Yellowstone, Day Two: Bison galore!

It was a bit chilly when I woke up this morning, but I didn't feel that cold. I got an early start on my sightseeing at Yellowstone National Park. It didn't take long for me to encounter my first bison of the day. Bison Train!

For my second day at the park, I initially planned to visit the smaller geyser basins. But, when I spotted a tour bus full of Asian tourists at the first one, I made a beeline for the Old Faithful area. It proved to be an excellent choice. There were so few people there, I felt like I was the only one there! So peaceful and relaxing! As I walked along the trail, I spotted an American dipper in the water...no, it's not waterfowl! And, I heard the killdeer before I actually saw it.

But, my day at Yellowstone wasn't all about animals. There were geysers, springs and such, and unusual things in and around all that. Sometimes, it just takes a keen eye to notice what's right in front of you!

Throughout the day, I saw more bison...small herds and solitary ones. Here's an interesting pic of a bird taking advantage of the bison stirring up things for it to eat. And, more birds! A mountain bluebird and a female red-winged blackbird.

After lunch, I walked around three smaller geyser basins. It seemed like everywhere I went, the tour buses weren't far behind. But, I managed to avoid them and continue my enjoyable day well into the afternoon. The sun was out and I was happy! The big question was...what were those flies eating? Ugh!

After all that walking, I was ready to call it a day.  My knees were aching and I was pretty footsore.  I was wearing my pedometer and I walked over FIVE MILES today!  I was tired...kind of like these bison that I encountered driving back to my hotel for the night.

Tomorrow, less walking and more driving, plus it looks like the rain returns. I'm justing hoping it holds off long enough for me to enjoy my last day at Yellowstone. I'm looking to see more bison...and maybe some other wildlife!

Earth Day at Yellowstone

Okay, so I wasn't supposed to go to Yellowstone today. What happened? I changed my mind. Actually, it wasn't a difficult decision. I was already thinking about it when I left Dillon, MT this morning. After getting some deli Chinese chicken salad for lunch at Safeway, I headed out with the intention of doing another day of exploring more old buildings. But, my heart really wasn't into that plan. And, when I discovered the two towns weren't really open for the season anyway, I just continued on to Yellowstone National Park. About 30 miles from the park, I saw my first significant wildlife. A traffic sign alerted me to the (possible) presence of wildlife...specifically bighorn sheep...near the road. Sure enough, there was!

I didn't see any rams...just ewes and lambs. And, some of them appeared to be wearing tracking collars, too. I also saw some bison, but I would be seeing a lot more of those later, so I didn't even stop. When I reached Yellowstone, I made a quick decision to just spend the afternoon leisurely enjoying the sights of Norris Geyser Basin. After eating my lunch in the car, I was eager to see some geothermal wonders. At the trailhead, there was an information board and this particular notice caught my eye. Is it really that much of a problem, I wondered.

Since I've visited this particular geyser basin at least a couple of times in the past, I wasn't so much into taking photos of everything I saw. Rather, I was looking for creative shots. With the sun shining and temps in the low 50s, it was a picture perfect day!

Tomorrow may not be quite as sunny, but it's not supposed to rain either. I'm just looking forward to another relaxing day at Yellowstone. It just never gets old. Happy Earth Day!

Park visits and...SNOW!

After yesterday's disappointing sightseeing day, I was ready to start afresh. Leaving Missoula, I drove south with light rain falling. As US Hwy 93 went through the Bitterroot mountains, I started climbing and there was more and more snow on the ground. Soon, it was actually snowing lightly and there was a thin layer of slush on the ground. Thankfully, it didn't last as I drove out of the mountains, and I soon arrived at Big Hole National Battlefield.

The parking lot was empty...not surprising since it's Easter Sunday. This park preserves the history of a battle that took place in 1877 between a band of Nez Perce Indians and the U.S. Army. The U.S. government by treaty set aside a large reservation for the tribe, but reneged when gold was discovered in those lands. When war erupted in the region, the Nez Perce chose to flee, but were hunted down by the cavalry. The battle that ensued at this location was a defeat for the Army and the Nez Perce continued their flight north toward Canada. Sadly, they didn't make it and were forced to return to their reservation.

When I arrived, I chatted with the ranger and told her that I worked at the main Nez Perce National Historical Park in Spalding, ID back in the 80s. I was well versed in Nez Perce history, but I didn't know the story of Big Hole very well. I learned a lot from the video presentation available at this visitor center, and I even recognized a few people in it from my park years. I had hoped to walk along the park's Nez Perce Camp Trail, but because of all the rain, it was too wet and thus closed to the public. So, I just took a pic of the site from the visitor center.

After eating my lunch in the car, I continued down the road about an hour to Bannack State Park. I last visited this park in 2017, but didn't spend a lot of time there. Since I had all afternoon, I planned to go inside as many buildings as I could. It also allowed me to get creative with my photos. I think the overcast skies helped, too.

That building above is the schoolhouse and yes, that is a chamber pot. You DO know what that's for, right?

