We are hooked on Yellowstone. After our 3 week spring trip being such a great time there ,we had to get back this fall.
The weather was just right for the trip,so on 1 October we left home and stayed just behind the small storm that moved east. As we topped Carson Pass we could see some light snow over the high peaks.
To out surprise there wasn't much color in the Aspens. Most had lost their leaves or were brown.
Very few had any nice yellow.
The first nights stop was in the Fernley area and the weather had moved off further east,that was nice to see.
Next morning bright and sunny for the middle leg of the route. Ahead we could see some clouds way to the east.
At Twin Falls we started to get some sprinkles but mostly sunny. Again by the next morning the weather had moved way east.
As we headed toward Jackson /Teton and the Gros Ventre CG we did finally catch up to the storm,but turned out to be just some leftover thunder/lighting. Nice to go to sleep to.
Two nights there and lots of moose viewing,they just roam around the campground. Someone told us that this time of year there could be at least 15+ males out in the field by the camp,like "mushrooms" they said. We watched about 8 during our stay there. They are sometimes hard to spot as when they are laying down usually,and only the antlers are showing,and they look like "bushes".
We did our nice walk to Phelps Lk.,a small glacier formed lake up against the Tetons.
A great walk around the lake and sometimes there moose there but not this time.
Our next stop was a cabin at Old Faithful Lodge. Was nice to be indoors for that night as the temp at Old Faithful the next morning was 23*and lots of ice/frost around. Next we headed for 6 nights to Madison CG,one of only 3 camps open that time of fall.
We made our daily runs from camp into Lamar Valley,lots of herd animals but no elk or wolves. No problem we saw a lot in the spring.
We spent a lot of time in the Mammoth Springs area this trip.We found the old stage road that travels from behind the hotel to the entrance station at Gardener. It's a 6 mile one way nice dirt road. Lots of animals there and little or no traffic. You can just creep along or pull over and watch nature.
We saw large herds of pronghorn and big horn sheep. The sheep were the highlight.
Weather was some of the best we have ever had,there mild days and cool nights. Only one night down into the 30s. Great for sleeping and sky watching.
Finally we had to say good by to the park and head home. Things were starting to close up there another week or so and they get ready for the winter season. One of these days we will have to visit
the park via the Yellowstone Institute winter tours.
A light dusting of snow,around Carson Pass.
View west from the Carson Pass turn out.
When we saw this moose we thought is was a young female but it appears to be a
young male who has dropped his antlers early. You can see the scars above his eyes.
The squirrels were real busy eating and watching.
A view of the Death Canyon area where Phelps Lk. is located.
While moose watching a shower treated us to a fantastic rainbow on the Gros Ventre River.
These 6 shots of this huge bull were right in the campground.He even had a touch of velvet left.
These 2 were of another big guy the morning we were leaving.Spotted him on our morning walk.
From the campground west with the Tetons,no snow yet.
Had a treat with the Beehive geyser and a nice rainbow.
Lots of big bison bulls around, just finding a warm spot.
We had stopped to view 3 wolves on a deer carcass,this eagle came out of the woods,where the kill was and let us all know this was his territory.He circled us and made himself known.
Did see a few goats in their nice white coats,but far away.
Just about the only color to be seen.
Finially saw some elk.This male was gathering up his harem
More color along the Gardner Stage road
We watched this heard of about 25 big horn sheep walking along the road. This was a wonderful sight
Just one adult male and several younger male and female,with a lot of lambs.
More elk two young bulls and an old guy.
The shot that proves we were there.
The ever present ravens.They like to just pose in hopes you will give them a hand out.
Very cold morning fishing on the Madison where the Gibin and Firehole come together.
The first few days we were disappointed not seeing the elk but they finally came around.
Mr. coyote enjoying the morning sun.
A couple of young rams practicing for later years.
On our way out of the park the bison were moving at their "bison" pace down the road.
Sad to see Melones Res,this is the hwy 49 bridge.Almost a river below.
