Life goes on...

WS DAY 23 YNP :

Well, the day was rather quiet. Instead of the predicted storm and 2-4 inches of snow we had a beautiful, sunny day. It did snow last night; nothing more exhilarating than a sunny day after fresh snow. The trees were enshrouded in a fine mist every time the wind blew as that snow was shaken from the branches.

We had a good count of the Druid pack today and came up one pup short. Apparently, the black pup was caught and killed by the Crystal Pack the other day. There is a chance that he is still wandering around - we'll give him another day or two to return before deciding for sure that he is presumed dead.

Life in the park is in a constant state of transition. When a critter dies its life energy goes on to sustain others whether that other is a bird, mammal, insect or plant. Although the most obvious large, life-death system here pertains to wolves and elk, it is good to remember that the killers can be killed just as well. Undoubtedly, if the black pup is dead, he has already fed numerous ravens and other critters by the time that this is written. This system is the ultimate in recycling.

Regardless of the black pup's status, the other pack members had energy to spare today. The two remaining pups were energetic and were chasing and wrestling for most of the morning. Even the young adults (#103F, #105F, #106F) would join in. As the wolves ran around they would kick up fresh snow and set it adrift. After sleeping for most of the day, the pack woke up just a bit after 2pm and began their travel bout. They traveled along the South bank of the Lamar River, and near Jasper Creek ascended Jasper Bench. The day may be slow at times when the wolves are sleeping but I will never tire of watching them move. Their motion is efficiency and simplicity defined. Especially #21M - If I were to live a thousand years I would still remember what he looked like as he traveled throughout the Lamar Valley.