Yellowstone Forever

I spent part of the weekend at Yellowstone National Park...one of the more magical places in the world. Native Americans called the place the "Land of Many Smokes" and they were right. There are many smokes from geysers, fumeroles, mud pots, warm/hot basins and springs, and so much more. Nowadays, while I like to look at the "smokes" I truly enjoy the wildlife. Yellowstone is America's Serengeti. During this visit, I felt like I was on a wildlife safari as the animals were amazing.

First and foremost are the bison. The herd in Yellowstone is large and very healthy. There were hundreds of these huge critters roaming in both the Hayden and Lamar Valleys. Then there are the bear. Grizzly and Black bears call Yellowstone their home. We did not see any black bears but we saw some Grizzly. The Grizzly bears are HUGE and while they look like they are your best friend, you have to remember they are the apex predator in the Park with claws as long as your fingers. 

In the Lamar Valley we saw a herd of pronghorn, which local hunters call "goat." They were resting by a muddy waterhole enjoying the afternoon sunshine. 

At Mammoth, one of several "villages" in Yellowstone, we were greeted by elk. The rut is starting so the male elks are gathering harems. All the elk look beautiful. We were looking for one elk in particular, a huge male named "24" but alas we did not find him. We hard a lone elk bugle in the distance, so we knew the rut had begun. 

We were also lucky enough to see wolves. Wolves were introduced back into the Park in 1995 and for the last 30 years they have thrived. They can now be found in every area of the Park, as well as in Grand Teton Park down the road a piece. The wolves we saw were gorging on a downed bison and were only visible thru a scope...but they were there. Alas, no picture.

Lastly we saw mountain goat. Mountain goat are more illusive than all the other animals put together. We saw a herd, via scope, on a mountain, jumping around as though they were on flat land. I had no idea how any one saw them in the first place because without the scope, they looked like teeny-tiny white dots on the tall, steep hillside. Again, no picture.

I've been visiting Yellowstone for over 50 years. I never get tired of the Park. Not only are there "smokes" and the critters, there are pristine lakes, as well as some wonderful places to sit back and "watch the rocks grow." The nighttime skies are dark, sprinkled with twinkling stars and a brilliant moon. The daytime skies are clear and bluebird blue with puffy clouds. The mountains soar to 11,000 or more feet, while the average elevation of the park is 7800 feet. Yellowstone is large and lovely, yet parts are wild and untamed. If you have a chance, visit this world wonder and enjoy all she has to offer.