And I got paid to ride my bike today......

So, we're almost done with signs inventory, happy to move on to the next assignment, but at the same time really enjoyed it and didn't mind it at all. Then, yesterday we were told that we also needed to do signs inventory on the paved bike pathway in the park - of course, the two other interns and I had to arm wrestle for it, and somehow I won! Today I got to ride my bike for 3 hours, I got paid to do it, and it was a beautiful day! I am about 25% done so hopefully on Thursday I can pick up where I left off!

I was also able to take some pictures of some of the wildflowers in the park - still learning them, I've bought books on both wildflowers and wildlife - who knew there would be so much to learn. Don't even get me started on the glaciers and topography! At any rate, today's focus was wildflowers...... The red one is called "Indian Paintbrush" and the white one I think is "Yampah"

I am not sure what the purple is, maybe a primrose? And the berries have me bewildered in the wilderness! Tomorrow we head to Yellowstone for a meeting regarding the White Bark Pine Trees, apparently they are dying off and there is hope for saving them. Should be interesting! Will post more soon, until then, adios amigos!

What a way to spend a Sunday....

Well, I am completing my 2nd weekend here - I have weekends off to explore on my own. Today there was 40% chance of rain but it turned out to be beautiful so I was able to go on a bike ride anyway!!!


There were lots of people out on the trail today, but still a very peaceful ride, not too crowded. I did get to see some wildlife. There was a pronghorn antelope taking a break from eating at one of the turnouts...it was about 50 yards away and just taking it easy......







There are lots of beautiful wildflowers out, I have learned that since the snow is still melting off the mountain, flowers bloom all summer long. I have purchased a book to identify them, but didn't have it with me today - these yellow ones are very common and all over the park.



I used my new tripod that I ordered from REI, it has flexible legs that wrap on anything, so I hooked it to my bike and took a photo of myself. You can see it was a great day for a bike ride! Also, I wore the new bike jersey and socks that Becca got me for graduation, thanks Becca! I love them!






There is also a horse farm right along the trail I take, today there were many out in the field having lunch as I passed by, I thought these two were particularly pretty.






Well, my time is up on the library computer, I'm going home to prepare for another week of "work" (hard to even call it that because it's such an adventure!).

Have a great week and I'll post more soon!
Love,
Pam

Another Day at the Office......

I am now half way through my 2nd week here, time is flying and I'm having fun! I've been out in the field taking signs inventory, this means we were out in the park working, but from time to time we take a moment to look up from the GPS to appreciate what we were surrounded by.

Yesterday, we drove to the top of the Signal Mtn Summit and then walked down a little path, from there you could see forever and a day....










and we also saw a USGS Survey Point, which I love finding!

We also saw Cascade Canyon from across Jenny Lake.....















After work I saw a "Moose Jam", which is a traffic jam caused by people trying to see a moose, there are also "Bear Jams" but I haven't seen one of those yet.....I walked a good 1/4 mile and down an embankment to see if I could see the Moose and this is what I saw.....






hmmmmmf......the moose was resting by the time I got there, so the antlers were all I got to see, I was wondering if I was ever going to get to see a whole moose....








At any rate, I wanted to go on a bike ride on the paved trail in the park, so I hopped on my bike and off I went.....here is part of the path I take.....



I was riding along enjoying the scenery, the fresh air, and the end of day sunshine when I noticed people pulling their cars over on the side of the road next to my bike path, I know now that this means a "jam" of some sort, I looked across the street to see what they were looking at and saw nothing....then saw people get out of their cars and run to MY side of the street, I looked ahead of me and right next to my bike path this is what I saw...........


Momma and baby crossed the street and went on their merry way, and so did I....it was amazing......all in all a pretty good day!


I can't wait to find out what I will get to see tomorrow!!!!

A drive on the wild side....

I woke up this morning at 5:30am and decided to head into the park to see if I could catch a glimpse of some wildlife during their morning grazing....

First I saw some Bison...

Then I saw some something else, a deer? a pronghorn antelope? I'm still learning my wildlife!

The mountains were beautiful this morning with the sun shining on them, very peaceful in the park this morning.....

and then I headed into the office to check my email, not a bad commute I must say......

Happy July 4th everyone!!!

Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming....

Hello Family and Friends,



As you know, I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to intern this summer with the GIS Department at the Grand Teton National Park. I have been dreaming of this moment ever since I heard about the opportunity back in February, and here I am!!!!






I arrived on Monday after a long drive - it was beautiful, but after 5 days on the road I was ready to arrive in Moose, WY. I approached the Grand Teton National Park at about 10:30 in the morning and I was in the park for mere moments before I had to pull off at one of the lookout points and just take it all in. I had never been to Wyoming, and had looked at images on the internet, but they did not do the mountains justice. The view is absolutely stunning.


It took a couple days to get the check-in process done, it shouldn't have, but there was a housing problem that grew with every hour, and my wonderful new boss had to put me up in her guest bedroom for my first night here. The head of housing got it all worked out and they placed me in my housing on Tuesday evening. That's the summarized version of a series of upsets, but in the end it all worked out, so that's all that matters!




Wednesday was my first day of work, it was a blast. I rode around the park taking sign inventory with one of my supervisors. It was a beautiful day and I got paid to drive around in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, hopping out of the truck from time to time to gps the coordinates and take a digital picture of the sign, and then hop back in the truck and continue on the roadtrip. It was amazing. I've posted the photo of me out working, I just can't believe I'm getting paid for this!!!




It is now Thursday evening and, believe it or not, I have a 3 day weekend that starts now, and I can't wait to get started! I plan on riding my bike, touring the park, taking pictures, listening to the sounds of silence, and appreciating every minute of every day that I am here.


I'll keep you posted, hope you're all doing well! Have a GREAT summer!!!!