Tuesday, we drove to Hayden Valley for a hike. According to the rangers and guide literature this is a high density grizzly bear area, and the best place to observe them. We had bought a fifty dollar can of bear spray, and attached bear bells to ourselves. As we put on our packs, Gail asked me if I knew how to use the bear spray, which is essentially mace. I proceeded to show her how fast I could unholster the can, remove the safety clip, and aim. As I did so, Gail, who was standing in front of me, started to scream and practically roll down the bank. I thought she was being funny until I realized I had actually sprayed her, then I started to feel it in my throat. My thumb had accidentally pushed down on the trigger in my haste to remove the trigger safety. It wasn't until a while later that we could both laugh about how I sprayed Gail with bear spray.
Every trail head has a bear warning sign. Unfortunately, a man was killed by a bear in Montana while we were at the park, so it is no laughing matter.
We didn't see any bears on this hike, but we did see this Pacific tree frog.
Gail scouts the hills for movement.
That dark spot is a lone bison. We did see a distant large herd of bison awhile later.
A western toad in the grass.
Thunderclouds formed and we had a little lightning, thunder, and rain.
The trail followed Allum Creek. Because of the change in weather, we decided to head back to the car and drive up to the Lower Falls. We took better pictures of the falls a couple days later.
Fall colors were starting to appear in the bushes. Most of the trees are evergreen, so they don't turn colors.
Another bison seeming unconcerned. However, bison can suddenly charge a person considered a threat. The park shows a video of a man getting too close to one. The bison suddenly charged around a small tree and with its horns, threw the man high into the air. It was amazing he was able to pick himself up off the ground.
We enjoyed watching these common mergansers fish on the Madison River. When they located a school, they would go into a frenzy of group diving.
We enjoyed this little byway along the river where we watched a bald eagle. The next day we saw several ospreys and a belted kingfisher here, also.
On Wednesday, we took a little hike at dawn to Harlequin Lake. Here, Gail points out the fresh work of beavers.
Lilly pads and mist on the little lake.
There were two beaver lodges over in the reeds.
Gail spotted this spotted frog.
The beautiful Madison River, a fly fisherman's dream.
In the afternoon, we took a six mile hike to Wolf Lake. We passed Little Gibbon Falls on the way.
The lichens on the rocks color coordinated with Gail's jacket.
Most of the forest is recovering from the 1988 fires. There were some areas that were so dense in fallen timber, they would be very difficult to walk through.
Chipmunk!
We really enjoyed the clear flowing water and greenery - so not like Southern California.
Having seen the scat display at a visitor center, we are pretty sure this is wolf scat.
After a quick look at Wolf Lake, we headed back as the clouds thickened. Frozen droplets started falling on us.
In the late afternoon, we drove back to West Yellowstone to pick up my mailed camera gear, and then drove to the north entrance to the park at Gardner, our new base.
On the way, we passed through Mammoth, a park facility. The elk seem to make their way down to the visitor area every evening. We wondered if it was to be safer from wolves. Managing a herd of elk, cars, and tourists in Mammoth is quite a headache for park personnel - especially now when the rutting season is on.
Gardner has the appearance of a frontier town.
Vote! Vote! Vote! We had a contest to see who could make the best folded napkin from a paper towel. Please submit your vote. Thanks!
Napkin #1.
Napkin #2.
1 comment:
While Napkin #1 is more immediately striking, Napkin #2 seems to have more depth to it. I think I am going to have to go with #2.
So many gorgeous pictures!! Love seeing all those frogs and toads.
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