HARRIMAN IN WINTER

Harriman State Park in Idaho originally belonged to Union Pacific Railroad investors.  Then it became a cattle ranch and private retreat for the Harriman and Guggenheim families.  Now it is open to use by visitors for hiking, biking, fishing and, my favorite, cross country skiing.

These three skiers were all dressed alike and enjoying the perfect conditions on the day I was there.

Temps were warm enough the squirrels were out digging up a little lunch.

Across the valley was a great view of the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons on the border between Idaho and Wyoming.

Wild animals such as deer and coyotes left their tracks in the snow.

The sun was out casting blue shadows across the frosty trees.

The trumpeter swans who winter at Harriman always honk like a traffic jam when they take to the air on their giant white wings.

They were headed for the open water of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.

They pretty much ignore humans who pass by in the ski trails.

Scenes like this make it well worth hauling a camera with a zoom lens along on a cross country ski trip.  But having that camera on board really cuts down on risky and adventurous tumbles down the hilly trails.

Next time I’m leaving the big camera home and I’m going for the trail on the south side of Silver Lake.  Towanda!