Grand Teton Natl. Park Recognizes Intl. Migratory Bird Day

Grand Teton National Park Recognizes International Migratory Bird Day

Grand Teton National Park will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with a bird-watching caravan on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Park ranger naturalist Andrew Langford will visit areas throughout the park that provide excellent opportunities to locate, identify, and record birds as part of the North American Migration Count. The free activity begins at 8 a.m. in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at Moose and finishes by 4 p.m. at Christian Pond near Jackson Lake Lodge. Reservations are not required.

Anyone interested in birds is welcome to participate in the annual bird count and bird-watching excursion hosted by Grand Teton. Throughout the day, participants will take short walks at various locations, so those attending should wear comfortable shoes and bring a lunch, drinking water, warm clothing and rain gear. Bird field guides, binoculars and spotting scopes are also recommended items.

“Go Wild, Go Birding!” serves as the theme for the 2011 IMBD observance. This declaration highlights an attempt to engage new audiences—young people and adults alike—in learning about bird-watching and bird conservation. Participants in Saturday’s bird-watching caravan will learn about the latest programs and activities designed to create new enthusiasts and introduce them to birding as a worthwhile and pleasant pastime. Participants will also gain basic skills and techniques for identifying birds by their size, plumage and calls.

Observed each year in May to celebrate and support bird conservation, IMBD serves as the hallmark outreach event for Partners in Flight—an international conservation program whose goal is to reverse declining populations of migratory birds by bringing attention to factors that may contribute to worldwide declines. This year marks the 21st anniversary for Partners in Flight.

For more information about International Migratory Bird Day and the North American Migration Count, please call the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at 307.739.3399. Participants of the IMBD activity are reminded that park entrance stations are open; therefore, they will need to present a park pass to travel through these entrance gates.

Missing Skiers Found in GTNP

 Missing Skiers Found After Six-Day Search

On the evening of Saturday, April 23, after a long day of searching an avalanche debris field in Garnet Canyon Meadows, a Grand Teton National Park ranger picked up two discernible beacon signals deep in the snowpack.

Due to the late hour—coupled with the need to evacuate all search teams from the Teton canyon and cease helicopter operations before day’s end—a handful of rescuers were not able to dig deep enough to locate the source of the signals. Early Sunday morning, a core group of park rangers flew back into Garnet Canyon to resume digging. After two hours, they reached Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick, buried under 13 feet of snow near a large boulder in the avalanche path.

Over 35 rescue personnel and four canine teams methodically searched the large avalanche field in Garnet Canyon for more than ten hours on Saturday.

With the help of good weather, rescuers hoped to find any clue as to the fate of Kuhl and Seftick. At 7 p.m. with just two teams left to airlift from the canyon, Ranger Nick Armitage made one final sweep with his avalanche transceiver over an area that had been probed by rescuers earlier in the day. After Armitage picked up first one beacon signal, and then another, five additional rescuers joined in digging through the dense snowpack to reach the source. Although five feet of snow was cleared away, rescuers were not able to reach the beacon before the last helicopter flight needed to be made. Upon removing the snow, however, rescuers also made a positive probe hit. It should be noted that avalanche probe poles are generally 10 feet long and the beacon was deeper than their initial reach.

On Sunday morning, helicopter pilot Nicole Ludwig—flying a Teton County Search and Rescue contract helicopter out of Hillsboro, Oregon—airlifted six park rangers back into the Garnet Canyon Meadows to resume digging toward the two beacons. Rangers continued to excavate through another ten feet of snow before they reached Walker and Greg. Rangers then prepared them for a helicopter flight to the valley floor where a Teton County coroner met the ship.

It appears that Walker and Greg were buried by a large avalanche that shed off the north face of Nez Perce Peak sometime Saturday night, April 16, while they were in their tent, located near a large boulder between the Platforms and the Meadows of Garnet Canyon. Walker and Greg carried avalanche beacons and other appropriate gear with them on their trek into the Teton Range, and their beacons were transmitting when the avalanche enveloped their campsite.

