We will be brief today as we hope that the warm glow of Thanksgiving with friends and family has indeed propelled you into the Great Outdoors for #OptOutside. Originated by our friends at REI, taking the Friday after Thanksgiving to get outside to play rather than being stuck in some shopping center has become more and more popular and we certainly hope you will have the time and inclination to allow the day to set the tone for a more relaxing, slower holiday season. The "Explore Near" flyers on the Publications page of our website might give you some ideas especially if you are 'cross state visiting relatives. 

Good gravy, when it comes to peaceful it would be hard indeed to top photo master Curt Weinhold's shot here of, I think, Lyman Run. It is where he hangs out a lot so while he didn't identify it in his post I'll make a guess. His Facebook page not only contains gorgeous images but also some wonderful insight into the art of photography. And you should watch the DCNR Calendar of Events for opportunities to take a class on night sky photography with him. Until then, check out the Lunch & Learn he did for us.

I think this one needs to be our Thanksgiving weekend jigsaw, doesn't it?

Of course, Curt isn't the only talented photographer whose creations we get to share and enjoy. A sincere thanks to everyone who entered this year's photo contest and interpreted the year's theme of Clean Water and Forested Ecosystems so wonderfully.

Check out the Judges' and People's Choice winners in the 2022 photo contest gallery of the website.

Well, I fooled very few with the idea of the family of otters pictured last week being active in preparation for hibernation. They, in fact, do not hibernate but hunt, swim, and frolic on the ice of the Allegheny River (according to the High Potentate) all season long. This story from Montana Public Radio offers an in-depth look at their winter behavior. 

So what's on our mind this week, wildlife-wise? Turkeys of course! They strut, they walk, they fly. Do they run?

Enter each week to increase your chances of a fabulous prize at the end of the month when I'll draw one entry from all correct answers received during the month.

Wisdom from David Steindl-Rast.

Photo by Jim Ashbaugh. Chapman State Park.