraison annuelle, rajoutant un charmant colorie dans son environnement.
Et tout près, un minuscule abri rustique recouvert de bambous, supportant trois lanternes, un abreuvoir pour les oiseaux du voisinage, et quelques arbustes pour compléter le décor.
(*) L` image de droite prise lors de la fin des travaux, en 2006.
(**) La photo de gauche prise en 2016.
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