The concentrated search for Kuhl and Seftick lasted six days, due in part to stormy weather, new snowfall and ongoing concerns about avalanche danger for rescue teams. Search operations involved park rangers and staff, as well as numerous Jackson Hole community rescue personnel. Grand Teton National Park appreciates the cooperation and dedication of the organizations and companies who assisted during the past several days.

Those groups include trained rescue personnel, volunteers and support staff from Teton County Search and Rescue, Teton Interagency Fire personnel, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center staff, a Yellowstone National Park employee, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrol, Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue teams, and Grand Targhee Resort ski patrol and canine teams, as well as experienced professional mountaineers from Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Exum Mountain Guides.

The Seftick and Kuhl families extend their heartfelt thanks to all rescuers for their work in helping to locate their sons and brothers.

Grand Teton Natl. Park Search for Skiers Entering Sixth Day

 Search for Missing Skiers Enters Sixth Day

The search for Walker Pannell Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah and Gregory Seftick, age 31, of Columbia Falls, Montana resumed today, Saturday, April 23 in Grand Teton National Park. Kuhl and Seftick began an overnight camping and skiing trip one week ago, and were reported missing on Monday, April 18, when Kuhl failed to show up for work. This marks the sixth day for a concentrated search to locate the missing skiers.

A high pressure system brought sunny skies and calm winds this morning, creating perfect weather conditions to continue search operations. Four K9 search and rescue teams from nearby Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, and more than 35 search and rescue personnel were airlifted from a helispot on the Teton Park Road (elevation 6,685 feet) into a high elevation helispot in Garnet Canyon (9,500 feet) near the base of Nez Perce Peak to begin another full day of combing through a large avalanche debris field. A broad snowfield on the north face of Nez Perce gave way sometime after Friday, April 15, and the resulting avalanche path covers Garnet Canyon Meadows where it is presumed that the two men may be found. The avalanche debris field is approximately 200 feet wide, 200-300 yards long and 15 feet deep.

Grand Teton National Park rangers again enlisted the assistance of trained rescue personnel and support staff from Teton County Search and Rescue, Teton Interagency Fire, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrol, Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue, and Grand Targhee Resort ski patrol and K9 teams, as well as experienced professional mountaineers from Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Exum Mountain Guides (two park concession companies) to provide the best possible and most complete exploration of snow-covered area where Kuhl and Seftick may be located.

Local weather forecaster Jim Woodmency, who joined the search effort today, reminded the search teams that over three feet of new snow has fallen on the Teton Range over the past week. Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center has recorded 661 inches of snowfall at the Raymer snow plot (elevation 9,300 feet) so far this winter. The Tetons receive an average of

400 inches of snowfall per year.

Further information about today’s search effort will be available after individual teams return to the incident command center near park headquarters at day’s end.  Visit http://gtnpnews.blogspot.com/2011/04/search-for-missing-skiers-enters-sixth.html for more information.

Bridal Expo Mania!!!

Well, as is the case with most bridal expos, it snowed. However, we were able to travel easily, so it was okay! What. A. Weekend. Although it's draining and busy, it's arguably one of my favorite weekends of the year, business-wise!

We started with a quick trip to Rawlins for some business Thursday night. Met some great folks! Hit the road and headed to Rock Springs, where we had to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants: Winger's! We used to have one in Laramie, where I waited tables in college, and we MISS it! We had a great time there -- brought back a lot of memories... :) http://www.wingers.info/

We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Rock Springs, which is a co-sponsor for our Sweetwater County Bridal Expo along with First Comes Love Bridal in Rock Springs. WOW. Seriously. Christine Kronz and I discussed how we could quite possibly be content just making that our second residence. :) The staff was so fun to work with, like always. GM Ginny and Sales Director Pam put on quite a show! We had to enjoy our favorite places (IHOP stacks of pancakes, for example), :) but we tried a new place for lunch -- Dickey's Barbeque Pit! Holy COW they are GOOD! We were expecting Keith & Erin Turbitt in that night, so we didn't eat a big lunch, since we DID have stacks of pancakes at IHOP for breakfast...had to keep our stomachs ready to go out that night... :) We were informed by the staff that we were 'going to be sorry' we ordered one sandwich to split. And yup, they were pretty much 100% right on that. :) GOOD. Yummers. Go there. It's awesome!
http://www.dickeys.com/default.aspx

