A Sustainable Future for the West’s History

By Helen Coronato

The Accidental Cowgirl

When Mitch Mahoney was approached by community members to use his expertise as a long-time archeologist to become director of the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery, it was a natural fit for the Wyoming native. Believing the town of 409 was in need of a museum to preserve its rich and vibrant history, Mitch has made fast work of acquiring, organizing and displaying highly regarded local talent, well-known Western artists, archeological finds, paleontology pieces and Native American culture. With the building undergoing a facelift, Mitch is committed to the museum’s future and recently hosted its first Art Auction and Cocktail Reception.

Getting Into Hot Water

By Barbara Graham

The first time I ever heard of Thermopolis, Wyoming, was when a cartoon character popped out of a hole and read the sign with much juicy lisping. It made me laugh, but at the time, I didn’t know it was a real place. Now I know it’s not only real, but also a very nice place, and I go there fairly often.

On the edge of town is Hot Springs State Park. Famous for its hot mineral pools, the park has picnic areas, walking trails winding around the hot springs and a beautiful formation known as the Rainbow Terrace. Still, the naturally hot mineral water is the star attraction, and there are many ways to enjoy it. There are indoor pools, outdoor pools, waterslides, hot tubs, even a vapor cave — all celebrating the soothing, maybe even healing, powers of the hot springs. Motels in the park have their own hot pools.

            

Golden winter

During the winter, golden eagles from Alaska and Canada migrate south to Wyoming to spend the bitter cold season, joining our resident eagles that decline to move even farther south.

Recent research has attempted to present a West-wide population estimate for golden eagles. The research, conducted by Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST) of Cheyenne, indicated that Wyoming has 4,174 pairs of breeding golden eagles, the highest of any state and nearly half of the known breeding population in the West.

Photo of the Month!

By Russell Schnitzer

Presented with an opportunity to spend the Christmas holiday weekend in Jackson, Wyoming, we couldn't think of a better way to mark the occasion. Just three hours from our home in Lander, Grand Teton National Park in the winter is a world away from airport terminals, security screenings, delayed or canceled flights, or, at best, icy interstates. Winter is a special time in northwestern Wyoming, and the holiday season is a perfect time to take advantage of all it has to offer. 

With nordic skate skiing in mind, we arrived at the Taggart Lake trailhead on the afternoon of Christmas eve. This image, taken near Jenny Lake as the sun was beginning to fade, attempts to share the trail's spectacular setting.

Locals know that Grand Teton National Park is a world-class destination for nordic skiers. Here, trails are easily accessible, regularly groomed for both skate and classic, and offer incredible views.

Subject: Kelly Conroy

Credit: schnitzerphoto.com

Russell Schnitzer is an award-winning photographer based in Lander, Wyoming, and ranging throughout the West. Recent gallery shows have been in Denver, Kansas City, and Jackson, WY with awards received for both color and black-and-white images. Publication credits include ESPNOutdoors.com, TU.org, TROUT Magazine, Patagonia (tm) catalogs, Fly Fish America, Fly Rod & Reel, NewWest.net, and several conservation titles. In addition to photography and fly fishing, Russ happily resides in rural Wyoming with his wife, Kelly, along with their two dogs, a cat, and some chickens. Learn more at www.schnitzerphoto.com.