After dodging snow across Wyoming, we arrived just 2 days after an 8 inch snow at Madison Campground. Our site looked cold and blue. We were happy to settle in, however, for a very cold, 19 degree night.
We had a few days to unpack before our first workday and trip up to the Park Headquarters in Mammoth for our staff ID registration. The word was out that a Grizzly had been spotted north of Frying Pan Pool and sure enough there he was busy re-fueling after hibernation. He had a beautiful blond stripe near his front leg. (Click on picture to enlarge).
The weather changed to a heavy wet snow just as we wove our way through a group of bison about 10 miles further north.
Here's the same location, Swan Lake Flat, about 45 minutes later on our return trip. The snowy peaks and bright sun is such a contrast!!
For my birthday at the end of the week we went to Lamar Valley hoping to see some of the wolves that live in the area. On the bank above the river near the trees a carcass had been spotted. We knew there was something happening nearby as we approached.
When you see lots of scopes out you know wolves or bears are in view. Everyone was eager to share their views with us and we got to see a Grizzly feeding on the carcass and a wolf nearby waiting for the bear to get his fill and move on. The wolf was gray, tan, and brown with black ears. I got to watch him walk toward us. Fascinating! In another location we got to watch a female wolf at her den feeding her 3 pups. So I had a very special birthday adventure. Lunch at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room was a special treat too!
The weather was spring-like for our first trip out of the park yesterday. We found lots more snow in the Gallatin Valley and a raging river on the way to Bozeman. It is such an exciting time to be here. Snow showers are predicted for the coming week and much colder weather. We'll see!
