Stage Stop Begins!

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications: Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

All images by Chris Havener

The 2012 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) starts Friday!  Visit their website at www.wyomingstagestop.org for lots of information, past results and some great images by Chris Havener.  According to the IPSSSDR’s website:  “In 1996 Frank Teasley, with the help of public nurse Jayne Ottman, launched the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race to showcase the beautiful state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. In addition, the race worked to spread the word about the need for childhood immunizations—and each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations.”

All images by Chris Havener

The 2012 schedule is as follows:

Friday, January 27: Jackson Hole

Saturday, January 28: Travel Day

Sunday, January 29: Lander

Monday, January 30: Pinedale/Cora

Tuesday, January 31: Big Piney/Marbleton

Wednesday, February 1: Alpine

Thursday, February 2: Evanston 1st day of racing

Friday, February 3: Evanston 2nd day of racing

Saturday, February 4: Park City

All images by Chris Havener

Here is the kickoff day’s timeline for events from Jackson!

Timeline race start at Town Square Friday, January 27, 2012:

5:00 Music on the sound system, food and booths

5:00 Storm Show’s 2011 ski/ride film “Action Jackson” playing on the JumboTron

6:00 P.M.  Welcome

6:30 IPSSSDR RACE START

7-9 Pedigree Party at Snow King

8  Torchlight Parade

8:30 Fireworks

Please note: START Bus runs every 15 minutes from the Town Square to the corner of Cache and Snow King from 7-8 PM then from 8-9 it runs from Town Square to Snow King Center Bus Stop.

All images by Chris Havener

Time to get mushin’!

‘Til Next Time…

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications:  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

ART IN WY: Trio’s New Exhibit

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES:  Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine — www.wyolifestyle.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com

 

Trio Artists Take Flight in December Group Exhibition to Benefit Teton Raptor Center

Jackson, WY – Just in time for the holidays,Trio Fine Art will be hosting a show inspired by our fine feathered friends.  Entitled “Flight,” the show came about as a result of all four gallery artists’ affinity for birds.  The title reflects not only the subject of the exhibition but the artistic aspirations of the participants: Jennifer L. Hoffman, Lee Carlman Riddell, Kathryn Mapes Turner, and September Vhay.

The gallery will partner with the TetonRaptorCenter(www.tetonraptorcenter.org) for the exhibit; a percentage of all the sales from the exhibition will be donated to the center, and Roger Smith will be on hand at the reception to talk about the RaptorCenter’s activities.  One of the center’s resident birds will also be in attendance.  The show will open on December 8 with a reception from 5-8 PMand will hang through December 31.

From the Artists’ Perspective

Kathryn Mapes Turner, “Her Wingspan”; oil on linen, 24×24″

Kathryn Mapes Turner: “My passion for birds started at a very early age when my father, a trained ornithologist, was rehabilitating raptors in our backyard. In the 1970’s and early 1980’s, the Wyoming Game and Fish would send him bald and golden eagles that had been poisoned or shot by ranchers and it was miraculous to see these magnificent birds reclaim their health over a period of time and then be released in flight.  As a young girl, it gave me a unique opportunity to learn about these birds — study their form and behavior. In art, birds can represent so many things such as strength, lightness, grace, beauty.  I enjoy incorporating the expressive quality of birds in my imagery.”

Jennifer L. Hoffman, “December”; conte & charcoal on davey board, 8×10″

Jennifer L. Hoffman:  “From watching my grandfather building birdfeeders in his basement, to identifying birds at our family cabin, to hiking through the Hawai’ian rainforest in search of endangered native honeycreepers, birds have played an important role in my life for as long as I can remember.   I even met Lee Riddell at a “bird sit” with naturalist Bert Raynes many years back.  I am inspired by the grace, the gesture, the incredible strength and instinctual drive of birds.  I have sketched their forms as long as I’ve been drawing, and they occasionally make appearances in my landscapes.  I’m excited to put more focus on them for this show.  I’m also delighted by the opportunity to support theTetonRaptorCenter.  Not only do they do phenomenal work rehabilitating injured birds, but their dedication to education and community outreach is fantastic.  What a special place to have right here in our little valley.”

