85 degrees and sunny to 35 degrees and snowing in a matter of hours. We arrived at Yellowstone National Park around 4pm on Mother's Day, May 8th. Upon entering the park we were introduced to wildlife immediately and often. Bison flooded the open valleys and crowded the narrow streets. Cars had no choice but to wait as the Bison casually scuffled out of the car paths but not by curtsey, rather by chance, allowing the metal beasts to pass. Bison (with their young) were everywhere and grazing very close to the roads which made for great pictures below. Bison are usually tame and gentle, but when their young are "threatened" in any way, Bison will not hesitate to use their horns. In fact, Bison are the most dangerous animal in Yellowstone because people misread their calm and passive behavior as an invitation to get too close. While talking to some locals at the lodge bar, they told us stories of people trying to put their children on top of the Bison for a picture. They may look harmless like Clifford the Big Red Dog, but they are wild animals conditioned by the harsh realities of nature. Fun fact we learned at the bar: Female Bison stick together and raise their young while males are usually out of the picture in terms of protecting and raising young. Check out pictures of Bison Below.
At one point we watched a Coyote try to snatch Young Bison. The mother bluffed a rush and the Coyote scrammed. The Coyote was looking for a quick and easy kill but the massive Bison mother wasn't having it. It was like watching the discovery channel except we were the photographers/commentators without cool Australian accents.
After our first two days at Yellowstone we had seen Bison and Coyote but were still in search of Grizzlies and Wolves. Joe and I talked to some Yellowstone Rangers and lodge bartenders to know the best locations and times to see Bears and Wolves. By the end of our second day, we had our game plan ready for the reminder of the stay. We were lodging at a place called Old Faithful Inn located in the southwest portion of the park. Below was our location.
The Old Faithful Inn is an old but well maintained hotel/cabin in Yellowstone and I would recommend anyone to stay there when visiting the park. The place is purposely kept dark and cosey and there are no televisions or Internet access in the lodge. Luckily there was a bar and a few restaurants that had fantastic food. On the first day, Joe and I immediately hit the bar upon arrival and met some very cool and interesting people. Most of the people in the bar were off duty employees (bartenders) enjoying their day off. For the few people we spoke with, they live what seems to be very cool lives. They come up to Yellowstone during the summer to work as a bartender and when the summer ends they travel the world until they run out of cash. To most people I know, this lifestyle would seem risky and dangerous (Including myself in some respect) but I didn't hear any complaints from the employees I talked to. They joked that friends and family constantly tell them "it's time to grow up and enter the real world", but they made the argument that they are surviving and seeing the world. To me, they were truly living their lives. They are experiencing this incredible glowing ball floating in a solar system which floats in a galaxy, which floats in a space filled with billions and billions of other galaxies. The point is this: It's amazing that we are even here regardless of your beliefs. It's hard to argue against seeing the world as much as you can, if you can make it work. I know they don't have it all figured out. There is no official right or wrong way to live your life, but I think the take-away is recognizing the importance of making sure you truly "live" it.
Along with meeting employees we met an older man from Australia who flew over with his wife and son to drive around the USA for 3 or 4 weeks. I loved their plan because there was no plan. When Joe and I walked into the bar, we saw this guy sporting a long grey beard and tattoos on his arms. (Before we knew he was from Australia and was with his family). Since there wasn't much space at the bar I sat next to him. I immediately thought this guy must be in a biker gang and was someone I would stay clear from strictly due to appearance (Just being honest). The guy turned out to be hilarious and a good drinking partner for a few hours. Conversation started with him when the rest of us (Off Duty Employees) were talking about work. He eventually chimed in and said something close to "Ehh enough of the work chatter, lets get another round." We all agreed and started talking. His family came in and he introduced us all. His son (around age of 25-27) showed me pictures he took from a ride around Yellowstone. As he left for the night we slapped hands and wished each other safe and fun travels. Yet another example of judging books by their cover.
