This is turning out to be a very hard post to complete. We are itching to get back. What a wonderful adventure and more await. As I work on this post my mind takes me back to the beauty and magic of the area. Should we ever win the lottery, a pied a terre in Bozeman might be a must.
We left Riverton, WY headed for the Southern Entrance to Yellowstone. Our trip took us up Rte 26, through the desolate section of the reservation. We did not make it to the historical area of Fort Washake. Fly fishing is a great draw in the Wind River, however from 26 it was rocks and cliffs, while spectacular, one had to wonder how the Indians survived here many years ago. They were fishermen and the Wind River provided. More information on the Reservation and it’s attractions can be found at: https://windriver.org/destinations/wind-river-indian-reservation/
As we passed out of the reservation I got my first view of the Tetons. I tried to take a picture, but hard, and perhaps not too smart, to do when travelling and driving, in a rental car at speed. Another great reason to return to the area.
We had not even heard of the National Museum of Military Vehicles. It wasn’t even listed on our maps. But lo and behold, there, right along Rt 26, amidst the cliffs, sat a parking lot full of old military vehicles. The museum was developed by Dan Starks, who wasn’t even a veteran, but wanted to honour those who were. Sarge, having been a Lieutenant in the Army, had to stop. I groaned. And, as it turned out, I am glad we did. It was fascinating and worth the stop. Of course, someone had to have his picture taken in front of the entrance.
It was not til later that I read Dubois is known for the Whiskey Mountain Mountain Goat herd. Mtn Goat was on my check list for Yellowstone. We were distracted by large equipment, so we did not keep our eyes on the ridges.
We skirted the Tetons, I still find driving through the White Mountains of NH equally exhilerating. Perhaps because we drove by the Tetons at a distance whereas you can pass right through the Whites. The colours of the rocks were magnificent, unlike the granite grey of the Whites. Definitely going to be on our next trip list to take some of the side roads.
We entered the South entrance of Yellowstone via 191. It is September. Many children are back in school, there was no line, and Sarge, being a disabled Veteran got us in free of charge. He was very proud of his permanent entrance pass. A beautiful way to enter.
I don’t know why, but for some reason I wasn’t aware that there were so many lakes in the area. With the drought, they were not as beautiful as they probably are when the water table is up, but all the same, awe inspiring. I wanted to get down to the shores and see if there were animal tracks, but Sarge wasn’t as mobile as he used to be, so leaving him sitting didn’t seem like an option. (Will be blogging about cancer on a future post).
ELK! My first Yellowstone sighting. A doe, are they called does? and a yearling. Unfortunately, NOT a good photograph. And, an idiot photographer. This was Rutting season, no, did not get any great big elk this trip. But, with all the publicity about stupid people getting too close to wildlife in Yellowstone, this woman was asking for it. I took a bunch of pictures of her, just hoping a Bull Elk would come after her, but, no newsworthy pictures. She was taking pictures with her cell, so she was not a pro by any means. No excuse.
We had decided to stay clear of the “tourist” spots. Crowds are not fun, and so many wonderful non-touristy things to see in a short time. Cruising along in our Enterprise car enjoying the views when bubble bubble to our right, steam arising. We hadn’t paid attention to the West Thumb geyser basin. Woo Hoo! My first “geyser”!!!!
It makes you think. What are we walking and driving over? I am a huge fan of Bill Bryson. Chapter 16 in his book “A Short History of Nearly Everything” Especially part 4, is a must read for anyone going to Yellowstone. Actually, in my opinion, ANYTHING by Bill Bryson is a must read.
From here we travelled along Yellowstone Lake. The fishing is supposed to be good here, and the views were spectacular. Although it was a cold day, the water in places steamed. We were going to travel near the lake for some time as we would be turning at Lake Village and heading toward Cody. When one sees a crowd parked along the road, it behooves one to stop and see what all the excitement is about. Near Bridge Bay we came upon such a crowd. Stopping we followed their gazes to see Eagles floating on the upward currents. How grateful that we live in NH where Eagles are becoming more prevalent. How wonderful that these watchers perhaps are seeing their first Eagles. We passed by, knowing we would see more at home.
Time to hit the trail, so we passed the Visitor Center this time, we would be coming back this way as it is the road to Cody, where we would be spending a couple of nights. As we headed East we saw our first Yellowstone Bison. We had seen Bison years before at the Custer State Park, but one never tires of seeing these magnificent beasts.
Our trek then took us through the Absaroka Mtn range. A wiggly road through cliffs and drop-offs. It was a good thing it was daylight. The rock cliffs were spectacularly beautiful and the road a bit terrifying in the Easterly direction. Sylvan Pass travels along a canyon. This road, for good reason, is closed from early November through early May.
We exited through the East entrance. I was surprised to see so many horse ranches offering trail rides as we were surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Not sure where the trails could be. Also worrying were the signs that were posted near “watch for horses” that said hard-sided campers only. This is due to Grizzlies I assume. As a horse person, the view of the chubby horses at the dude ranches was a pleasant way to end the day and know that we would soon be in Cody and the Irma Hotel. Trust me, after the drive through the mountains, a relaxing drink was high on my list.
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Thanks to Enterprise Rent a car for the dependable wheels, George and Jennie Bumann for their input on Yellowstone.
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