I had a weird thing happen before I went inside the little solitary house above. Right before I opened the door, I could have sworn I heard someone exhale or sigh loudly. Naturally, I thought someone was inside. There was no one inside! There have been ghostly occurrences reported in the park buildings. Was that one?

I had another unexplained thing happen right before I went down the staircase shown above. In the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a dark shadow briefly in the space to the right of the railing. I backed up, thinking it was MY shadow, then moved to the top of the stairs again. Nope! When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I looked behind it and found a small...and empty...closet. Was that a shadow person checking me out? Creepy!

Well, things are finally beginning to look up. The weather forecast has NO RAIN for the next several days! And, just in time for my planned visits to Yellowstone National Park! But tomorrow, I have one more day of looking at old buildings...and maybe some animals.

The best made plans...sometimes flop

I woke up to overcast skies and rain in the forecast. The weather people were correct...it rained pretty much all day, which nixed my plan for a hike. I had a couple of alternative activities, though. I left Pullman and traveled north to Coeur d'Alene, ID and bought a cheesesteak sandwich for lunch. I continued east on the interstate to the historic silver mining town of Wallace. I had hoped to visit an authentic bordello. Yes, you heard me right, but it's really just a long closed bordello turned museum. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that it hadn't opened yet for the season. Yes, my pre-road trip research failed me! So, I just took some photos of the old downtown buildings AND the place I was supposed to see, too.

Since I still had time in my day, I continued on to U.S. Forest Service Ninemile Remount Depot and Historic Ranger Station. From 1930 to 1953, the depot supplied pack horse teams for firefighting and backcountry work projects. The historic site was only a short drive from the interstate, but I was dismayed to find the dirt road leading up to it was muddy from the rain. I drove slowly to minimize the amount of mud to the underside of my car.

I was soon disappointed...yes, again...that this place also had seasonal visitation. Despite the fact all the buildings were closed, I was still able to walk around the grounds and snap a few pics. The buildings and corrals are self-explanatory, but the scales were used to weigh the horses and wagons to make sure they weren't too heavy for any bridges they might travel on.

Needless to say, my day was not very fun. I was ready for some kind of pick-me-up. It was only 20 miles to my pit stop for the night, Missoula, MT. Before checking into my hotel, I decided to visit Drum Coffee, owned by Fitz and the Tantrums drummer, John Wicks.

I don't drink coffee, but from my two previous visits, I've found their baked goods are very tasty. Naturally, I was hoping John would be there so I could say Hello. And, he actually was in the building, but unfortunately, John was busy working on a music project with a client. Oh, well...maybe next time. After a day of disappointments, I knew I couldn't go wrong with a Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers dinner! Even though there is still more rain in the forecast for tomorrow, I'm not going to let that stop me. I might even do a hike...I got a raincoat and umbrella!  Things can only get better...

Return to Cougarville

It's spring and that means ROAD TRIP!  I left home this morning after telling my cat Hoshi to be a good girl in my absence.  It was raining...not a good way to start my vacation.  Traveling south, I made a brief stop at Uwajimaya in Bellevue to pick up some food for dinner and other meals.  There won't be as many places open for Easter, so I was planning accordingly.  As I crossed Snoqualmie Pass, the rain stopped and the sun appeared.  It also became quite warm...low 70's!  I'm currently not accustomed to those temps, but it probably won't last as I head into the Rockies.

I drove east to my destination of the day, Pullman, WA...home of Washington State University!  As a Cougar alumnus, I always feel at home on the campus. Since it was too early to check into my hotel, I parked my car in their lot and walked up to the Compton Union Building...also known as the CUB.  As those who attended Wazzu know, the campus sits on a hill, so that means walking up...a lot!  I got a good workout hoofing the mile to the student union building. I was there to attend a special presentation by former Cougar quarterback Ryan Leaf.

Most who are familiar with Ryan know about his lofty expectations playing in the NFL...and his tremendous fall and failures.  But, there was also his refusal to give up and his amazing comeback and redemption.  His story is truly inspirational and I found myself mesmerized with him telling it. I didn't get any photos from the event, but here is one courtesy of Washington State Athletics.  That's me sitting in the front row, third from the right with the glasses.

After his presentation, Ryan took questions from the audience and also did a little meet and greet.  I took the opportunity to shake his hand and tell Ryan that I enjoyed hearing his story.  I wished him good luck with his life and future endeavors.  I probably should have gotten a pic with Ryan, but I was just happy to meet him.  Before leaving the CUB, I stopped by The Bookie...the student bookstore...to grab some Coug gear.  Then, I made the mile walk back to my hotel...much easier going downhill!  And what did I have to greet me in my hotel room?  My old friends, the half pillows!

As usual, I brought my own pillow since there is NO WAY I can sleep on those!  Tomorrow, I'll be continuing east to Idaho and Montana.  Unfortunately, it looks like rain all day, so I'll be planning indoor activities.  I'm just hoping by the time I reach Yellowstone, the rain will be over!