Cold Days and Hot Chocolate

Visitor Center goose count: 12.

The geese are having a lively discussion down on the pond behind the Cheyenne visitor center today. I can only guess that they are questioning the method they use to pick their leadership. Each year, flocks of geese fly south for the winter. Inevitably, Cheyenne’s ponds host flocks who have decided Cheyenne is far enough.

Perhaps they have worked out a deal with the local sheep for woolen boots and jackets to keep them warm – a deal which always falls through because sheep don’t know how to work the sheers. Maybe they are charmed by the hospitality and fine sculptures of Cheyenne. Maybe they think our winter temperatures are still better than the far more arctic climates to the north. Regardless of the reason, they are here.

As one who can buy wool clothing and GORE-TEX gloves, I really like winter in Wyoming. There are so many options no matter where you choose to be. Skiing is available within a couple hours drive of everywhere. And where there is skiing, there are lodges. And where there are lodges, there is a fireplace and hot chocolate.

Sledding, snow mobiling and cross country skiing are available…pretty much anywhere. On a nice snowy day you can even find skiers out in the city parks with the kids and the dog. And, after a long afternoon of playing in the snow, there is hot chocolate.

Wyoming also offers winter sports for the spectator. In the northwest corner, visitors can watch dog sled races – and the fun that goes along with a hundred dogs waiting around for the event to begin. The area is also bringing back the cutter races which are the most fast and furious horse races you can find. And while you watch, there is hot chocolate to be enjoyed.

Geese aren’t the only animals seeking greener pastures in the winter. The cold weather brings wildlife closer to people. From the antelope herd that winters in the sheltered hills of Rock Springs, to the guests that take advantage of Jackson’s hospitality at the Elk Refuge.

Maybe you don’t have a winter coat suitable to long stints in the outdoors. Maybe the idea of Jack Frost nipping at your nose doesn’t appeal. Well, long winters in Wyoming have inspired hundreds of indoor events to suit any taste. Symphony performances, plays, special concerts, indoor rodeo and a number of other options are available almost any weekend. And, should the weather turn and the snow starts to fall, you can always sit by the window listening to the geese serenade you as you sip some hot chocolate.

Who's Watching You?

Visitor Center bunny count: 14.

When you think about Wyoming, you probably think about big, majestic wildlife: the elk, moose, bear, possibly antelope or wolves. But strolling through the parking lot today and seeing the rabbits sunning themselves on the hillside – looking straight at me and thinking “I am a rock, I am a rock, I am a cute…fuzzy…rock” – made me think of all the little animals that can enrich a trip through our state.

You would be hard pressed to get through an hour in Wyoming without seeing some sort of smaller wildlife. Carving civilization into the Rockies means sharing our yards and park space with red and gray squirrels, cotton tails, jackrabbits, raccoons and fox. And those phone poles and electric lines make great perches for wrens, sparrows, robins, hawks, blue jays, ravens and the occasional eagle. I’ve never seen a humming bird perch, but I have seen them buzz by my patio table to see if I’m in a sharing mood...

Outside the city limits there is an endless array of little critters to entertain you as you go to or from. Look for prairie dogs and ferrets in the middle and northeast side of the state. If you’re in the southwest corner, you’ll see their smaller, dorkier, but much friendlier cousin, the golden ground squirrel. Not friendly at all, rock chucks and wood chucks (marmots, if you’re about to Google) will come out to tell you that you’re in their spot pretty much anywhere you decide to camp. And, if you are camping in high country and you feel like something is watching you, you may be in the presence of a pika – quite possibly the cutest and shyest animal ever to walk the earth.

Now these are just the animals that you’ll see and say “aw, cute.” But Wyoming has characters! Little creatures who are waiting for the chance to entertain! Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn and watch the acrobatic feats of otter on an icy creek bed. Listen to the serenade of a meadowlark with back up vocals by a distant coyote and percussion provided by the local beaver family. At center stage we have the golden eagle performing death-defying dives for prey…or to impress his girlfriend. And, as your attention was diverted by the show, a camp robber bird has swooped in and helped himself to your popcorn…and a can of soda…and a Twinkie.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think anyone would actually come visit Wyoming for our tiny creatures. But, as you’re headed through the state on your way to Yellowstone or taking a walk through the Botanic Gardens during Cheyenne Frontier Days, don’t forget to look around for the smaller citizens. Because they’ve got their eyes on you, guaranteed.

Dubois is the Coolest Small Town

Budget Travel has listed Dubois, Wyoming, as a nominee for “America’s Coolest Small Town.” If you’ve been there, you’ll probably agree. Dubois (pronounced doo-boys in this neck of the woods) is only about 50 miles from the gates of Yellowstone, but this town holds its own for nature lovers with the Absaroka and Wind River Mountains within easy view.

Also available for easy viewing are the area’s abundant wildlife including huge herds of elk and bighorn sheep. Moose, wolves and mule deer are also frequent visitors to the area. There are plenty of locals who would be happy to take you out to see the wildlife or, equipped with a map and a tank of gas, you can find your own.

Dubois has been home to another “wild bunch"... Outlaw Butch Cassidy and his buddies spent time in this area off and on throughout their lives. Visitors interested in history can learn about him, as well as others who have passed through the area, at the local museum.

If you want to mix some new west with your old west, Dubois offers rodeo, rodeo, some square dancing and then some more rodeo during the warmer months. Certainly a great choice for the budget traveler.

Find out more about visiting Dubois at http://www.duboiswyoming.org/

Recently, Dubois has found its way into the national spotlight for a different reason. HBO’s new film “Taking Chance,” starring Kevin Bacon, is about LtCol. Michael Strobl and his experiences as he escorted the body of Dubois’ Lance Corporal Chance Phelps home after he was killed in Iraq. Learn more about the film at: http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/index.html

Dubois needs your vote! If you agree that Dubois is the coolest little town in America, give them your vote at http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/ on February 9. And if you’ve never been, put it on your list of things to do. You won’t be disappointed.