YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Went out wandering and exploring, far from home today.  Quite an exciting adventure, filled with beautiful scenery, some wildlife and good people.  I’ll always remember how much fun hanging out was today.

First thing, headed down to the geyser basins, in hopes of seeing the Canyons but no luck.  No bears either.  But, when I passed this bison out among the pools and the steam, it just struck me as a cool scene.

Wandering on, I found this brand new bison calf that looked like it was still in shock from being out in the world.  So tiny and seriously cute!

And, I kept wandering, coming across two different nesting birds.

This was my first nesting trumpeter swan and so quite the treat.

And then I happened to spot a big ole nest in a tree with an owl sitting in it and so visited there for awhile.

Spent much of the afternoon, hanging out with several people, waiting for a bear.  For 610!  Yes, I kept right on driving down to the Tetons where I was offered a most wonderful place to stay.  Still pinching myself as I sit here with the window open, the breeze coming in and the sound of water rushing past.

Well, I did not get to see 610.  Some folks did but she quickly disappeared into the forest.  We waited and waited for her to show up at an elk carcass but she never did.  Some folks saw a different bear in the area.

But, the coolest thing happened this evening.  Watching some elk emerge from the river with the late afternoon sun bathing them, way off in the distance.  Seemed so peaceful until the elk turned and began to run.  I quickly looked and saw that a black wolf was chasing three elk.

Two of the elk stopped and one kept running, with the wolf hot on its heels as they headed for the river.  We did not know if the wolf made a kill or not, but kind of thought maybe not because no howling or anything.  There were quite a few elk in the trees and some big bulls that still had their antlers.

A little later I spotted the wolf again and it was mousing.  So far off but it still tickled me to see it pouncing.

No bears but it was still a perfect day!

I did hear from Lamar Valley that the 4 Lamar Canyons had a carcass near Hitching Post and the area was closed down for them.  Rick called and said that he believes that 926 is pregnant, though still small.  Her due date is 8 to 12 days away so the puppies are still developing.  I do hope this is a better year for the pack.