Catching Up - First of Three Very Full Weekends

 

The weekend of July 23-25 got started early for me, right after work on Saturday. I had pre-booked a campsite at Canyon Campground inside the park.  Taking the convoy over at 5:30pm allowed me to enjoy the park at my favorite time . . . DUSK . . . when the animals are often more active and visible.  It also provided me with the ability to wake up in the park, and get started early without a 4:30am wake-up alarm.

For those who haven't followed me on past Yellowstone adventures, I have a pretty nice set up to be able to "car camp" in my Santa Fe.  It's not very spacious, but it's warm and comfy, so for a 6-8 hour sleep, it works out just fine.  On this particular night, my campsite was RIGHT NEXT TO the J loop bathroom, so it was as perfect as could be hoped for.

There is really nothing like sleep outside, even if it is in your SUV/Truck.

On Saturday evening, I enjoyed my drive up to the top of Sylvan Pass . . . not much in the way of wildlife, other than a stray bison or two.  If mosquitoes count, there were thousands of them!  I got back to my campsite just as nightfall came, so getting to sleep by 10pm worked out perfectly for an early morning rise with the sun.

I took advantage of the early morning, driving over the Dunraven Pass, hoping to see some of the resident bears and cubs that had been seen throughout the early part of the summer.  Unfortunately, no bears for me so I worked my way over to some of the thermal feature areas that typically are very busy.

It was a nice cool morning, with few people around, so I enjoyed a couple of short walks . . . the first at Mammoth Terrace and then at the Norris Geyser Basin. 
Nothing too far or strenuous, since I'm still gauging my physical abilities with my gimpy knees and respiratory limitations due to asthma.  I was happy to be able to do what I did . . . and enjoy some of the sights I've previously not been able to see.  Getting some 40+ pounds off this year also helped me.  It's good to be able to walk and not feel gimpy or in pain after just a mile!

During my time at Norris Geyser Basin, I ran into a large group of fellow Cheeseheads on a charter tour through Green Bay based Lamers Bus Company.  That was pretty cool, actually.  Lamers has been a long-time partner with my former association, and we used them for a couple of our Wisconsin Vintage Alleys Tours, so it was nice to see a familiar sight out here in Yellowstone.  The people in the tour group were seeming to have a good time, although one commented to me they didn't feel they had enough time at some of the various attractions in the park.  I hope they will come back and enjoy Yellowstone at their own pace someday.

With the wildlife viewing a bit of a disappointment, I decided to go with my "Plan B" for the day . . . head out of the East Entrance to Cody for a midday breakfast for lunch, and then head home via the Chief Joseph & Beartooth Highways.  I had enough people tell me that was a "must do" while out here so it seemed to be the right time.

What a treat I was in for, as I headed east over the Sylvan Pass!  These five big horn rams were right along the side of the road at this waterfall . . . one of many on that stretch of road heading towards the East Entrance and Cody.

As I told my sister Pam . . . I've seen lots of bears over the years in Yellowstone.  But I've only seen big horn rams twice . . . EVER . . . inside Yellowstone.  So this was special for sure.

Once in Cody, I did have breakfast at my favorite "go to" place . . . Granny's Restaurant . . . where they serve breakfast all day.  BONUS!

The drive out of Cody on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is pretty amazing, and yet, pales in comparison to the Beartooth All American Road.  It was well worth the extra drive time and miles, especially since I did get to see the resident goats atop the Beartooth near the ski lift where they are known to hang out for much of the summer.  (And check it out . . . still snow up there!)   Here are just a few of the photos of the scenery along these two scenic highways.

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