Lee Carlman Riddell, “Calliope Hummingbirds, August 2″; oil on linen, 8×6”

Lee Carlman Riddell: Lee Carlman Riddell’s love of birds came from her parents … her Dad planted the flowers that attracted the birds to their yard, and her Mom taught her to recognize the bird’s songs. Recently a Calliope hummingbird nested outside Lee’s studio window and she was able to draw and paint the mother and two chicks as they grew up. She is forever grateful for this time spent with the hummingbird family.  Lee is a long-time supporter of theTetonRaptorCenter. Years ago, when Roger Smith and Margaret Creel cared for injured raptors in their back yard, Lee and her husband Ed would make a contribution so they could buy frozen mice for the birds’ dinners. She is proud of Roger and Margaret and all those who helped make the official home for injured raptors a reality.

September Vhay, “Lavender Mist”; oil on linen, 7.5 x 12″

September Vhay:

“The very idea of birds is a symbol of the soul, representing a passage between the physical and the spiritual. I have had a life long love affair with them which began one summer at the age of fifteen while driving an old truck along a stretch of alfalfa fields.  A curious American Kestrel flew alongside the open drivers window for about fifty yards.  I was awestruck and hooked for life.”

Trio Fine Art is located at 545 N Cache St., across the street from the visitors’ center.  The gallery is open Thursday – Saturday from 12-6 during the run of the exhibition.  For additional information, please visit www.triofineart.com and the artists’ individual websites: www.jlhoffmanfineart.com, www.leeriddell.com, www.turnerfineart.com, and www.vhay.com.

‘Til Next Time…

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES:  Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine — www.wyolifestyle.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com

WY PEOPLE: Lander Children’s Art Museum

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES & READ THE CURRENT ISSUES:

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Wyovore:  www.wyovore.com

Our sister pub:  Wyoming Weddings:  www.wyoweddings.com

Check out all the fun over at the Lander Children’s Museum — annual Fall Fun Fest and more program information follows…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Early Out After School Program — Now registering for Session II!

“World Cultures”

Dates: October 19 – November 30 (No class November 23rd)

Time: 2:30 – 4:00 pm

Cost: $60 per session, museum members receive a $5 discount.  Class size is limited to 10 students.  Pre-registration is encouraged.

Come join us for an opportunity to learn about each other!

We will explore Canada, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa through play, stories, songs, celebrations, art, toys, food, and school experience.

Discovery Clubs — Tiny Tots

Drop-in program for pre-K (ages 2-6), free with paid admission.  Caregivers must accompany children.

When: Tuesdays beginning October 4th

Time: 10:00 – 10:45 am

After School

Program for children ages 7 and up.  Work on Science Fair projects, general science discovery, robotics and technology.  Pre-registration strongly encouraged.

When: Thursdays beginning October 6th

Time: 3:30 – 4:45 pm

First Friday Family Nights

Discounted admission of $5/ family.

Light dinner is offered for $2 per person

Time:  5-7 pm

Dates:  October 7 — November 4 — December 2 — January 6 — February 3 — March 2

Don’t Miss Out on a Great Night Out!

 

Thanks to the Lander Children’s Museum for some great programming for Lander families! I’m impressed!

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES & READ THE CURRENT ISSUES:

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Wyovore:  www.wyovore.com

Our sister pub:  Wyoming Weddings:  www.wyoweddings.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WYOMING TRAVEL: TOWN FOR SALE

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES & READ OUR CURRENT ISSUES!

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Wyovore:  www.wyovore.com

Thanks to Rob McIntosh for sending us this new installment — Rob is an avid motorcycle rider, and travels the state frequently.  He also happens to be one heck of a writer and photographer!  We enjoyed this viewpoint on Buford, a town of much fame along Interstate 80 in southeastern Wyoming…article and photography by Rob McIntosh — thanks Rob!

With fall well under way, a couple of us decided we should definitely take advantage of a nice September weekend.  So, we filled the tanks on our bikes and dressed for the coolness of the morning.  Sunrise was 6:44 AM and we’d left Torrington headed south toward Cheyenne by then. Our destination was Buford, Wyoming.

Within two hours we were parked outside the Trading Post in downtown Buford.  Unfortunately, the Mayor, town council, owner and operator of the Trading Post as well as the rest of the townsfolk were all gone when we arrived.  That’s not unusual since the town of Buford has a population of one.

Established during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1866 and named after Major General John Buford the town is located between Cheyenne and Laramie on Interstate 80. In 1880 Buford had a post office and boasted a population of at least 2000. At 8000 feet elevation it is the highest community on Interstate 80.

Today, Don Sammons who is the only resident runs the Trading Post and lives near by in the only house in Buford.  As Mayor, Don says he wants to retire, so the entire town is up for sale. We were glad Don found a friend to watch over the town in his absence.

Strangely enough, while we were there several vehicles stopped for fuel.  One couple with their three children and cat were pulling a U-Haul.  They were headed from Vermont to their new home in Oregon.  Others stopped for refreshments and use of the facilities.  At one point, the population increased 12 fold when a van with a few adults and some teenagers stopped by.  This might have been unusual but for the short time we were there, Buford was quite busy.

We stayed long enough for some snacks and a few photos of our bikes with the Buford sign and Trading Post and then headed on.  Our ride took us on to the Happy Jack Road just west of Buford and back to Cheyenne.  The weather was perfect, the ride was beautiful, and the visit to Buford was enjoyable as well as educational.  We hope to return to Buford at a later date and meet the entire population while we are there.

If you are ever traveling Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie, stop at Buford for a break.  The pop is cold, the coffee hot, and the atmosphere is very pleasant.  You never know, you might buy yourself a town while you’re there.

Thanks Rob! Buford is one of our little spots of folklore in Wyoming — when you’re cruising along I-80 in southeastern Wyoming, be sure to stop in and say hello and take a picture!

‘Til Next Time…

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ OUR NEW ISSUE! www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATION, WYOVORE — IN BOOKSTORES! www.wyovore.com

 

 

WY TRAVEL: Guernsey Lake – Did You Miss This?

Thanks to Rob McIntosh for sending in this editorial and images — Guernsey Reservoir is a popular destination for many folks, and I appreciate this perspective on the little details that are commonly overlooked…all images and article are by Rob McIntosh of Torrington. Thanks Rob!

Keep in mind while reading this that in no way am I saying there is anything wrong with fishing, camping, boating, skiing, and other water sports that go on at Guernsey Reservoir.  This is my attempt to focus (pun intended) on what the majority of the people spending time at the lake will never see. High above the beaches and crisp blue water of the lake lies an all together different world that is seldom seen unless a person takes time to climb the cliffs.  Since the lake area was carved over a vast amount of time and most of the cliffs were under water at some point in that time, there are dozens of things worth photographing as you climb to the top.  In addition to the cliffs themselves, you will find all kinds of interesting and seldom seen sights.

As the layers of shale were being formed, small animals and plants became trapped in the mud.  As time went on, these areas were exposed to the elements and eventually those fossilized plants and animals showed up on the surface where you can clearly see them.  In other areas, the air pockets had created crystallized formations called geodes. Again, these areas worked their way to the outside world and became visible to those climbing the cliffs.

With the Earth shifting and water wearing away at these areas for eons, those layers are lined along the cliffs so they look like old books or newspapers stacked up so someone could grab them and leaf through the pages.  One such book fell off the stack and is sitting on edge waiting to be picked up and returned to the pile.

There’s an area where water flowed over the layers of sedimentary rock cutting a channel into it.  Then, that channel filled with sediment and eventually turned to rock.  It boggles the mind to think that these cliffs high above the lake were at one time under the lake.

Eventually through erosion and wind, the area began to support plant and animal life again.  Obviously, the water below supports an abundance of life, both plant and animal, but the life on the cliffs is all together different. As the cedar trees grow and die, they leave behind pinecones and needles and eventually themselves as nature’s artwork. The cactus plants bloom with their waxy flowers along with the yucca and thistles all surrounded by thorny leaves or threatening spikes.   Plants sprout and grow in the cracks of the rocks where it doesn’t seem there is enough soil to support even the tiniest sprig.  Bees, bugs, and other signs of life appear everywhere.  All this and more exists high above the water and the beaches just waiting for those people like me to see them and photograph them.  So, sometime when you are at the lake and get tired of the water and all the activity that surrounds it, take a hike up the cliffs and see this other world that exists within the confines of Guernsey Reservoir.  It is a wonderful sight, especially from the top.

Thanks Rob! I appreciate this new view, and will be sure to share it with my boating family so they too can appreciate what they’ve been missing…Guernsey Reservoir and the town of Guernsey, along with Platte County Wyoming, are a fun point of tourism in the state. Water sports and historical points (such as Fort Laramie!) are popular destinations — be sure to add them to your Wyoming tourism bucket list!

‘Til Next Time…

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ OUR CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OR OUR NEW PUBLICATION, WYOVORE — FOR BOOKSTORES & BY SUBSCRIPTION — HEADING ACROSS AMERICA! www.wyovore.com

 

WY HUNTING & FISHING: “The Tug Is The Drug – It’s Streamer Time On The North Platte River”

Thanks to Platte River Fly Shop & Mark Boname Photography for our latest installment in our look at Wyoming hunting & fishing!


