Monday, June 11, 2012

Field Seminar

This past week, we convened the 17th annual Bryce Canyon Natural History Association Field Seminar. We have been doing these events these many years with essentially the same staff and a group of very loyal participants. With the untimely passing of our dear friend Marilyn Bulkley, there was a very subdued (limited) response to this year's event. We made the decision to go forward, despite the small numbers, and keep our long standing record of holding the event in-tact. Here is the best reason for attending. Having some time to be around Dr. Bowns, our favorite range ecologist. He is getting along in years, and I often wonder how long his health will hold out, but he is a great guy. Bubby says he is the consummate gentleman. I think he likes her, too. The trip included a drive through Garfield county to pick up the participants. The drive over Boulder mountain was beautiful, albeit windy. We spent the first night in Price, and did the long drive up Nine Mile Canyon. This is the famed Big Hunt panel (above the heads of our smiling group). After a night in Price, we toured our way to Vernal, and the Uinta Basin. Lots of fun, great company, and things to see. We are already planning next year's adventure to Mesa Verde and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, near Cortez, CO. Buboppy