Sept 29, Canyon Wolf Pack Sighted

Today we spotted the alpha female of the Canyon wolf pack in the Hayden Valley. You meet the most interesting people when you watch for wolves, they come from near and far, and live for the moment to watch a wolf cross an open valley nearly a mile away. They are generous, more than willing to share a look through their high powered spotting scopes. For some its an addiction, they come every year - but you can't blame them - its amazing to watch the wolves and to see Yellowstone returned to it's complete self.

There have been lots of other animals we've sighted, several black bears, coyotes, elk and bison by the herd. Today we heard about a Grizzly that came out behind a bunch of photographers who nearly missed the chance to photograph him.




Volcanic activity permeates Yellowstone ... geysers, hot springs, vents.

Bison rule the roads ... you have to yield to them, unless you want your car full of dents.
Mammoth Hot Springs with its own herd of elk ... no they are not tame.

Sept 27 - Wolf Pack

Today was a special day, we had our first glimpse of a yellowstone wolf pack - The Druids. Although they were far away, across the Lamar Valley floor we were non-the-less excited to see part of Yellowstone's successful wolf story in action. We could see 4 wolves, a pup, his baby sitter and 2 others (a black and a grey) who came back in from the mountains as we watched.

Today we also watched a herd of Bighorn (Rocky Mountain) Sheep navigate the steep flanks of Mount Washburn. In the Lamar Valley we watched pronghorns grazing. And in the nearby forest we caught a few glimpses of a wary moose.

Sept 27 Yellowstone - Forest Fires

There are 3 fires burning in Yellowstone - the parks approach to forest fires is to "let them run there course" ... it seems strange but it has a scientific method to it. Fires allowed to burn create natural firebreaks and new habitats for different animals. Also if the fires were continually put out then over the years the dead wood would reach a critical amount and they could end up with a huge devastating fire.

Sept 27, Lamar Valley - Yellowstone

We spent the day in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone and the surrounding mountains. There are

hundreds of wild bison there and watching them you feel like you stepped back in time 200 years ... when countless herds roamed the plains. These are entirely wild and not to be crowded - they have nasty tempers and the brute strength to support it. Then again you can't blame them they have to cope with wolves, grizzlies and coyotes ohhhh and tourists too.

Sept 26, Yellowstone

Finally we arrived at Yellowstone this morning, only to discover theres several forestfires ! Thankfully we managed to get to the part of the park we wanted to spend time in before the road was closed. It was a searing 87 degrees farenheit ... not at all a good temperature to see wildlife. Yet still North America's Serengetti didn't let us down - Lamar Valley was filled with herd upon herd of wild bison and pronghorn antelope. Madison and Mammoth Hot Springs both had elk and off the beaten path we found Mountain goats and Bighorn Sheep.

Sept 25, Baby Black Bear

This lil guy was so fun to watch as he busily prepared for winter feasting on wild berries.

Sept 24, Waterton and Glacier

Where the prairies meet the Rockies - Waterton and Glacier are filled with wildlife and scenery.

The rocky slopes provide refuge for Bighorn (Rocy Mountain) Sheep and Mountain Goats. Both are as at ease on the nearly vertical slopes as we are in our kitchen.

Mule deer and black bear live on the gentler slopes, not so high in the mountains. But just as beautiful to watch.