Fall is definitely known as “trophy trout time” on the North Platte River Tail Waters and it’s one of our favorite times to fish. Because of the heavy snow pack runoff, the North Platte has been high all summer and is finally starting to recede to its normal fall clear low levels.

Photo by Mark Boname Photography

Streamer fishing is probably our most favorite way to fish the North Platte because it produces so many large fish. As the river drops this fall, the lower flows will give fisherman access to classic runs, flat-water glides, and undercut banks that are typically obscured by higher flows during the summer. With this clear water most of the time you can actually see the fish come out of nowhere and eat your fly. Streamer fishing in general involves a little more casting than other methods but the reward is definitely there. It is truly something special when a big fish almost pulls the rod from your hand while attacking your fly on the retrieve.

It can also be said with reasonable confidence that fall on the North Platte offers anglers their best shot at a true trophy. Double digit browns as well as rainbows are caught every year in the fall. On these fall streamer trips you won’t catch as many fish as nymphing  in the spring and summer months but the size and quality will make up for it.

To streamer fish effectively you must cover a lot of water; so fishing from a boat is the most effective way to cover long sections of the river. However, those that wade can also do well by using a heavier sinking line. We recommend a 7 to 8 weight fly rod with a sink tip line for throwing big streamers all day.

Photo by Mark Boname Photography

Don’t forget to bring your dry fly rod and a box of small dry flies as well. Fall is one of the best dry fly fishing times of  the year. We have both a good Blue Wing Olive and Pseudo hatch along with some left over hoppers and caddis. Watch the banks as you float down river as these fish are feeding very quietly and half the time you have to see them to know they are there.

We hope you have a great successful fall fishing season and please don’t hesitate to visit our website at www.wyomingflyfishing.com, our Facebook page at North Platte River Fly Shop, or call the Platte River Fly Shop at 307-237-5997.

Article by the Platte River Fly Shop Guide Staff / Photography Mark Boname

Thanks Mark & Platte River Fly Shop for this column!  Happy fishing this fall season — the weather is still gorgeous, so be sure to get out there!

‘Til Next Time…I’m craving more outdoor activities while the weather’s so beautiful!

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES & FIND OUR CURRENT ISSUES:

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine:  Fall 2011 issue is UP online! www.wyolifestyle.com

Wyovore, our bookstore publication is out and circulating and UP online for digital subscriptions:  www.wyovore.com

Check out our wedding publication, for destination & local brides AND grooms in Wyoming!

www.wyomingweddingsonline.com

 

WY Camping Recommendations — From the Fans!

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITE & CHECK OUT THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BOOKSTORE VERSION, WYOVORE — COMING SOON FOR FALL 2011! www.wyolifestyle.com

Image by Brant Nyberg Photography, http://brantnyberg.zenfolio.com/

Thanks to Brant from Riverton for suggesting a blog on camping recommendations! GREAT idea!  We polled fans on our Facebook page and gathered their camping recommendations…so from the best resource out there (the WY enthusiasts!) here are our recommendations for camping spots in Wyoming…

From Casey:  “Friend Park…Laramie Peak”

From Andrea:  “Laramie Peak area is absolutely beautiful! And then there is closeby and reliable ol’ Glendo! Love them both”

From Jennifer:  “Camp Bethel in the Bighorns”

From Patricia:  “Buffalo Bill Reservoir”

From John:  “Anywhere on the Red Desert — I tend to like the area around Oregon Butte .. Oh the memories and dreams to once again view God’s awesome wonders He created!”

From Mary:  “Up Granite Creek near the hot springs and the waterfall which is on the edge of the Gros Ventre Wilderness.”

From Jean:  “We camped as a family at Medicine Bow Creek up by Hyattsville. Great place!!!”

From Laura:  “Anywhere near Granite Hot Springs and Big Sandy Openings are great choices…”

From Sonja Caywood Landscapes, Western and Wildlife Art in Dayton, WY:  “Lake Adelaide or Sawmill Flats in the Big Horns :)”

From Bearlodge Mtn Classic, a mountain bike race near Sundance (check out the first issue of Wyovore to learn more!): “Reuter Campground in the Bearlodge Mountains of North East Wyoming’s, Black Hills — Saturday, September 17 so that you will wake up at the Start/Finish of the Bearlodge Mtn Classic mountain bike race/ride!”

