Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Space Shuttle Highlights the Warmer Lafayette Skies



This morning we have a chance of see the Space Shuttle over Lafayette at 7:04 a.m. Look to the north. It should only be about 10 degrees above the horizon for about a minute. Since we will have mainly high thin clouds we will at least have a fair shot at seeing this. Now do not get too upset if you miss out on this because the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be up in Space for the next 16 days. Here is the NASA link to check out all of our viewing times and I will give you a heads up here on the blog when I think the best weather times will match up.

http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_States&region=Indiana&city=Lafayette

Also, check out this picture sent in from Monty Sloan at Wolf Park. It is the Lafayette areas first real sign of Spring.
That is right, swimming wolves!


Some folks look at robins or red-winged blackbirds, but not Monty and now me and here is why.


Hi Mike,

You can always tell when spring is around the corner by the sight of wet wolves. They hang out on the ice a lot. When it thaws, they fall through the ice a lot. Fortunately, wolves can easily haul themselves out of the pond and outside their pride; they are unharmed by this experience. Their double layered coat keeps them warm even when wet and they seem to have no problem hauling out onto ice thick enough to support a wolf, or simply breaking enough ice to reach the shore.

Just by chance I was able to get a photo of one the wolves falling through the ice on their pond this afternoon. I was driving along the access road around the enclosure and noticed that Ruedi was all wet. You could see where he fell through. I stopped to take a photo of a very wet wolf when he fell through a second time. I was able to get photos of him in the water and photos of a very wet wolf once he hauled himself back out. It only takes a few seconds for them to get out of the water.


-Monty Sloan


Thanks so much Monty! You have quite a talent and I learn something every time you write me! Here on the blog I also post some more signs of Spring and just how much rain is on the way by Thursday night. Hopefully we will also have special pictures arrive from an old friend in Alaska who is in search for the Aurora Borealis. I also have some special blizzard pictures from Ohio to post on the Monday weather blog. I need more than 24 hours in a day that is for sure!

In the meantime, I am going to run, run, run! My D.C. marathon is quickly approaching. I will be so busy enjoying the cherry blossoms and all the monuments I think that will take my mind off just how far I am running. I am also in the process of helping out with the United Way 5 and 10 K Runs and of course the summer race in Lafayette which is the Zoo Run Run. I will post those dates for you here shortly. Have a wonderful day!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Monty, thank you for sharing your photos, they are beautiful! I enjoy wolf park, a great place! Maybe soon the wolves will be able to play in warm water!