What are the odds of capturing pictures of 11 bears within 24 hours? Well come along for a tour of Yellowstone National Park and it's assortment of wildlife starting with...
...yes, the Visitor's Center. Hey, I wasn't going to, but the store associate insisted. I promise that it's an optical illusion that our feet don't touch the ground... bearly.
Trivia time - Name the animal...
...because I have no idea what it is...
...but he seems to be enjoying something tasty along side the road. If you know what it is, let me know.
Most of you probably heard about the grizzly bear attacks at Yellowstone a few weeks after we were there. While we were only a few miles away from that particular campground, there were only buffalo...
...with their cute little ones roaming around.
They sure do start off cute, running around and playing with each other, even smiling for the camera.
A scenic view along the way...
...before passing some pronghorn deer.
I like the reflection of this loan buffalo in the waters below.
I would understand if you were petrified of bears because even this tree is petrified!
A black bear grazing and...
...and walking about while we watched in quietness (until the real wildlife tour guide showed up). At that point, we hopped back in the car and spotted...
...this guy up on a ridge.
For those who are genuinely concerned, this picture will give you a better idea of the distance. Of course, we would get closer, but not until after picking up a hitch hiker as the snow began to fall. Growing up in New York, it was contrary to my instincts, but the the snow was falling, the wind was blowing and he looked benign. Plus, I am admittedly more tolerant of picking up hitch hikers after my lone hitch hiking experience failed (see "National Parks Tour - Part II", May 5, 2010 blog post for all the details). Jonathon was friendly, albeit a little stinky, but we enjoyed traveling about 30 miles with him and listening to his stories. He was from a European country that has long since escaped my short term memory, and decided to spend six months back-packing from Mexico to Chicago, hitting National Parks along the way. So, after getting some tips for my upcoming Yosemite trip, Jonathon wished us a happy "Hasty Holiday" and we wished him safe travels.
In the meantime, we stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs...
...a unique...
...and interesting geological feature not found too many other places. God's creativity is not fathomable by us mortals!
But I can fathom what this bear could do about 10 yards away in the tall grass along the road. So, I scoped out the other tourists who had noticed it and made sure I could run faster then them! If you've been counting, this is number five for the day.
A pretty blue bird near Mammoth.
Do you see the face?
If you look close, you can spot a mother grizzly bear and three cubs. Some old folks had a scope set up and you could watch the cubs wrestling and playing with each other.
Remember "Where's Waldo"? Well where's the coyote? You'll have to click on the picture and look on the ridge line to spot him.
Standing just above the water falls looking down the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Another view of one of my favorite spots in Yellowstone...
...and now in sepia.
Looking back through the fresh snow, you can see the waterfalls we were standing above.
Sometimes you get the pretty pictures when water covers the parking lot!
Pretty enough to take it in black and white too.
More views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone...
and then one from Artist's Point.
A close-up as the snow fell...
...you can see the waterfall at the end through the snow.
Remains from the wildfires in Yellowstone last summer (see "...but the greatest of these is...", October 1, 2009 blog post for pictures of the wildfire and probably one of the most humorous posts).
I love the colors...
except when I think about what forms the colors...
...bacteria...
...and more bacteria.
Anytime there's a water main break, they tell you to boil your water for some number of minutes before using. Yet, this water has been boiling for years and it's still growing stuff!
Hmmm... I don't know...
...but it is still very pretty...
...along with the bridge enveloped by steam.
As the clouds passed by, I was lucky enough to capture the blue water, steam, clouds and blue sky!
Pretty...
...and unique...
...especially with the herd of buffalo crossing in the distance and, well...
...read the sign and you'll understand.
With the spring snow melting and the river running high and fast, jumping across rocks at the bottom might not be the swiftest of ideas...
...but it made for some good pictures.
Bear number 10 and 11 as we headed out of Yellowstone after another great tour. Keep checking back as I continue to caption more blogs for those who enjoy the best of the West!
