The family was all together. And then they weren’t.

I have followed this family since their early days out of the den in 2020.

It has been such a joy to watch them! It has also been a joy watching my family and friends see them for the first time. I’m so glad they were able to experience the excitement of witnessing their journey. As the bears maneuvered their way through the throngs of people who stopped to catch a glimpse of this famous family. As they swam the river and crossed the vast landscape. I’m sure the bears were very unaware of the impact they were having on all of us. I don’t know how to explain the feeling you get when you see them. I’m sure everyone reacts differently – but for the most part it is heart warming and joyful.

But yesterday, it felt different. There comes a day in every bear’s life, when the mom will say goodbye. I knew the day was close. Cubs normally stay with their mom for 2 years. When the female enters her next estrous cycle in the spring, it is time for the cubs to go. Boars will be in search of her and this puts the cubs in danger. Yes, I understand all the science behind it. Yes, I understand it’s nature. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt to witness the separation.

It was actually quite heart breaking. I am just so accustomed to seeing them all together. (I do hope that the cubs stay together!!) Quite frankly, I’m hoping at some point 399 finds her way back to the cubs and they spend some more time together.

I don’t want to compare the life cycle of bears to that of ours but there are many similarities. We all say goodbye to our parents at some point. I had to say goodbye too soon. I miss them everyday. We don’t stay in the same den with our siblings forever. Everyone goes off and creates a life of their own. If I could tell these young cubs anything, I would tell them that becoming independent and being able to take care of yourself is a very wonderful thing. I would also tell them to get together with each other as much as possible. A bond between brothers and sisters cannot be broken. And no matter how much time and space there is between you, they are always in your heart. Maybe I feel so close to this group because there is 4 of them. And one is always venturing out on its own.

It is a miracle that the 4 cubs made it to this point. Survival rates of new cubs are very low. 399 has kept them safe. She has taught them well. She has done all that she can do to prepare them to go out on their own. Just like our moms did for us!.

I wish them all well!!!

On a happy note, one of her older daughters has just emerged with 3 coy in tow. I couldn’t believe how small they were!! Oh what this amazing bear has done for the Grand Tetons!!! Her legacy continues! She truly is the GOAT!!!

“Wherever there are wild animals in the world, there is an opportunity for caring, compassion, and kindness”. Paul Oxton

I like driving. Over the past two years I have come to prefer it over flying. It provides freedom. It provides adventure. It makes me feel so alive. Sometimes I have passengers. And sometimes it’s just me. Either way, the road is life!

I love music. So in the car I am surrounded by both beautiful sounds and beautiful sights. Good for the Soul. Good for the Senses.

People ask me if I get bored. The answer really is no! I find looking out the window at our beautiful country visually stimulating! There is always something to look at. Old barns, farms, blue skies, cornfields, mountains, prairies. I could go on and on. The combination of the music and the sights gets my heart racing and fuels me mile after mile. There are many times I take an unexpected side trip where I have been rewarded with an amazing sight (like the two Whooping Cranes that I found in Necedah Wisconsin last fall!)

The thought of the next destination replaces boredom with excitement! How can you complain about the drive when you know there is adventure waiting at the other end. When you know that the mountains are calling or something else is calling. When you are seeing new things or seeing old things in a different way.

Looking out a car window brings me joy! Even stopping at a rest area can be fun! One of my stops yesterday resulted in a 60 minute stay . Not typical to stay that long, but well worth it – found these beauties!

And spotted these two as I drove across I70

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road—“ Jack Kerouac

Enjoy the ride!!

It’s 28 degrees. By Florida standards, that is quite cold. The house is quiet. I do not want to wake anyone as I dress for a morning walk along a cold and windy beach. It’s Saturday morning. A good day to sleep in. But I don’t want to. I feel an urge to be outside – as cold and windy as it may be – the sun is shining and the blue sky looks so inviting. So boots, hat, flannel shirt, winter coat, and gloves prepare me for what’s ahead. I’m ready for what I think will be a crisp, quick walk. Two hours later, I’m still walking. It feels wonderful. I see no other people. I see beauty. It’s low tide. I’m surrounded by a magnificent combination of blue, tan, and white.

I stand facing the sun. I close my eyes. The only sound is the wind. It drowns out all thoughts. It’s peaceful. It’s a moment of clarity. I feel warmth. I open my eyes. The sun providing comfort. On the beach are a few pelicans. Is the sun doing the same for them?

During my walk I come across a Mockingbird. Perched in a tree, protected by its branches, her feathers ruffled by the wind. I take the time to observe her (I feel she is doing the same). It is time well spent. Her beauty brings me joy.

