Oh Yellowstone.

Our last field trip was a lot more geology and less wildlife. We also saw quite a few different birds. However we still saw the ubiquitous bison.  In fact when we were on our way home at the end of the trip, we came across a traffic jam and couldn't make out what it was.  After a little while, it became obvious that it was a large herd of bison ambling down the road escorted by a ranger.  He was there to ensure that no tourists did anything silly like trying to get close to the bison and to ensure that bison got right of way.  And so they ambled on down the road.  It took about ten minutes for about 2/3 of the herd to pass and for us to be on our way again.

                      

We visited and walked around more thermal mud pools and fumeroles.  I never get sick of them.  I find them fascinating (to view and learn about but not to smell!).  And just for a contrast, it was another cold day in the mountains.

Our lunchtime stop was at Old Faithful and, of course, he didn't let us down.  Sue and I sat out on the front deck of the Inn and got a good view,  It's quite magnificent especially in the context of all the volcanic activity in the area.  After that, I went for a really interesting walk around the area to view more mud and hot water and learn some more about it all.  It was sunny but cold.  In the distance you can see the Old Faithful Inn.  It is a magnificent old building and so cosy inside.

It was a long enough drive back to the motel for both Sue and I to feel quite sad that our time in Yellowstone was nearly over,  Sue vows to return to see it in a different season.  I'm not sure if I will get back.  We had one more session with Gene the next morning about the bears and then we were on our way back to the plane at Bozeman.  But ........  not before one last reminder about who rules .......

the bridges!    Goodbye Yellowstone.


You may like to check out the photo gallery on this website:


http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/index.htm