Today a 14 year-old aspiring wildlife photographer from Pennsylvania spent the day with me in Yellowstone because she wanted to see first hand what this life was like. I hope that it was a day that she will always remember – I sure will as it was an honor to be a small part of a young girl’s life. Particularly someone who has as much passion for wildlife and the outdoors as I have.
During the past two months I have been very fortunate to meet three wonderful people who came to Yellowstone to spend the day with me and each experience has enriched my life and showed me more about who I want to be.
Shana and I took off early this morning, in search of a bear and found one almost immediately. A small black in the forest.
After the bear we stopped to watch a family of marmots play along Antelope Creek and then on up to Dunraven. I heard about a bear jam and took a gamble and decided to head that way but of course it was over with when we arrived. And, so we went to Norris Geyser basin in search of the snowshoe hare but found a jack rabbit instead. I was okay with the alternative because it was pretty cool to see one close up in its summer garb.
We strolled through the basin and marveled at the amazing thermal features that we were able to walk amongst. The different colors were mind-boggling.
And, so, we headed back towards Canyon but that bear that we had been looking for was causing a huge jam. And so I parked, grabbed tripod and lens and told Shana that we were walking. The grizzly sow and cub disappeared into the forest and we thought that she was headed towards a meadow but she faked everyone out and came back out onto the road, right in front of us. And, it was just Shana and I there to watch her pass. What a great thrill for a young girl and she got some pretty cool shots. The bears came out too close for me to get much of a shot but I fired off a couple of the yearling because I have heard endless stories about how cute it was. Pretty darned cute. It was Mini Mom and her yearling. Last year Mini Mom came out with three small darlings and they were the hit of the season but she ended up losing two of them. I had not seen the bears since last spring so was just thrilled.
We went to Canyon to look for wolves but none to be seen. And then we went to the zoo, better known as Canyon Village, but got out ASAP and headed back over Dunraven where we got caught in a very long bear jam. I called the jam in and we crept forward until finding a place to park. Decided to go see what was up, rather than fight the traffic on a hot day without AC. About the time the bears started to do something the ranger showed up and ordered us back to our cars. Of course, everyone else stayed and watched the bears but we followed orders. It can be a tough world out here – fairness doesn’t enter the equation but I already know that so it is okay.
We drove through Lamar but it was just so hot and unbearable that we went to my campsite and sat in the shade for awhile. I dunked my head in two creeks today. Afterwards we say the coyote pups and Shana was pretty smitten with them. And, we went back to see the bears on Dunraven but they were sleeping. And, so the day came to an end, as days do.
After dropping Shana off I found this black bear wandering aimlessly through the wildflowers. Actually, if you just looked at the meadow you wouldn’t realize that there were so many flowers blooming. This was taken at Floating Island this evening.
I am sitting at Slough, the sky is dark, the air finally cool and it is time to head back to camp.
I’ll bet Shana loved every second Deby! Did you get a photo of the white-tailed jackrabbit? They are one of the hardest animals in the park to find, much less photograph. We have seen several but have never gotten a photo.
I am sure this was a day she will never forget.
Couldn’t ask for a better adventure – or mentor- for an aspiring photographer.
As usual, great story and great photos, Deby. Glad you had a good day.