Kroschel’s Wildlife Center

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Mark Zeiger

Michelle’s boss, Joe, treats his employees and their families generously. You may have “met” Joe in the past on this blog (see Where Eagles Gather).

Recently, as a pre-event to the annual end of the season barbecue at Joe and Edie’s place, Joe took everyone—staff, their families, and other people important to Rainbow Glacier Adventures—to Kroschel’s Wildlife Center.

We have lived in Haines 11 years since last August. We bought the property 12 years ago. In all that time, we’ve never made it to Kroschel’s until now.

Red Fox

Steve Kroschel holds his friend, a red fox (Photo: Sarah A. Zeiger).

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Crossing the Autumnal Equinox—Both of Them

Posted on September 24, 2017 by Mark Zeiger

Today is the local Autumnal Equinox on the Zeiger Family Homestead. At our latitude, the balance between darkness and light falls two days later than the official Autumnal Equinox, September 22nd this year. After today, the balance between darkness and light tips, accelerating toward the Winter Solstice.

Autumn came on strong this last week in a variety of ways. Our favorite mushroom, the king bolete, has finally appeared in force. Despite eager attacks from all interested parties, who have impatiently awaited their arrival—humans, squirrels, millipedes and mushroom flies—we’re getting some nice ones. So many, in fact, that we’re drying boletes for the first time in years. We even had a warm, sunny day that encouraged us to move the dryer from over the wood stove to outdoors, where the sun and breeze could dry them faster.

bolete mushrooms in dryer

Boletes drying in the sun and breeze (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger).

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