Carolyn goes places : Medicine Bow

Yesterday I hiked to the top of Medicine Bow Peak; A grand total of 6+ miles up to an elevation of 12014 ft. I think I half died. But it was well worth it. This is the highest mountain in the snowy range, located in Medicine Bow National Forest. This national forest is comprised of 1,093,618 acres. It is in the southeast quarter or Wyoming, not very far from Laramie. These mountains get their name from the Native Americans who used to come to make bows out of the mountain mahogany, and also gathered for healing ceremonies believing that while they were there making bows, they were closer to the healing power of the great spirit.

One important topic we discussed yesterday was the subject of beetle kill, which has devastated much of the Rocky Mountain alpine forests from The Mexican to Canadian boarders. Contrary to popular belief, these critters are actually native mountain pine beetles that have simply taken advantage of favorable conditions. With short winters and droughts (most likely due to climate change) their populations have exploded and overwhelmed acres upon acres of common pine trees (such as lodge pole pines). Some researchers have proposed that although these pines will likely not recover to the same numbers they once amassed, other species of trees will flourish and allow for a new mountain forest to decorate the mountains that are so deeply beloved.