Before lunch, we went and visited Bernice, a dear friend from Facebook who lives in Rock Springs. It's always so neat to get to meet people and put faces and voices with names. Bernice is a very dear lady, and a good friend, and we wished we could have spent more time visiting with her. We had a hiccup with vendor tables that I had to sort out Friday, and we had to keep working on that, so we cut our visit short. I was excited, though, to see her at our expo on Saturday, along with her husband David! What a treat to meet them both -- and Bernice even got pictures so we can remember our visit! She is a VERY special lady.

First Comes Love's super cool owner, Sonya, got to work setting up the staging, balloons, etc. with her hubby Kevin, and their amazing support staff of family and friends. Sonya & I were laughing at how easily things came together this year -- even if we did have a hiccup in vendor tables. Part of the excitement! :) They were super organized, so Keith & Erin, Levi & I went to Bitter Creek Brewery for dinner that night...

Bitter Creek Brewing is one of our must-eat places in Rock Springs. Levi really enjoys their brew pub burger, and I'm a classic burger gal. We discovered Keith will find ways to work their creative beer names into the conversation...which dissolved the entire table into laughter more than once. We had entirely TOO much fun! Levi and Erin highly recommended the Sweetwater Wheat...and the Red Desert Ale too... YUM... http://www.bittercreekbrewing.com/BEER.html

The show Saturday was AWESOME! We had a fantastic turn-out, and great vendors -- we are so blessed to work with such amazing people! The hotel was very accommodating, First Comes Love put on a fantastic fashion show, and we greatly enjoyed the event. We're excited for next year! :)

The snow made its appearance as we packed up to leave. It never fails! We were going to take Keith & Erin to Winger's, but we changed plans and hit the road with snacks to make sure we made it back to Laramie -- we had to be in the Laramie Bridal Expo Sunday! We made it back late and drug our tired selves to Altitude in downtown Laramie. Levi & I really enjoy splitting the Garlic Chicken Pizza, and Erin liked the chicken fried steak...Keith had to tempt us with fried cheesecake, which was entirely too delicious. Levi's favorite beer at Altitude is the 7200 Stout...yes, he has a favorite at all of Wyoming's breweries. :) Check Altitude out online! http://www.altitudechophouse.com/index.html

We were EXHAUSTED, but mustered up the energy for the Laramie Bridal Expo on Sunday. And of course, it revolved around food as well... :) Yes, we enjoy eating! We introduced Keith & Erin to McAllister's in Laramie -- my absolute favorite there is the orange cranberry club sandwich, and Levi really digs the french dip...and the sweet tea. LOOOOTS of sweet tea. :) Erin was wondering why we had never introduced her to McAllister's before... ;) http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/

The Laramie Bridal Expo was AWESOME as always!!! Lori at Dan D Party Corner puts on quite a show. Anne from Ludwig Photography is her co-sponsor, and Lori (surprisingly!) gave me a microphone for a SECOND time -- one of these times she is going to learn! :) I got to introduce Kelli Erickson, owner of Mountain Valley Bridal in Laramie, for the fashion shows, and announced door prizes... And discovered just how tricky some names can be...sorry to those names I butchered! We met a LOT of wonderful brides from all over Wyoming and the country -- our wedding guide is sure making the rounds this season! We weren't able to attend the Cody Expo, but David Huber Photography and Pre.Veil Events had them on hand -- we heard they flew! Thanks guys! www.wyomingweddingsonline.com

Tonight, we're tuckered out. But ready to hit the ground again tomorrow, because the printed copies of our newest issue are hitting the streets! Time for distribution trips --- more eating -- and more blogging! Best of all....more exploring Wyoming! :)

'Til Next Time...I'm going to work off these calories I digested the last few days...(but they were worth it!)

