Local Weather
April was cold and snowy in Wyoming with a whisper of spring. Due to a family emergency, I spent the month in the Midwest. I traveled to Ohio when my mother broke her back.
April in Ohio contrasts greatly with the winter landscape of Wyoming. The month started with green grass and flowering trees: Magnolias, Pear, Redbud, Maple and Dogwood. The plant varieties paint a colorful picture. Redbud (Cercis) is my personal favorite and reminds me of how much I loved them while growing up in the Midwest. It’s an eastern species with pink blooms that adorn the tree with tiny clusters of flowers. Heart-shaped leaves emerge after the blooms. They thrive in most types of soil and exposures so their vivid color dots the landscape. The tulips and Lily of the Valley have popped and the green, green, green has filled me with joy!
Local News
COVID-19 defined the month of April for all of us. As the month ended, Teton County reported 96 cases with 88 recovered and sadly, one death. Unlike the rest of the State of Wyoming, business restrictions will continue until May 11. Teton County officials have asked travelers to stay at home until restrictions on travel are lifted. Life has changed as we know it. Read more »
Regional
COVID-19 has greatly affected the summer travel season. All businesses are making adjustments. Both Jackson Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Lodge in Grand Teton Park will remain closed this summer. Yellowstone has scaled back its operations with lodging closures and a delayed opening for spring 2020. Perhaps this is the summer for the wildlife to be wild with fewer people on the trails to impact their habitats. Read more »
Spiritual
With so many uncertainties and free time on our hands, we can enjoy the signs of spring and the support of the natural world. Go for a walk or a bike ride with the focus of awareness. Breathe in and out and let your thoughts go. Time spent outdoors can be focused to rejuvenate and calm the mind by letting go and focusing on the breath.
As thoughts arise, we come back to the breath. In, out. Thanks for this thought, let it go, then breathe. Go gently. Breathe the energy of nature, the harmony, tranquility and peace available to us all. Feel your feet, take a deep breath and exhale any worry and fear. We are all in this together.
What’s in the Woods
4/1 – Jackson, WY – brown creeper at town feeder
4/1 – Wilson, WY – Osprey near nest!!
4/1 – wintry weather
4/1 – avalanche kills a snowboarder in the Tetons, sad day
4/3 – Slide Lake, Gros Ventre Road – eight moose
4/5 – cold and rainy
4/6 – Jackson, WY – Sandhill Cranes flying overhead
4/9 – elk starting to migrate
4/10 – Wilson, WY – cow elk seen down south, slowly on the move?
4/13 – frigid temperatures
4/14 – Wilson, WY – two moose, herd of cow elk
4/18 – Jackson, WY – Kestrels, Great Blue Herons
4/20 – nesting Ospreys
4/21 – bluebird day – warm and sunny
Tour Suggestion
Winter wildlife closures ended on May 1. There is still lots of snow in the mountains which will delay trail access. May begins with partly sunny skies and people hunting antlers. Wildlife are on the move and bears are active. Roadways and pathways are great recreational options as the trails dry. Enjoy the change of season. Please follow local guidelines to minimize your risk to COVID-19. Be safe and well!