Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks Part 1

 Up before dawn, everything packed and eager to leave the dysfunctional neighbors behind, we were off in search of Josie's coffee. Luckily there was an early to rise gas station to oblige us for supplies and gas. Coffee in her hand and what passed for a breakfast for me in mine, we headed for the park. 

The 50 miles along the Shoshone River is reported to be the most scenic highway in America. That's open for debate but it has its charms. The road winds thru canyons and along the river which usually produces numerous wildlife encounters, but our luck was not the greatest this morning. For whatever reason, this trip was scarce in wildlife so far but rich in rewards for just being there and having my travel companion along. Stachia had made me promise to show Josie the outdoor chapel where we were married. A nice placed called Wayside Chapel. It was on the mountain side above the river and about 5 miles outside the park's entrance. Mission accomplished.

The sun was rising behind us as we approached the East Entrance of the park. I gave my pass to the Ranger and was rewarded with a map and a current newsletter for the park. Without looking at it I knew that somewhere in the newsletter was a warning not to pet the bison and stay away from the bears, moose and elk. It's always a wise policy to give those wild ones their space to be wild and not invade their privacy. What don't kill you, makes you stronger. Except bears.... bears will kill you. Oh, and so will moose, elk, bison and just about anything else in the park. We considered ourselves warned. We were in the park and smarter than the average tourist. 

Immediately inside the park the road climbs up and there's a rapid gain in elevation. As you climb, the mountain scenery is amazing and with the sun rising behind us it was fantastic. About halfway to the top there was a strategically placed, not mother approved, National Park issued, pit toilet. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and never pass up a pit toilet in the wilderness, especially with the aforementioned breakfast choice. 

Disaster averted, the climb to Sylvan Pass and Sylvan Lake continued. Sylvan Lake is an alpine lake that sits near the top of the pass. The light was perfect, the wind was calm and the reflections were photo worthy. Photo op for sure.

Once you reach the lake the road begins to descend toward a large body of water known as Yellowstone Lake. I had high hopes for seeing Grizzlies in this area, but nothing is certain. But I remained hopeful. My hope was rewarded about halfway down. As we rounded a corner, we were met with what is known as a bear jam. A bear jam is multiple cars parked and people out looking and hopefully a bear. After parking we took part in the bear jam. Before I was out of the truck, I recognized this grizzly as a bear I'd seen before and even had photographed her. Her name is Snow and she gets her name from her light-colored fur which is a combination of blonde and silver. She was not far off the road and calmly walking and occasionally stopping and looking for food. She appeared to be okay with the large audience she had attracted and behaved well. I had my camera up and it was busy. Josie was all smiles and happy because this was her first bear in the wild. After about 5 minutes of watching this beautiful, calm grizzly bear, some yahoo felt the need to approach her. This did not sit well with her, and she bolted for cover and within a few seconds was gone. Just like that, Josie's first bear was gone, but the memories will remain.

Snow

 

Snow leaving.

Well, that was worth the early rise, and our timing was near perfect. Yes, finally our luck turned for the better. We had a grizzly early in the day, so the rest of the day had to be great. Any time spent in Yellowstone is great. I wanted to thump the moron that scared Snow, but I managed to control the urge. Apparently, this chowder head didn't read the part about staying away from the bears.

We continued on down the mountain and was presented with great views of Yellowstone Lake and a few bison. Crossing Fishing Bridge, we turned north through Hayden Valley. Normally full of wildlife, this time it was not. Just a few scattered bison, a few water birds and a whole lot of open space greeted us. 

Journeying north we visited the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Josie took a few short trails and was rewarded with great views of the falls. Leaving Canyon, we continued north up and over Mt. Washburn and more high mountain views, switchbacks and wilderness before arriving at Tower. Arriving at Tower, I suggested the short trail down to the falls. Out the door Josie went and a few minutes later, she was back. Man, she is a fast hiker.

On the way to Mammoth Spring, we stopped at a few thermal features and other minor attractions. Expecting large numbers of elk at Mammoth, we were disappointed because there was none. First time I'd been there when there were none. No elk? What is wrong? Well, at least the calcite springs showed up and gave us some great photos. 

Josie and the springs.

Making our way south from Mammoth towards Madison Junction, we rounded a curve and several cars were parked right in the road. Approaching slowly and cautiously, we were rewarded with a glimpse of a large male grizzly walking through the woods, just off the road. Quite possibly the largest grizzly I had ever seen. But just like that, he was gone. I'm sure we had just missed him crossing the road, but at least we seen him...and grizzly number 2 in the books.

In the mood for part 2? Hang on... To be continued.