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
www.wyolifestyle.com
www.wyomingweddingsonline.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/WLMTV?feature=mhum

Tips from the Road

I have been on the road a LOT the past week. Since last Thursday, I have driven over 2000 miles. And we're not done! We have traveled darn near every corner of the state repeatedly since we began our Wyoming Weddings guide in January 2009. Having grown up in Wyoming, we have spent years traveling the state to visit family, attend sporting events (as participants and coaches), with our volunteer organizations, for vacations, etc... But I have to say that we've learned the most about our state these past two years. Now that our 1st anniversary of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine and 2nd anniversary of Wyoming Weddings is approaching, I thought it appropriate to highlight some of the tips and memories I have accumulated...

I have learned that when speaking in front of people, I need to remember one word: EXHALE. I tend to inhale, inhale, inhale, until I'm speaking fast and about to hyperventilate!

I have learned which public bathrooms throughout the state do not offer paper towels for opening the door to the bathroom as I leave. Yes, I'm one of those. I am a health care worker who is a germaphobe and a mother -- bad combination. :)

Speaking of bathrooms, I have discovered that there is a gas station and general store combination in Pinedale that has the most beautiful bathroom. Yes, my travels revolve around places to eat, get gas, find cell phone service, and bathrooms. Modern day survival tools! :)

I will forever think of setting up the Rock Springs Bridal Show when I eat Domino's Pizza. Combine a whole stack of pizzas, beer, a stage and balloon arch to assemble... The boys had too much fun making things out of balloons and we enjoyed ourselves far too much. Can't wait for the next time! It also ALWAYS snows either before or after the show. Always!

Speaking of Rock Springs, I am hopeless when it come to navigating Rock Springs and Green River. I get lost in Downtown Rock Springs EVERY time I am there! Yesterday was no exception -- I got lost in Rock Springs AND Green River AGAIN! Someone, I need a map!

For the Rawlins show, it was again storming. We left early with Keith & Erin Turbitt and crawled through the storm to get to Rawlins. There was a very sweet desk clerk at the Hampton Inn who has an accent -- it's a New York accent I think -- that I cannot understand. He kept making jokes and laughing at me and I was clueless -- Erin had to translate. :)

There are some Wyoming terms that you just don't get wrong. I knew for years that Popo Agie is NOT pronounced 'Po-Po Agee", and ESPECIALLY not "Poo Poo Agee"! However, this year I was informed that Devils Tower does NOT have an apostrophe in it. To the dismay of English teachers everywhere. :)

In Wheatland, the Best Western has the sweetest desk clerk. He remembers my name, where I'm from, what we do and all of the places I've been to recently each time I go in. It's pretty impressive! I need him to remind ME what I'm doing sometimes... :)

I have learned that there are many scenic places I drive through that cause me to say "WOW...." every time. Doesn't matter if I just drove through that area two hours ago. I say WOW again.

I have learned where the sulfur pockets are throughout the state. Just saying. :)

This year was the first time I witnessed the Evanston Roundhouse. WOW! That is one impressive structure!

I learned that Tim Harland of Snake River Brewery eats fried bologna and ketchup sandwiches. My lunch was abruptly ended when I learned that fact. :)

I met Patrick Zimmerer in person by surprise when we were having dinner at The Bunkhouse in Torrington -- and of course he had lots of Table Mountain Vineyards wine on hand at his table! He's a good guy -- and The Bunkhouse is one of many great restaurants in Torrington!

I have learned that Matt Mead does not mind two obnoxious youngsters who are bent on showing me that they are not going to always behave at a business event. Bless him for being so patient. :)

I have learned that Leslie Petersen has a terrific memory for people, places and conversations. She remembered a great deal about our interview the next time I saw her -- what a classy lady!

I have learned that I can run four miles instead of two in Torrington -- talk about good workouts! I may have to drive to Torrington regularly just to work out! :)

I have (slowly) begun to understand the one way streets in Casper and Cheyenne. Kind of.

When I see a Maverick store, I will always think 'Linda Mccoul'. :)

I have learned that wearing my tall platform heels two days in a row to business events will give me a case of plantar fasciitis. However, one day on, one day off and one day on again will not...even though Levi warns me I'm tempting fate on that one...

