Day Tripping

With a day off, we decided that we would venture out of the park. We headed for West Yellowstone, Montana to pick up a few supplies. With time to kill, we headed into Idaho. We went to Big Springs which is one of the largest springs in the nation. It produces 120 million gallons of fresh water per day. We walked 2 mile round trip trail that took us along the river. There were a lot of water foul, a muskrat, white pelicans, and even sea gulls. I don't know if these sea gulls were confused as the ocean is way off in the distance. Along the trail we encountered a lot of moose droppings, but no moose to be seen. This park setting is so beautiful and peaceful. We will return again for another stroll along the river.

We headed back to W. Yellowstone, which is a small town just outside of the park. We had dinner there and I had a bison sirloin which was outstanding. Claire had a Ruby Red Rainbow Trout which she could not get enough of. After dinner it was time to head back into the park.

About ten miles into the park we spotted an eagle nest. Lo and behold, there sat an American Bald Eagle. Along the way we saw several elk and bison. I did see the back end of a red fox as it was heading into the bushes. There are still a lot of snow patches in the park and the weather is quite rainy and cold. We can't wait until the warm weather arrives.

Living in an RV is not that bad. Quite a bit smaller than what we are used to but it is home to us. Our dogs are doing quite well and enjoy the smells of the park. The other day we were walking the dogs and a ranger told us that we need to get back to into our trailer as there was a grizzly roaming around our RV park. We get this a lot and it will increase as this is their path to the lake where they like to fish. The Cutthroat Trout will start spawning soon and that does attract the bears.

I attended a Leadership Workshop this morning and have to go to work from 5:00PM to 10:00PM today. So with that in mind I shall bid you all a farewell from YNP.

Snowy days in Yellstone

Today, June 10th. we were treated again with a morning snow. The last photo was taken through our RV window while we were having coffee. The other photos were taken by Claire on Sun. June 7th. Today Claire is off to work at the lodge which opens today. The other day while she was at the lodge stocking the shelves she was treated by a mother grizzly and her cub. They were taking a stroll towards the lake which is in front of the lodge. When she was leaving for the day a couple of Elk were grazing out front of the lodge. I was off that day and decided to take it easy as I have been nursing a head and chest cold.

Life in the park is a wonderful experience being in this beautiful park that was established in 1872. You can never reach a point where you have seen enough. The last week has been damp with snow at night and rain during the day. Watching the forecast the weather appears to be the same in sunny Florida except that the temp. is a bit warmer.

I have Direct TV here in the trailer and have been able to watch the Marlins. This has been a real treat for me. We don't get the basic stations such as channel 4, 6,7,10 etc. so I don't know what I will do when the Dolphins play. I will face that when the time comes.

We can't wait until the weather starts to get warm so that we can get on the bike and drive around the park. It is a real treat riding the cycle here in Yellowstone. You get a different feel for the park when you on the bike. We are also planning a few hikes on our days off.

Well my family and friends, Claire and I wish you all the best and we miss you all.

Signing off from God's country.

Dusty & Claire

My day in NYP

Driving in the park you never know what animals you might run into. I headed out to Lamar Valley with hopes to see some wolves but did not see any. I did run into a bear, bison, and coyote which I took pictures of. I also saw elk and a pronghorn. I was also hoping to see a black bear but they were hiding from me. This year it is much warmer.Last year it was still snowing up to the second week of June. The lake is no longer frozen over and much of the snow has melted. Today it is a bit colder with temps in the 40's.

Clare is now with me as she flew into Cody on Friday. She is getting our RV in ship shape. Work at the Hotel Gift Shop has been going well but we have noticed a drop in visitors. Clare will start work at the Lodge on Thurs.

Yesterday Claire, my self and a co-worker from Singapore went into Cody to do a little shopping. I will need to work the next 10 years to pay for all the stuff we bought. On the way to Cody we saw a bull moose which was pretty cool. The fires of 1988 had destroyed the moose habitat and they moved out of the park. Many can be found just outside of the park near Cody and Jackson Hole.

Now that Claire is here and work is becoming a little more stable we will start exploring and hiking the many trails here in YNP. Hey George, if you are reading this, what trails do you recommend?

I have today off but I have to go to a class today for Managers. This stinks,as I have to attend at least 5 more classes and all during my time off. Life for a Manager!!! Claire has some chores for me to do so I best sign off. Hope my family and friends a doing well. I miss you all.