A BRIEF HISTORY OF CRANE MIGRATION

Migrations for many animal species on land, in water, and in the air are quite remarkable. For Sandhill Cranes, they have the anatomical abilities with six foot wing spans, hollow bones, long legs, and light, streamlined bodies to fly long distances and to have the built- in migration 'software' inside their brains. These evolutionary tools have been refined and changed over many generations to insure the survival of the species. It is an ongoing process, for if a species can stay put in one place and survive, it is advantageous to do so. How did the process actually begin? The driving forces for migration are the same as are the needs for humans, food, water, shelter, clothing and an environment in which to raise a family.

Mid-March means calendar winter is nearly over. The weather is warm and sunny somewhere. This is a time to renew our spirits and contemplate whatever the first fifth of 2016 has given us. And for all of us, college students or not, we all need a break! Traveler's scatter according to their interests and priorities. Many flock to ocean beaches, others flock to find good spring snow conditions, while others, like me, have a well-defined traveling goal of 'spontaneous wandering.'

FREMONT HAUNT REVISITED - A DEEPER PERSPECTIVE

A person could explore the San Luis Valley for a lifetime and not see it all. Alamosa is a gateway city to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, a bunch of 14 thousand foot peaks and plenty of lower mountains, hot springs, and many other places for adventurous activities. But, wherever we live, it helps to get away once in a while to achieve a proper perspective about the places in which we do reside. To appreciate the explorers and traders, who used the San Luis Valley for a pathway to reach points beyond, it is important to have an understanding of who they were, the places from where they came, and their reasons for passing through a place.

Early March in Colorado, after a warm and dry February, has exposed the waters of the Rio Grande from its icy lid and the river is flowing steady, silent and dark. Worth a stroll, a run, a bike ride or taking your dog for a walk along its bank trails to take in the sights and sounds of the water and all else that goes with the trails of the Alamosa City Ranch Trail System. Soon, the snowpack in the high mountains will begin melting, putting more water in the river, and greening up the valley. We take what weather Mother Nature gives us because we have no choice. Could be an early spring, but, we've seen late March and April make a triumphant return to winter in previous years! Hard to believe that 5 weeks earlier we were having the Rio Frio Ice Fest and we were running on the river.

One good thing about events in human history is that they actually happened, for better or worse. Historians, and 'eye witnesses,' tell the stories of events from their perspectives. However, these written or verbal accounts do not guarantee accuracy of what happened, but do give an overall timeline and an approximately true account of ill-fated adventures. Such is the case of John C. Fremont's 4th expedition, as it is known, to locate a railroad route from St. Louis to San Francisco in the winter of 1848-1849 on the 38th Parallel, which happens to be, straight through the San Juan Mountains!