From Kathy:  “Fremont Lake campground, outside Pinedale! :-)”

From Brant:  “Brook’s Lake above Dubois is one of our family favorites.”

From Daniel:  “Bighorns!!!”

From Margaret:  “Cheyenne”

From Mary:  “Big Horns, Ft Laramie, Douglas during the State Fair this month, Laramie, Yellowstone, Pathfinder if you like to fish, Glendo but only if you like to fish, Thermopolis, Cody, Snowy Range out of Laramie, Saratoga”

From Jessie:  “French Creek Campground in the Snowies is absolutely beautiful. Full of aspens, so it’s great in early fall!”

From Shasta:  “Have 2 favorite spots- Signal Mountain Campground in Grand Teton National Park and Porcupine Campground in The Bighorns! Both have beautiful views and lots of wildlife!”

From Ranchweb:  “Don’t forget to check out a dude or guest ranch in Wyoming!”

From Wyoming Outdoors, an awesome Facebook page: “There are pics of some favorite camp areas on this page too. My personal favorite is Deer Creek area.”

From Suzanne:  “Anywhere in Yellowstone.”

THANKS guys!!! Do you have more suggestions? We’d love to hear them! Email us at editor@wyolifestyle.com, post on our Facebook page for Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine or Wyovore (our bookstore version!) or give us a tweet at @wyolifestylemag or @wyovore!

‘Til Next Time…Camp On!

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES:

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine — Read the summer issue, and the fall 2011 issue will come out in August! www.wyolifestyle.com

Wyovore — Our new bookstore compliment, coming out SOON for fall 2011! www.wyovore.com

 

WY HUNTING & FISHING: It’s Hopper Time!

LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITES:  www.wyolifestyle.com — Read the Current Issue and www.wyovore.com — Coming soon for Fall 2011 — our NEW bookstore version!

All images copyright and courtesy of Mark Boname Photography

Thanks to Mark Boname of North Platte River Fly Shop in Casper for providing us with our first Wyoming hunting & fishing blog!  Mark has some great input as well as remarkable photography — visit their website or their Facebook page, and give them a call for your Wyoming fishing answers…and THANKS Mark for the blog post and great photos!

It’s that time of year again! If you’re a farmer or rancher, you are probably saying some four letter words under your breath, but if you’re a fisherman you’ve got to love it. The Natrona County Extension Agency is predicting another record infestation of grass hoppers this year. By what I’ve seen so far they’re correct, however it seems that there are pockets around the county where the hopper populations are higher than others. Unfortunately for fisherman this year, in anticipation a lot of property owners below Gray Reef Dam have sprayed and we are not seeing as many hoppers in the upper reaches of the river.

Last year was the first real hopper fly fishing season on the North Platte River since I started guiding in 1987. With the culmination of a high hopper population, high water and windy conditions, fishing hopper patterns along the banks has been unbelievable. Watching 20 inch rainbows rise from nowhere to smash your fly is a more aggressive style of fishing and quite thrilling. Half the time it would scare you to death with a reaction that caused you to take the fly away from them.

Hopper fishing on the North Platte is definitely better done from a boat as you can drift down along the banks and cover more of the water. You can wade fish using hopper patterns, but can only present the pattern for so long over a single piece of water before you will have to move on and find a new stretch of untouched water.  In addition, if you quarter your casts up river you will get better drag free drifts.

High mountain hopper fishing is exceptionally good and usually lags a couple weeks behind what we find down along the valley floors. As with any dry fly, it is best to fish hoppers upstream, casting to pockets and seams and letting the fly drift back to you. Just make sure that you’re stripping enough line so that when it comes back to you and you get a strike, you can set the hook more efficiently.

With the introduction of high density foam into the fly tying arena, a lot of great new hopper patterns are out on the market today. These new patterns are not only more durable, but also float higher and longer without the need for putting fly floating on them. Although the old spun deer hair hoppers like Joe’s Hoppers are still just as effective, I’m noticing the hoppers right now in all different colors and sizes – so don’t worry too much about the color as much as the durability and floatation factor.

For more information about fishing or getting a guide trip for the hopper season please contact us at the Platte River Fly Shop — 307-237-5997,info@wyomingflyfishing.com

Thanks again Mark!  Stay tuned to our new blog category for info on hunting & fishing, as well as the other category topics listed…  Our fall issues of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine and Wyovore will be coming out before long for fall 2011!

‘Til next Time,

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

Wyovore

Wyoming Weddings