One last story. As Joe and I finished up breakfast one morning, I stepped outside to grab the car and Joe stuck around to pay the bill. I was waiting a good 15 minutes and started wondering what the hell was taking so long. Joe eventually made his way to the car shaking his head and smiling. Joe jumped in the car and said "I wish you were there to hear the conversation I had with the waiter" I never understood how the conversation started but it turned out that our waiter (mid 60s) found out he had cancer about 4 or 5 months ago and it was too late for treatment. A few months before being diagnosed, he lost almost everything he had financially and was literally living on the streets. Once he found out about his condition, he decided to pack whatever belongings he had and visit all the places he had always wanted to see as a kid. So that's what he did. For the past 5 months he has been traveling Europe and seeing those places. When he returned to the US, he applied to the waiter position in Yellowstone and got the job. He plans to work as a waiter for the summer, save up cash, and then fly to Thailand. Joe couldn't believe what he heard. Joe said the best part of the conversation was that the man said, "Even though I know I don't have much time, I have lived more in 5 months than most people have in their entire lives. I have never felt so free in my entire life." Joe said the man continued with tears in his eyes, "My two daughters will continue my lineage in this world" When Joe told me this story, we just sat there with wide eyes and slacked jaws. If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what could. You never know what life will throw at you, and this man grabbed it by the horns.
On the last two days of Yellowstone, Joe and I were on a mission to see Grizzly Bears and Wolves. It took a great deal of time, driving, and patience, but we did see both. Unfortunately the Grizzly pictures didn't come out so great due to how far away they were. Joe had a decent one that I will add to this post sometime tomorrow on the way to Mount Rushmore/Badlands. I must say, even from far distances, these Grizzlies were massive. Besides Bears and Wolves, we were also lucky enough to get up close and personal with Rams. We were literally standing within 5 feet from 10 rams as they were passing through. In retrospect it was probably dangerous, but it was quite a rush being very close to powerful and unpredictable wild animals.
Above is a shot of a wolf who was part of a pack traveling along the crest of the mountain. There were about 5-6 wolves in the pack.
As we left "Lamar Valley" in Yellowstone last night, we stumbled across an amazing view of the sunset over mountains. There was no editing done to these pictures. This was exactly how it looked. We sat there freezing for about 30 minutes just looking at the sky. As the sun sank deeper behind the mountains the sky changed different colors. There was no one else around on the road (about 8:30-9:00pm Mountain Time). It was a nice moment of peace especially after a day of chasing/searching for wildlife.
Tomorrow morning Joe and I leave Yellowstone National Park and will make our way to Mt Rushmore and the Badlands in South Dakota. We were supposed to take the east exit out of Yellowstone but we learned it will be closed for a week due to an avalanch that covered the area. We haven't had the best of luck with road closures, but it's something to expect after the crazy winter we just had. That being said, we will have to drive through the northern section of the park to exist which means we will have one final shot to see Bears and maybe even a Moose. If we see anything tomorrow, I I'll be sure to post from the road barring Internet access. (FYI: I am able to submit this post tonight because I somehow caught decent signal from ATT)
In summary, Yellowstone is an amazing place. It is like no other park we visisted thus far. It is a very rugged and natural place. It doesn't compare to the scenery of Grand Canyon and Yosemite, but I have never seen so many animals living in their natural environment. (Deer in jersey does not count. We replaced their natural environment with houses/developments and for some reason cant believe why there are 11 deer in the backyard). This is a must visit place. You don't even need to be a hiker to enjoy it. Joe and I didn't do any hiking here due to closed trails because of snow and bear danger. You could drive the roads of Yellowstone and still experience it the same. We would have liked to hike the park but when the Park Rangers close trails, they close them for good reason. If we get a good picture of a bear/moose, I will make sure to submit a new post from the road. You should hear from me tomorrow or Friday night. The Badlands is our final big stop. After South Dakota, we will make our way to Chicago and then back to NYC. Can't believe the trip is almost finished. It has been quite a journey, but it's not finished yet. Talk soon.
Vin
Amazing! Glad you guys are safe and enjoying your journey! The blog is awesome!!!
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