Our final week in West Yellowstone was very wet. However, Montana does need the rain as they are already fighting forest fires in certain parts of the State, so I cannot complain. The first two weeks here were perfect and we were so glad that we took the time to see quite a lot of the park and the surrounding area. We did venture into the park several times this week and found it remarkable even with the cloudy, rainy weather.
On Saturday afternoon we decided to drive to Big Sky, Montana. It is about 60 miles to the ski area from our spot in West Yellowstone. The drive was beautiful, even in the rain. We paralleled the Gallatin River that was flowing high and fast due to the snow melt in the area. The river is located in the Gallatin Forest that is next to Yellowstone.
Big Sky has quite a bit of ski terrain but the cloud level was too low for pictures. We had fun exploring the area and then headed back to West Yellowstone. Suddenly along the way I yelled "Stop the car Roger, I think I see a bear." Right off of US 191 was a grizzly. This is why we are not hiking in the area. This particular grizzly found a carcass (elk?) and was not leaving it. What a thrill it was to see animals in the wild! These pictures were taken from about 250 yards away with a telephoto lens.
After spending a rainy Sunday in the coach, we knew we had to get out on Monday. We had been saving our favorite part of Yellowstone for last, mainly because roads to the canyon had been closed, until a week ago, because of snow. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The actual name of the park comes from the yellow rock in the canyon walls. The pictures below show our magical day in the park.
The ever present bison along the Madison River as we headed into the park.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River flowing from the Upper and Lower Falls.
The Upper Falls
At this time of year, the recent rain, and the snowpack (upper left of picture) make for a very powerful falls.
The Lower Falls
At Inspiration Point, we found a nest on a very high rock spire in the Grand Canyon. You can see the white head of the Osprey sitting on her eggs. The parents take turns sitting on the nest.
This Aerie has 360 degree views.
The rest of the week we spent dodging rainy weather. We were lucky to get in several mountain bike rides and walks with Bear. We leave Friday morning, heading north to Belgrade for an oil change. Our next stop, for a week, will be in Anaconda, Montana.
The stunning effects of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, left us speechless this week. The devastation was and will continue to be so very sad. Personally, Roger and I are grateful that our daughter-in-law's parents (Jim and Patty) and their family were spared in nearby Norman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Oklahoma as they work their way through this horrific time.
The stunning effects of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, left us speechless this week. The devastation was and will continue to be so very sad. Personally, Roger and I are grateful that our daughter-in-law's parents (Jim and Patty) and their family were spared in nearby Norman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Oklahoma as they work their way through this horrific time.
Thank you for checking in with us!
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