Steam rises from the Swan River! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers skied the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge on a brisk, sunny Saturday, January 7, 2017!
Though the temperature nudged a bit above zero, the slight breeze kept the wind chill in the negative!
Provided the bog is frozen over, skiers and snowshoers can continue down the old Bog Road past the kiosk . . .
. . . past cattails . . .
. . . and muskrat lodges that have had coyotes knockin on their doors!
Hoar frost has grown on this frozen-over lead of water . . .
. . . and on plants along the river!
The belly-sliding track indicates an otter den in the near bank of this river oxbow!
Rosey cheeks and noses indicate the white of frostbite is being held at bay! Hall Peak at center distance.
The Rangers' first-ever sighting of a garter snake in winter. Perhaps dropped by a bird, but found where in sub-zero weather?
The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.
They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.
Everyone is welcome!