What a day! While my cold lingers on it is not bad enough to keep me at home in bed and too bad to be out in the park. And, so out to the park I went and so glad that I made that choice.
First thing this morning I saw my first new elk calf, all curled up and sleeping next to the bathroom at Mammoth campgrounds. Some folks thought that the mom had lost her child but I am sure that she knew right where it was. Great start to some folk’s day though!
I decided to head south with the secret desire of seeing the Canyon wolf pack or Quad Mom, as a back up plan. At Gold Gate numerous photographers lined the road and I assumed it was Quad mom with her three COY but it was, now get this, mountain goats! I have been dying to photograph goats in Yellowstone and today in particular was in the mood for something different. The goats, a nanny and a kid, were high in the rocks with the morning sun lighting them nicely. What a pleasant surprise.
After they rounded a bend and laid down for awhile, I went on to see what the rest of the day had in store for me. I never stop at Sheepeater but decided to do so today. It is fun to follow the other photographers every once in a while and there is a great group of folks in Yellowstone right now, but I need to beat my own drum and find my own thing. And so I sat in the warm morning sunshine and photographed chipmunks and a marmot. Had a blast as it was so quiet and peaceful with the river running by. And I still had some of that wonderful morning light to shoot them by and so took advantage.
On I went, exploring around Gibbon Meadow and such before heading back and across to Canyon. Only I didn’t make it very far before the cold got the best of me and I had to stop to rest. Afterwards, I had not been on the road for more than a couple of minutes when I saw a wolf running east. It was 712M, the alpha male of the Canyon Pack and it was so good to see him. He was moving well, not stiff at all, but quite thin. The last time I saw 712 he was chunky. I am afraid age is showing on the boy but he is handsome as ever. Not sure where the others were but 712 was heading towards Canyon where I finally saw some elk return a couple of days ago. At least if they move home the Canyons will have food.
I went on to Canyon and saw a new sow and with two COY well west of Alum. More new babies! And then I conked out for a few hours, amid the busy hubbub of a holiday weekend. Oh well, it felt good.
On to Tower and the black bear family where I spent the remainder of the day. Not a lot of great shots because I wasn’t lucky enough to be close but sure did enjoy watching the cubs play. Almost as good as the otters – full of joy. And, I had an opportunity to visit with some good friends. Long day, good day in Yellowstone. I am afraid that we had one week of Spring and are already into summer with temps in the 70s and 80s. I want spring back.
I’m so glade I got a membership to your new site. It is wonderful to read your stories and adventures in Yellowstone!
Hi Deby!
I made it on this, hurrah!
Loving it but how do I get to this page lol.
I clicked on your facebook link..
Loving the beautiful photos and great stories <3
Keep on keepin on Deby!! xx
Jenni, thanks for getting onto the new site. The address is theyellowstonedaily.com
Loving the Yellowstone Daily, Deby.
Thank you!
News of a Canyon pack member always makes me smile!
Good!
Well through perseverance I am finally reading wonderful stories and seeing beautiful pictures. It took me awhile to understand the PayPal web site, but with a phone call to PayPal the problem of me not knowing which button/buttons to push was resolved with a friendly customer service agent. I’m not a quitter so I wasn’t about to give up on subscribing. It’s raining hard and steady where I’m at today so seeing your beautiful pictures brightens my day. The marmot looks as if it has camera lighting on it. I imagine it is morning light. The clarity is amazing.
Glad that you kept trying and finally made it Barbara. It will take a little time for me to get rid of some kinks but that is to be expected. The important thing is that you made it and are enjoying the stories and photos.
Linda, so good to hear that you are enjoying the site and your morning coffee!
What a day. Think I’ll head towards the mountain goats and see if I can spot them. Thank you for the great info. The wolf is beautiful. Wonderful pictures.
Okay, so you were able to get in and see the post? Good, I was worried.
Dear Deby,
Finally got in! So good to be here and see and hear what you have been up to in Yellowstone. –
Paulette
Good to have you Paulette!
You caught 712! That is great Deby! Our landlord has always told us to look for mt. goats at golden gate. We’ve only seen them a couple of times, always on the west side, and never as close as you got them. Love the yellow and orange lichens in those shots as well. I second the motion on getting spring back.
Yes Judy, look for them – quite a treat.
I’m enjoying this site. Coffee and the news. Thanks for a great start to my day.