Another bird, a Tricolored Heron is facing the sun. Her dynamic colors add to the beauty of the day. The birds have always been here. I wonder how many walks I have taken without noticing them. I notice them now. I appreciate them. I marvel at their intelligence. They make me smile.

It’s when I return to the car that I realize I’ve been walking for over two hours. Today the saying “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun” holds true. I had no idea how much time had passed. I know that outside is where I feel most alive. Outside is where I feel free. Free as a bird.

This is a message to my young family members who are dealing with a pandemic that I know has uprooted their daily life and has brought a level of stress and anxiety that I would do anything to remove. I want this to be over with as much as anyone – but I want it to be over for them more than me. I choose not to focus on it. I don’t dwell on the negativity presented by the news outlets and I get outside to surround myself with nature. It has been scientifically proven that nature helps you feel better both physically and mentally. Your environment impacts you in so many ways. I know I am lucky to be able to spend so much time outdoors. But even photos of nature can help improve someone’s general well-being. That is why I post so many beautiful photos. I hope to bring a smile to your face. I hope that in some small part I can have a positive impact on your day. On the days that you can get outside – do it!!! Look around. Take a hike. Find the beauty.

There is a park, a path, a trail nearby – explore!!! Turn off the TV, turn off your phone, take the kids, take the dogs and GO!!! One of my favorite memories of when I was small was the Sunday drives. We packed into the car and just went. Out into the country . We escaped for the day. Guess what I remember – the laughter!!

I know what you are going through is tough. But I also know you are all tougher! Make time for yourselves. Do me a big favor. Plan to get outside this weekend! I know it’s cold. But if I can spend a day looking for wildlife in minus 26 degrees, you can bundle up and enjoy some fresh air!! Even if just for an hour. You’ll love it.

I will keep posting my photos to make you smile. And I will always encourage you to get outside to help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. And I will always love you.

2022 – day 1 – up before dawn – excited about the day ahead. We plan to search for wolves in Yellowstone. But I know for certain I will have my eyes out for the birds as well. And to my delight, as the sky lightened and the sun graced the horizon, I looked up to see an Eagle flying over. First bird of the new year was a majestic Eagle, in flight no less! As we entered the Northeast gate of Yellowstone a group of 5 Rosy-finches welcomed us. Seeing a Rosy-finch is a first for me so I am definitely loving the start to this day!! I saw my favorite bird – the American Dipper, some Mallards, Magpies, Ravens, Canada Jays, and a Mountain Chickadee. But the highlight of the day was seeing a Pygmy Owl!!Another first for me!!! (2 lifers in one day!!) She was perched high up in a distant tree. When I say the Pygmy Owl is small, I mean tiny!!! They are one of the smallest owls measuring around 6 inches. They are small, but definitely mighty. They feast on other birds sometimes more than twice their size. While the other birds that I mentioned above were pretty easy to spot, the Pygmy was a little more elusive. Besides being so small, she also decided to take flight after first being spotted. Since this was my first sighting of a Pygmy, I wanted another chance to see this gem of a bird. I had an idea of which tree she flew to, so I got out of the car and walked down the road a bit. There she was! (I should point out that the temperature was minus 20!) There she sat with her back to me. I waited and waited and waited – please little owl just turn around, I would love to see your incredibly beautiful face. I waited and waited. (The rest of the gang stayed in the car). So there I was standing in sub-zero temperatures hoping the Pygmy would cooperate and turn around. Did she?

No, she didn’t – instead she flew away, leaving me standing in the cold. But I didn’t feel cold…I was too excited and too happy!! These Owls aren’t found in the East and since we were really focused on finding wolves, not birds – the fact that she was spotted was really a treat!! A great way to start the new year!!! Such a special find! Happy New Year!!!

A family is clapping, giving each other high fives, and smiling as they drive away.

A woman throws her arms in the air, then claps, then gives me a big hug when I tell her who is across the river. She too is smiling.

A husband puts his arm around his wife who is sobbing – but he tells me – “they are tears of Joy. She has been waiting years for this moment” They both smile at me.

What is causing all of these people to break out in smiles? What is bringing so much joy to these Grand Teton National Park Visitors?

The simple answer is 399 and her 4 cubs.

People travel from all over our country (and world) to see this famous bear. I’ve told you all about her. How old she is, how many cubs she has raised, and why I love her so much. I know many people feel the way I do. To know (or see 399) is to love 399. But I think there is more to it. The quote “the Grizzly is a symbol of what is right in the world” comes to mind. When there seems to be so much wrong, this lovable bear and her family is giving people a reason to clap, high five, smile, hug, and yes, even cry tears of joy.

