Life on the refuge

Living on a wildlife refuge is an amazing experience. You just never know what to expect. Sometimes I'd run into a coyote outside the RV or find a black widow in the visitor center (which the biologist swiftly rehomed back outside). Sadly, somedays we'd find a bird that met his demise at a window. We turned that into an opportunity for the kids to work on their identification skills.

They also worked on their animal tracks and scat skills. 

We met one photographer who has written and contributed to multiple bird, plant and mammal identification books. Another time I met and assisted National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, while taking photos of our endangered Pahrump Poolfish for his Photo Ark project. Many of our animals are going extinct on a regular basis and Joel has a passion for documenting these animals before it's too late. He's spending 20 years of his life traveling the world so he can photograph all 5,000 of the captive species that currently exist. When completed, his Photo Ark will be the ultimate reference. Some have never even been photographed before and the only reference that can be found online is a pencil drawing. The Photo Ark will change that.

The refuge complex started their Junior Refuge Ranger program while we were there. We were excited to be part of the kickoff party which included a visit by Puddles the Goose.

One day while the kids were at Horses4Heroes day camp, we hiked the refuge's Hidden Forest trail with our boss, Ryan. There was no snow at the visitor center, a little at the trailhead and a significant amount nearing the cabin. Unfortunately we had to turn back just before reaching the cabin to pick up the kids.

Mountain lion tracks in the snow! 

Sunrise and sunset are incredible when viewed from the refuge. The pink reflection of light on the mountains is just breathtaking. You regularly see many different colors at sunset, blue, pink, orange, yellow and purple. I still say the Southern Nevada skies are the most beautiful of everywhere we've been.

Lazy days around the house mean making crafts, playing games, building with lego or blocks, watching movies, and playing with air rockets in the yard.

Many nights were spent sitting around a campfire with friends and coworkers. 

Tons of large toads would show up on the grassy areas in the evening. One day two were still hanging out on the cement at our friend's house midday. The kids loved checking them out.