Deconstruction of a Beard

Alas, the time had come. And just like that I dusted off the clippers and sheared off 4 months of true mountain man authenticity. The beard had run its course and mustaches are not compatible with a bad head cold, if you catch my drift. Of course I couldn't resist the urge to try out several new looks. I had promised TMA several days of me sporting a mustache, but I think she'll be more pleased with this brief photographic evidence. She has suggested I start shopping for scarves. 

I think the handlebar mustache turned out quite nice. 

The carnage was great and I spent quite a bit of time cleaning the bathroom, but it's good to be semi-respectable again.

Tough Hiking in the Snow

Most of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is closed to vehicular traffic during the Winter. A few areas of the Park are still accessible and we have taken to hiking these frequently. Moose-Wilson Road, which connects GTNP & Teton Village and provides access to the new Rockefeller Nature Preserve, is such an area. The closed road is a popular cross country ski and snowshoe path because of it's flat surface and scenery. 

As we hiked we stayed to the packed paths; to do otherwise left our feet deep in the snow. Eventually I got curious and measured the snow pack. This photo shows how far down I dug to get to what I believe was ice atop the asphalt. 

The entrance to the Rockefeller Preserve off Moose-Wilson Road shows only cross country ski and snowshoe tracks. Each step across this meadow was a surprise as at times we sank up to our thighs in snow. 

Once we made it to the trailhead by the visitor center Traci discovered the trail guide box which holds maps and normally stands about 3 feet off the ground. 

Of course our hard work was rewarded with amazing views of the mountains. Clouds rolled in and out occasionally obscuring the peaks and dropping more powder. 

Wildlife visit The Lawn

With deep snow covering the higher elevations wildlife wanders down into the valley to forage. Hundreds of elk now populate the Elk Refuge. Mule deer have been sighted all over the butte out our front door, but I was finally able to get some good pictures of them close-up on the lawn in the daylight. Mule deer are a big breed characterized by their large ears.