When 399 and her family show up, all I see are smiles. How refreshing!! Especially after a year when you couldn’t see another person’s smile.

Sometimes it’s even more than smiles, it’s uproarious laughter when the cubs show their playful side. What a glorious sound.

For anyone who has had a difficult year, for anyone who has had a hard time finding a reason to smile or to laugh, my wish is for you to find your 399. Maybe you won’t make it to Wyoming to see the actual 399. But I hope that you find your own symbol of what is right in the world. That you have something that makes you want to high five someone, that you have something in your life that brings you joy, something that brings a smile to your face. And maybe even something that will make you hug a stranger. Because I don’t know about you – but I think we could all use more smiles and hugs right now. How about a great big bear hug!!

JOY!!!!!

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I don’t see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”

This quote by A.D. Williams comes to mind each time I see one of the beautiful creatures roaming the parks. They are not here for our entertainment (although they provide so much joy), they are here playing such an important part in our ecosystems just trying to survive. And it is imperative that they do survive! I post the photographs hoping that it brings some awareness to those who view. An awareness of not just their beauty, but also of the value of our wildlife. Of just how special each species is and of the need to keep our wildlife wild. I remember reading an article emphasizing the importance of saving our wildlife. That without them there is no us. I think of that often. I hope you do too. I hope that you take a moment to appreciate the wildlife around you and do not take it for granted. Let’s all do everything we can to prevent the loss of more species. Once they are lost – we lose them forever. The West African Black Rhinoceros, the Baiji White Dolphin, two examples of beautiful wild creatures that roam the earth no more.

Help keep our wildlife Wild and Free!!!

I sold my house. A new family will soon move in. Two little ones will occupy the bedrooms that sat empty for so long. Only being used when a friend or family member would visit. My bedroom will now be slept in by a young couple eager to make this house their home. Ready to fill the halls with love and laughter. I’m happy to pass the keys to this young family. I won’t miss the house…I will miss my backyard birds. I left a housewarming present for the new family – it is a bird feeder!

It is time to wave Good-Bye! It is time for a change. Since I returned from my fall trip, I have felt the constant desire to be on the road again. I spent the first part of 2021 traveling – spending time with family in Florida and visiting wonderful National and State parks. And witnessing the Sandhill Crane migration. This country has so much to offer. And now, once again, the mountains are calling and I must go! John Muir’s words echo in my head and fill my dreams. I can’t wait to watch the Wyoming sunrises, to watch the sunsets over the Tetons, and to go in search of all the magnificent wildlife Northwest Wyoming has to offer. Always respectful that I am on their land – just a visitor. I am in awe of all that these animals have to endure. Stay tuned. I will share my photographs with you. I hope I can heighten your awareness of the importance of protecting our precious lands. I hope I can spark enough interest to make you want to become an advocate for our vulnerable wildlife – to be their voice since they have none. So yes, I am ready for a change because of the beauty that awaits me. I am ready for this adventure!!! Change is Good!

It’s no secret I love spending time outside. Hiking, Biking, Running, Birding, Exploring. I love the great outdoors! And my obvious favorite – Photography! Yesterday I was outside from sunrise to sunset – many of those hours were spent honing my craft. What a wonderful way to spend the day. The reward at the end of the day with my camera comes when I upload the photos. I relive the joy of the day. It’s like opening a new book!! Every photo is a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter. A new story being told.

The hours spent behind the camera have heightened my awareness to the beauty that surrounds us. The time spent looking through the photos is satisfying, positive, and joyful. I share my photos in the hope of bringing joy to others. Sharing “stories” to help spread positivity. Hoping to bring a smile to anyone who looks at them.

When I look at this image, I imagine the bird laughing. She’s so happy to be at the beach running through the water. The same way we feel when given the chance to feel the sand between our toes!!

Images can make us feel more calm, more relaxed, more peaceful.

Images can make us happy!!

Look for the beauty surrounding you!!! Find Joy!!

As 2021 begins, so does the Travel Bug. The need to hit the road is strong. I celebrate the New Year with my family, then pack the van. This time it’s not the mountains that are calling – instead it’s the beach, water, sunshine, and yes…the birds! There is nothing like the freedom of the road. I take my time- I go off the beaten path. I do not take the direct and fastest route to Florida. I visit two National Parks and many State Parks and National Wildlife Refuges along the way. The gem was the Congaree National Park – its trails providing hours and hours of pure joy!!! In a time of turmoil in our country, I will not lose sight of all that is good with the United States and will continue to look for opportunities to enjoy her wonderful aspects. The road is life. Glad to be traveling again.