Snowy New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2009

Today happens to be a very snowy New Year’s Eve. Snow is falling very rapidly outside and quickly accumulating on everything in its path. The weather forecast says 5-10 inches of snow will fall today with another 2-5 inches tomorrow. That’s a great recipe for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. There is no excuse not to get outside tomorrow and work off all the holiday goodies that have been plaguing me all month.

Like everyone else’s resolution, mine is to get back into shape. Summer hiking and climbing isn’t too fun when you’re constantly out of breath. So, every year I make it a weekly habit of snowshoeing from my house up the bike path, to the Oxbow, and along Lower McDonald Creek to Lake McDonald and back. It’s a good work out, especially if I have to break trail. The only thing I hear is the pounding of my heart and mounds of snow falling off evergreen boughs not strong enough to support the weight. I usually see white-tailed deer and ducks on my trek, and postcard views of snowy trees. By the time I return, I’m soaked from snow and sweat. I feel better though, as I’m sure the endorphins were in high gear.

It’s hard committing to getting back into a routine, especially after the holidays, but this year I have some ambitious plans for hiking and climbing. Those plans are motivating factors for me to get out this winter. What are your plans for getting out this winter? What is motivating you?

Winter Evening Pics
December 18, 2008

Just a couple of winter pictures taken walking home from work in the Headquarters area. Alpenglow moments can be pretty amazing, but pictures rarely do these tiny seconds any justice.

Blog Stats
December 17, 2008

I was running some statistic reports on our Web site today and checked on what kind of numbers our blogs are receiving.

Since May, we have received 89,771 individual hits to our blogs. What I find impressive, is Bill Hayden's blog has received 29,363 hits, and he started blogging in August. I think it may have to do with the fact that he strategically has a link to his blog off of the Web cam page. We have joked about that in the office and quietly, I think the rest of us want to surpass Bill. You will notice that I haven't linked Bill's name to his blog. He he.

The purpose of Glacier's blogs has always been to keep you connected to Glacier and inform you about what is happening in the park in a more personable way. Hopefully we have done that.

Thank you for the interest all of you have displayed in reading them.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
December 17, 2008

This past summer I had the opportunity to work on a project for Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Colorado. It is a relatively new park service addition.

My job was to work closely with their staff to develop a series of wayside exhibits that tell the story of the Sand Creek Massacre. It was a story I didn't know about, and after learning more about it, I understand the significance of this new NPS unit. I would encourage you to explore their Web site a bit more, read the exhibits, and if you're in Colorado, to visit the site.

David Restivo and Jim Peaco, NPS

Social time in Glacier - Santa and River Otters

The Social Side of Glacier
December 15, 2008

Last Friday, someone paid a visit to Glacier. Santa arrived in full regalia to greet the children of employees who work in the park. He read The Night Before Christmas and passed out presents. Santa was in full form that night, but I could have sworn he sounded a lot like our own Paul Ollig. Hmm.

One of the things that I think makes Glacier so special is that this is a social park. Every now and then, a social event happens that brings people together from all corners of our 1.1 million acre park. It is a time to catch up with colleagues off the clock on both a personal and professional level and to learn what is happening in Many Glacier, Two Medicine, or the North Fork. The annual holiday party for Glacier families is one of my favorites because of the opportunity the children have to socialize together.

The other event I thoroughly enjoy is the annual summer kick-off party. This after work mixer integrates seasonal and year-round employees together before we head off to those far distant corners of Glacier. It is a time to meet new folks, catch up with old friends, and plan weekend hikes, climbs, fishing trips, and backcountry camping adventures for the summer.

These social events reminds me of the social interaction that happens with animals in the park, particularly, River Otters. They are very social animals and they know how to have fun. If you are lucky enough to watch them play, you will not soon forget the experience. You may see them sliding on mud and/or snow, burrowing in the snow, wresting with each other, and playing in the water. This “play” actually serves a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to scent mark.

It may be a little slow here now that it is winter, but Glacier has a social side, no matter what time of the year it is.

NPS

White-tailed Ptarmigan

Winter is Coming
December 12, 2008

The weather forecast is out, and it’s going to get cold around here. And, it looks like we’re going to get some snow too. As I walked to work this morning, the outdoor temp was 16 degrees. It will be interesting to see the thermometer tomorrow and feel the difference.

At the projected temperatures, any snow that falls will be complete powder. Powder isn’t bad, because it makes for great snowshoeing. If we get enough snow, I’ll be out and about breaking trail and watching our wildlife adapt to winter.

Winter adaptation is huge in Glacier. It is interesting to witness physical and behavioral changes. For example, the snowshoe hare changes color from brown in the warmer months to white in the winter as a means of camouflage from predators. The white-tailed Ptarmigan is another example as they have seasonally white winter feathers that blend in with the white environment. I might also witness more deer together. Because deer have skinny legs not suited for deep snow, you often see deer practicing a technique called trailing, where on deer leads and others follow in the subsequent path. Does it sound like something we might do as well? Sure. I always notice that after I break trail snowshoeing, subsequent snowshoers and cross country skiers come by and use my trail.

People adapt to winter as well. Some just stay inside and sip coffee and hot chocolate by the wood strove to escape the cold (not a bad idea). Others will dress in warm insulating layers and warm footwear to protect their skin when venturing out. Similar to the wildlife found outside, we’ll also eat more high energy food and drink more fluids while recreating outdoors to keep our body warm and full of nutrients.

Winter is coming this weekend. It should be interesting to see how it arrives and how well all of us adapt.

David Restivo, NPS

Belton Hills and a snow-covered road.

I'm Back
December 8, 2008

I’ve been gone for a bit, out of the Park for about a month on my furlough. It feels good to be back home and in Montana.

As we drove back into the park, we were treated to a thin blanket of snow on the roads, ground, and tree branches. I suspect there is more than that higher in the mountains. Attached are a few photos taken today of the view near Headquarters.

I'm somewhat eager for more snow to fall so I can start building snowmen. Last year on Christmas Eve, my family and I built a snowman on a picnic table in the line of sight of the Park Headquarter Web cam. I never knew it would be such a hit. So this year, I plan to create more snowmen with a few more recruits. Keep an eye out for a heavy snow.

I’ll being doing my best to get back into the swing of things with more regular updates.