Sept 20, Sun - day 45
West Yellowstone, Montana
Weather - low 32 (0C) to high 60s (19C) windy, very windy, clear to partly sunny



Today was exploring the northwest portion of Yellowstone Park day. It was a short, mid-afternoon trip. We drove north from West Yellowstone on road191 (headed towards Bozeman, Montana). The road parallels along the Park’s north western boundary for about 30 miles, with one major stretch that actually dips into the park proper.



The scenery was beautiful, with an abundance of fall colors, streams, astounding rock formations, buttes, and we were told ‘there’s a good chance to see some of moose’ (Bullwinkle here we come!). Along the streams the willows and other small bushes grow about ten feet high (perfect moose country) and during the day when most moose get out of the heat and lay down you will never see one, which we didn’t. However, this was a ‘check it out’ journey and we plan another early morning or early evening trip later this week to see if the moose claim holds water.



There was still lots of good light left when we returned to West Yellowstone so we ventured up the Madison and Firehole Rivers to see how the elk were doing. As we passed through the park entrance, we asked if this weekend was larger than Labor Day (we’d experienced heavy traffic yesterday). No, was the answer, but very close. We were then informed that next Saturday, Sept 26, will be a free fare day. The last of three free admission days scheduled for this year. If the free day we spent at Mount Rainier is any indication this place will be packed. We might think about exploring some areas outside the park to avoid the crowds.



Most of the elk on the Madison were still in the timber, with the exception of one lone bull that we saw in the meadows, his cows seemingly scattered everywhere. While thirty or so people were watching the bull in the meadow, a cow and calf came up behind everyone and settled just forty feet from the parked cars. Thanks to Ernie Einarsson and his excellent mentoring, we always try to follow the ‘look 360 degrees rule’. So thanks Ernie, I spotted the pair and took some good shots. Shots not only of the cow and calf, but of the people walking right past the pair, with no idea they were there. It would be these people I would like around if there were bear to be photographed. I figure I could not only get a shot of the bear, but also of some very frightened people.



Up the Firehole we went and saw osprey, bison, bison/car jams, and various lumps in the grass which we thought might be coyotes. J The big news was a dead bison across the river just west of Old Faithful. Cause of death uncertain and since it was across the river, more than 150 yards away, the Rangers will leave the carcass, but, for safety they blocked any parking on the side of the road nearest the remains. They put up several large signs warning to stay behind the signs due to danger from bear and other scavengers. Since they leave the sight open for observation we took advantage of the opportunity, parked in an approved area where we could see and carcass and waited. Finally the sun cast its’ shadow on the bison and everyone left….no bears were seen, only a few crows.



As we approached the Madison Junction, there was a MAJOR car/elk jam. There was a group of elk in the timber just off the road, crossing the road, standing for portraits, and just milling around. It was past dusk and nearing dark, yet people were everywhere still trying to get a shot of the wildlife. When we finally made it through the elk, cars and crowd, we headed for home but did get stopped once again for a sighting of the young Bald Eagle and its parents. This time they are all too far and it was too dark for a good shot so we passed on by.



A shorter day, new territory, more excitement, lots of photos and the adventure continues….



To see more of 'The Great Adventure 2009' images click HERE



To see more of our bison images click HERE