When a special guest appears at an event, be careful introducing them at the podium. They may just have left early.... Hmmm, does anyone have a joke to fill that moment?! :)

And most importantly perhaps... I have learned that no matter who you talk to in Wyoming, they know someone, somewhere, that you also know... Without fail. EVERYONE is connected. Everyone!

Till next time, I'm going to keep gathering those memories and little lessons learned. Last night, as I saw the lights of Laramie ahead, I realized that entire state of Wyoming is 'home' to us. And that's a pretty good feeling.

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
www.wyolifestyle.com

Plan a Ski Movie, and See it Snow!

Well, I did it again. I planned a trip, and it snowed. So if you're grumpy about the arrival of winter in Wyoming, I'm afraid you have me to blame. It happens every year during bridal fair season, and this year we added presenting ski movies to our list of special events -- so henceforth there will be snow. (Sorry.)

For me, though, I LOVE snow!!! A gentleman I know calls me a 'Wyoming Road Warrior'. I take that as a compliment. My father the Highway Patrolman calls it insane. I think that is part of the definition of 'Wyoming Road Warrior' -- a little bit of courage and insanity mixed together -- and add some 4-wheel drive. :)

I left last Friday morning for a 3-day adventure in northwest Wyoming. What an adventure it was, too! I arrived in Jackson and had lunch with my friend Tim Harland, VP of Sales & Marketing for Snake River Brewery in Jackson, and author of our column, "The Beer Made Here", which takes an educational approach to the life and times of brew in Wyoming. I enjoyed lunch and a tour of the brewery -- this business really strives to work in tandem with the community of Jackson, and they have grown by leaps and bounds. (They also make a pretty tasty pulled pork sandwich, although I had to give Tim my fries, it was so filling -- it was either that or his story of fried bologna and ketchup sandwiches that made my lose my appetite.) :)

While waiting for our Jackson screening of Warren Miller's "Wintervention" to begin, I went shopping in downtown Jackson. If you're there, do NOT miss MADE, in Gaslight Alley! I bought a really fun and funky glass ring for $15. Seriously. John, the owner, makes beautiful works of glass art, including Steamboat belt buckles! They are COOL! As always, I enjoyed my time shopping in Jackson -- the shopping is where the West meets New York. Always a treat for me!

Our movie screening was decent -- the JH High School was very accomodating, and the ski coach, Cody Hansen, was a great help. We had a modest crowd, but it's a good start to our work there. We'll be there next year and will look to grow on what we started!

I stayed in the most ADORABLE inn. The Inn on the Creek. Oh my GOSH is all I can say! This inn combines a handful of comfortable yet luxurious rooms that are contained within a quaint stone cottage that overlooks 'the creek'. My room was the Goldeneye, with a jacuzzi tab and gas fireplace in my bedroom, complete with votive candles! I felt a little guilty about being there by myself -- but the jacuzzi tub soak and a good book helped ease that guilt slightly. :) Breakfast was served to my door right on the nose, with my specifications made when I checked in. The staff was so gracious and friendly, and I will definitely put this on my list of repeats. Bravo!!!!!

I hit the road on Saturday morning and headed to Cody by way of Dubois, Riverton, Shoshoni and Thermopolis. My Road Warrior status was challenged slightly as snow was falling on a slick road over Togwotee Pass. The beautiful scenery welcomed me to Dubois, and I was excited to see that the Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration was taking place! I enjoyed meeting members of the tree committee as well as an online friend from the area! It was a fun, short stop!

The rest of my trip was uneventful, and I always love traveling through the Wind River Canyon. What a town Cody is! I had a great time. My hosts highly recommended Cassie's for supper and brunch Sunday morning, and they were absolutely spot on. I recommend the rotisserie chicken, which was HUGE! For brunch, I had the cream cheese stuffed french toast with berries and whipped creme...it was absolutely enormous and decadent! The Bloody Marys are known as some of the best in town. The atmosphere is very cozy, and the history just oozes from the walls. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. The manager is always greeting guests and making sure everyone is well cared for. When I arrived, I was greeted by probably half a dozen employees! The live music was a nice touch for my Saturday night visit, and I can imagine how much fun one can have on their dance floor!

