Dec 31 - It's a Wrap!

 Wow! What a totally crazy year!

It's started out a like any other year - goals, dream trip to NW Alaska to see more Caribou, bears, moose, etc booked, made it up to Angels Landing in Zion and Valley of Fire in NV for the 1st time ever. Looking good.

And then the Covid shutdown came and unfortunately stayed. Whether one agrees or disagrees that it was and continues to be overblown, it doesn't matter. It shattered lots of dream, goals, cancelled trips and yes, many (overwhelming the aged) died. 

The working from home, packed trails, paranoia for hiking near so many people/grocery shopping has been personally very hard on me. But I'm plugging forward hoping the vaccine will at least get my life moving forward.

But despite the crap year, it's been pretty good for me in the outdoors. Here are some highlights.

1) After 8 years of hiking the Lambs Canyon trail, spotting my 1st ever Relict Fritillary on the final switchback on the trail (actually there were 3 all in the same still sunny spot. Didn't get a photo but went back a week later and one switchback down in again in the last of the day's sunlight, I spotted one who was very photogenic. (There was another flying in the same area.) Yes!

2) Again after 8 years of hiking the Lambs Canyon trail and again in the last of the days light, I see a snake I didn't know existed - Rubber Boa Constrictor. Yes, a Utah native - way cool!

3) Again after 8 years of hiking the Mormon Trail, spotted both a single Tailed Copper and many Colorado Hairstreaks!! (I also spotted Colorado Hairstreak on 2 separate occasions at Lambs Canyon. They were the first ones in years at that spot.)

4) Camped for the 1st time in the Albion Basin. Need to do that again this year!! (And found out how to make a loop out of the Catherine's Pass hike.)

5) Lots of moose this year (I think 14 of them). That include 3 within a 1/2 mile of the start of the Cardiff Mine trail; 3 in the Mill D south meadow; 4 on the trail to Lake Solitude, 3 on the Mormon trail, Mom and calf on the trail up to Lake Mary.

6) Saw for the 1st time, Tundra Swans in Utah (Little Dell specifically)

7) Heard the ice on Twin Lakes sing -- what beautiful music!!

8) Saw my 1st Utah beaver on Silver Lake

Despite the chaos, it was a good year. Just hoping 2021 brings back the dreams/goals, emptier trails and continued good health.

For 2021 blog see: jeanetteklodzen2021@blogspot.com.