When I walked out the door this morning the wind nearly blew me back inside. In fact, I did step back in and shut the door. Should I go or should I stay. Wasn’t feeling the greatest so staying home would have been easy.
But, one never knows what the weather will be like inside of the park, when it is windy and a blizzard in Gardiner. Often the park has little wind and less snow.
Yep, I called it right but the first 7 miles were tough with low visibility. Also, when it is snowing hard before day break it often clears after the sun comes up. Called that one too, although visibility was tough for awhile.
The Prospects were seen in Slough and the Lamar Canyons were on their bull elk carcass until some jerk photographer went out there and ran them off.
I was restless, grouchy and quiet. Some guy had followed me from Mammoth to Lamar, stopping when I stopped, going when I went. If I forced him ahead of me he just pulled over and waited for me to go by. I don’t follow easily – it is a PTSD thing that I can’t control – and will do anything to rid myself of a tail. But this guy would not give up. So, I am here to tell you, don’t follow me without introducing yourself and asking if it is okay. I didn’t do anything or say anything but my thoughts were not good. I hear that he took up following another photographer after I left.
Saw the otters but really did not see much else – a lot of elk grazing in deep snow. And, bison that fit right in with the glacial erratics in Little America, looking like snow covered boulders. Did see a grouse near Floating Island but in a bad spot on the road.
The day turned beautiful and I hear that a couple of coyotes managed to open the bison bull carcass. Normally, coyotes can not open a bison because the hide is too tough so that was interesting to hear.
We are still trying to figure out the mystery wolves and 870 still appears to be alone and hiding. Rick gets her signal but we are not seeing her. Life goes on I guess.
As for that beautiful bull elk – an 8 x 7 or 8 x 8, not sure obviously, I found him a few days ago running through Little America. Was taking my car to Bozeman for repairs but could not resist stopping to watch this guy. He does have scabies, which is too bad because what a beautiful guy he is. And my first 8 point! Not many of those around.
Let’s see what happens tomorrow.
Deby
You often refer to Little America and I tried to find it on the Park map and could not. How would I locate this area?
Thank you. Your images and commentary on park happenings and all the critters there are amazing. Thank you.
Little America is the area between the Yellowstone Bridge and Slough Creek. Thank you.