Sunday morning pre-brunch I enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. What a gem! I could go on and on about all that I loved...the historical models, the displays, the William Cody antiques and family memorabilia, the Plains Indians exhibit, the Yellowstone displays...just outstanding. Definitely one not to miss! Post-brunch, I took a drive up to the Buffalo Bill Dam (BEAUTIFUL!!!) and stopped in to see the Irma Hotel. Another historical gem not to be missed -- built by William Cody and named for his daughter, the hotel celebrated its centennial in 2002. I also had only a moment to explore downtown shops before the Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Cody, so I popped into Reindeer Ranch on Sheridan Ave. WOW!!! The beautiful Christmas decorations were jaw-dropping. The store is a mixture of historical components and fun holiday decorations. I could have spent a LOT of time in that store!

I felt very privileged to experience the arrival of the tree in Cody. The turn-out was impressive, and the excitement was electric! It was fun to be a part of that energy, even if it was for a brief moment -- we had some movies to put on!

Our two screenings of Warren Miller's "Wintervention" in Cody went over VERY well! The Sleeping Giant Ski Area staff were great at connecting with the public, and the attendees were very supportive of the resort. We had a great turn-out, people had fun, and it was a real joy working with the staff. Tony and the staff of Big Horn Cinema were AWESOME, and extremely accommodating! I'm excited to go back next year!

The drive home was slow, with snow the entire way from Cody to Laramie. Levi waited up for me as always to get home, and we rolled into bed at 3 AM -- but it was worth it, it was a GREAT weekend!

Til next time -- I'm logging the miles and excited to see where the adventure takes us next!

Kati

Kati Hime
Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com

The Life & Times of WLM -- The Killer Casper Wasp (Yes, it was a KILLER!!! Quit laughing!) :)

Well, Levi is going to kill me for posting this one...but that's okay. I rather like our couch, it is comfy to sleep on...hence why he'll come wake my sorry butt up at 2 AM when I've fallen asleep writing an article on that same couch...often times hands still on the keyboard... :)

Last weekend Levi & I were in Casper for another Job's Daughters conference. We arrived a little early and made our way through our distribution points in Casper, dropping off loads of extra copies. (Sadly, this is about as close as we get to a vacation sans babies anymore.) :)

As we left Country Charm Gift Shoppe, we began to cross the street. What should come buzzing around my head, then his, and back ahead, but a wasp! One thing you should know about me -- I do NOT like wasps. I don't know why. They've never done anything to me -- but they seem rather grumpy, and I tend to shy away from grumpy organisms, people, moose and wasps included. :)

So I did what my grandma always told me, and that was to stand still. Which I did -- in the middle of the street. Levi apparently did not receive my grandma's memo, as he proceeded to wave at the air in front of the wasp and told me to move OUT of the street, but that childhood lesson was firmly lodged in my brain. I was unable to move. Plus...it LANDED ON ME!!! I resisted the urge to scream and jump around, and then it moved -- to Levi, then in my bag of magazines, then in Levi's bag of magazines, to him, to me, and so on. We ended up going back to the sidewalk after a moment of "It's on you!" "No, it's on you!" We put down our bags, and watched it explore their contents before flying off...once we guessed it had left, we picked them up again and kept going...

Once we arrived safely on the other side of the street, wasp nowhere in sight, we breathed a big sigh of relief. THAT was when we looked up -- and saw a man in the shop window laughing hysterically at us. And that was when we realized that we probably looked a little silly. (Just a LITTLE.) I really wanted to go in that shop and inform that laughing man of the size of this killer wasp... :)

Well, lessons for the day: #1 You're never too old to be afraid of a wasp. #2 My grandma failed to tell me what I should do if a wasp lands on me in the middle of a downtown street. #3 My husband is truly my knight in shining armor, risking his safety by waving his arms in the air in front of the killer wasp... and #4 I am definitely now sleeping on the couch. :)

'Til next time... I am maintaining that this wasp was GINORMOUS and had a stinger the size of an embroidery needle... :)

Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com