A last hurrah in Yellowstone

We headed out this morning to make the long drive to Mammoth Hot Springs.  Due to road closures, it’s a longer trip than normal from our location 14 miles outside of West Yellowstone.  Other than a few bison we really haven’t seen much wildlife at all.  I had my hopes up for one last trip into the park, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Tonight’s post will mainly be the story of two interesting, to me, encounters.  We did see quite a few bison along the way, but any pull off areas were crammed with cars.  When we entered the Mammoth Hot Springs location I thought sure elk would be everywhere, but not a one was to be seen.  So, after visiting the springs we had to reverse and retrace our almost 100 mile path to get here.

Finally, a couple of elk appeared in the village.  One female was quenching her thirst at a puddle provided by recent rains.  There were about four females doing the same thing.

I’d rather see these girls out in a more natural habitat, but beggars can’t be choosers.  I got a kick out of how she closed her eyes and shook off some of the water.

                 But then, a big male entered the scene, sniffing away.  It is rutting season you know.

           Next thing, he lets out a big bugle!  I was so hoping to hear a bugling elk, and I got my wish.

                                                          Hearing the call, the ladies took off.

                                                               All four gathered around him.

As his harem answered nature’s call, he let out one last great bugle.  Cool beans!  I didn’t care if it was in the village, I was thrilled to witness it.

As we headed back, we tried to find a place to have our picnic lunch but were thwarted at several pull offs by crowds.  We finally found one without a picnic table, but just had to tailgate it.  It was kind of funny to see how many cars pulled in just to see what we were looking at.  I was looking at egg salad on crackers while Kurt was having his salami and cheese. 

As we neared Tower Falls, a ranger was stationed on the road to keep people from getting too close to a bunch of bighorn sheep.  We squeezed into the last spot with the car, but my pictures of them left a lot to be desired. 

We left the crowd, and drove just a bit further down the road.  Up to the right was a female bighorn with a young one.  We had these two almost to ourselves as they munched away on the vegetation.  We just stood next to the car in a parking area so as not to disturb them.

Mom was ever vigilant as we enjoyed just watching.  She came closer and closer.  It was a great few moments.

The young one stayed close at hand, and hopped over a fallen tree.  Another magical moment before the crowds descended.  Yes, we also saw some magnificent scenery today, but the wildlife encounters is what I will remember most.

Tomorrow we’re off to visit the Grand Tetons Nat’l Park.  It will be a long day trip, but I’m sure it will be magnificent.

                                                                              THE END!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy