I MAY NOT KNOW WHAT... BUT... I DO KNOW WHO

This will be a very short post..... all I have to say is this.....

I may not know what tomorrow holds

but

I know WHO holds tomorrow.

I hope you know WHO holds your tomorrows...

INDIAN SUMMER HAS COME TO VISIT

Early Morning - Lake Yellowstone

Well - as hoped for - Indian Summer arrived in West Yellowstone yesterday.  We do not know how long it will stay but we will certainly enjoy it while it is here!

The snow of a few days ago has pretty much all disappeared - except for a place in the back yard where the sun does not get to.

It is chilly in the morning but warms up during the day and then turns cool again in the evening.

This is a beautiful time of the year to be at Yellowstone - too bad that the government has decided to disrupt the year with their shut-down.  I can tell you - most of us here in West are not at all happy about it and - like the majority of the nation - feel it is simply a battle between some spoiled children in Washington DC that is messing up these last few days of fall for us all.

Hopefully they will get it resolved soon.  So sorry that you are not able to visit YOUR national park at this time.

TEMPORARY HOME FOR THE CLOTHING BANK

First Baptist Church - West Yellowstone, Montana

Pictured above is the First Baptist Church.  This has now become the "temporary" home for the local clothing bank here in town.  Plans are to keep the clothing bank at the church until April 1, 2014.  After that - we do not know what will happen with it.

When the new town offices were ready to be occupied, the city fathers decided not to move the clothing from the existing Social Services offices to the new city office building.  This leaves a lot of our local population with no place to get winter clothing for their children and themselves.  There is no charge for any of the clothing.  It is all free to whomever.

The church decided to try to make room for it in our building and we have done so successfully.  It is a bit crowded but we are going to do this.  We feel that this is a ministry that our town needs and that we are being led in that direction.

The clothing bank, unfortunately, will not be open every day because we do not have the personnel at the church to staff it every day.  The hours are Monday 1:00 - 4:00 and Thursday 4:00 - 7:00.  However, the folks at Social Services do have a key in case of an emergency situation.  We are going to see how it goes and then determine if we need to either change or expand the hours.  Unfortunately, with winter coming on and our seasonal people leaving - that leaves about 6 to 12 of us locals to deal with the staffing.

We did manage to secure a small grant from the West Yellowstone Foundation to help with the financial end of it.  We are going ahead full steam and trusting that God will provide.

WEST YELLOWSTONE TODAY

Snow On The Park Mountains

Today is Saturday, October 5, 2013.  The early morning temperature was almost 22 degrees.  The sky this morning is overcast.  I was hoping for another day like yesterday was.  We had a beautiful day with bright blue Montana sky and just a little breeze.  I am really hoping that we are headed for at least a week of Indian Summer before winter truly sets in.

This afternoon we will go to the Museum and enjoy their free day as well as $5 brats.  

Yesterday evening was the Halloween celebration at the local Bunkhouse Barn Interiors which is combined with the Book Peddler.  Lots of fun...saw lots of locals as well as got great deals if you went in costume.

The ladies from the local Chamber of Commerce all dressed as witches and paraded down the main street!

See...we do find our own way of entertainment here in West!

WINTER ACTIVITY SCHEDULE FOR WEST YELLOWSTONE

Fun Things To Do

If you are wondering if there is anything other than snowmobiling - in West Yellowstone in the Winter - here is a part of the planned activities for our little town this winter.

November 16 - West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation Ski Swap meet.

November 25 - 30  - Yellowstone Ski Festival

November 27 - Thanksgiving Biathlon

November 20 - Kids 'N Snow at the Trailhead

December 12 - Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights

December 13 - 14  Rodeo Run Sled Dog Races

December 14 - Spam Cup #1

December 14 -  Christmas Bird Count

December 15 - Yellowstone Open for Winter Oversnow Travel

December 15 - Biathlon Cup #1

December 15 - 31 - Christmas for the Critters at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Will post January - February and March list later.  Stay Tuned.

WINTER IS ARRIVING

Yellowstone Bison

Woke up yesterday morning to a world of white.  Our first snow of the season has arrived.  There was not a lot of it - maybe a couple of inches - but it is sticking.  The roads have melted off but it is sticking on other places.

Soon we will be hearing the snowmobiles and snow coaches becoming active - not only in Yellowstone - but in the surrounding National Forest as well.

Winter is approaching.  Maybe we will have a week or so of Indian Summer - or - maybe winter is here to stay for a few months.

That is the wonder and beauty of being a year 'round resident in West Yellowstone.  You just never know what you will see weather-wise when you look out your window in the morning.

HIS MAJESTY

RESTING UP 

Saw this big fellow in the park last week.  Evidently he is taking a rest from gathering up his harem.  The elk rut is in full swing and the bugling elk can be heard in almost all sections of Yellowstone National Park.

It is amazing to me how these magnificent creatures can grow antlers this size in one spring and summer.  Also amazing to think that they can hold their heads up with all that weight resting there.

They will lose these in the spring and grow a complete new set by fall.  Isn't Mother Nature a wonder?

EAGLES IN THE PARK

A PAIR OF EAGLES

On our way out of Yellowstone last Sunday we had the opportunity to see a pair of eagles resting in a dead tree.  I hope you can make out their white heads in the picture above.

I do not often see eagles in the Park and was thrilled to get to see a pair of them.  I wonder if they are a couple looking for a place to build a nest?  I sure hope so and I hope they build in a place where we can watch them.

It was a day of rain and overcast skies - but - the Park is magnificent no matter what the weather.  I suppose it all depends on your attitude.  You can either complain about the weather or - you can just take it in stride and not let it ruin your day.

WE HAD A "BEAR" OF A TIME

Yellowstone Bear

Last Sunday, September 29, I spent the day in Yellowstone with some good friends.  We were fortunate to see this grizzly bear.  She was on a carcass and we watched her for quite a while.

There were some cars parked on the road just above her.  At one point, she left the kill and went up to the road where the cars were.  We were at the bottom of the hill (and glad to be there!).

We were told by one of the Rangers that there were actually 2 bears on the carcass but one was all we saw.  I suspect it was a grizzly sow and a cub as bears do not usually like to share their food with another adult bear.

MY APOLOGIES

Just a short blog to apologize for the gap in my postings.  It has been an extremely busy summer here in West Yellowstone.  Seems like more people than ever before have decided to make this their summer destination - or - at least one of them.

The seasonal summer workers returned and that has swelled the population of the town for the summer.  

The more people we have come to visit - the more work the "locals" have to do.  We do not complain - we love sharing this National Park with one and all.

However - it often times does not leave a lot of spare time for those of us who are year 'rounders.

Promise I will try to do better at sharing information about our town and your National Park with you in the days ahead.

Lots on the schedule for the upcoming fall and winter seasons here with the Ski Festival - Kids 'N Snow - Skating and S'Mores and the Snowmobile Expo - snowmobiling in the National Forest as well as the National Park - snowcoach tours into the Park.  There is lots to do here during the snowy season.  Why not come and see for yourself?

Come and see us this winter....you will never forget the experience.

YELLOWSTONE BEARS ARE ACTIVE

YELLOWSTONE GRIZZLY

It is that time of year again...fall is in the air here at Yellowstone.  The bison rut is pretty much over and done for the year - the elk are gathering their harems and bugling to attract more ladies to join their groups.

The bears know that the snows are not that far away and they are getting ready for hibernation.  That means they are looking for additional food in order to  make it through the winter.  Consequently, there has been an increase in the bear sightings lately.

A couple of months ago, I was at the store at Fishing Bridge in the Park.  I was on the way back to my car when I looked up and there - not 50 feet away from me -- was a young grizzly just ambling through the parking lot on his way to the woods just across the road.  Must say - I was a bit startled. He simply ignored everything and shuffled on his merry way.

Naturally, my camera was in the car and the bear was between me and the card - therefore - you do not have a picture of that particular bear!  Never thought to pull out my phone and take a picture.

Can't promise you will see a bear when you are in the Park but at this time of year - your chances have increased.

THAT'S A LOT OF BULL

A TRIO OF BULL ELK

Saturday morning, June 22, 2013 I was on my way from Lake Yellowstone back to the town of West Yellowstone. It was shortly after 6 o'clock in the morning. I was just sort of puttering along enjoying the scenery and the quiet and the beauty of Yellowstone.

I rounded a corner in the road somewhere in the West Thumb area of the park. On the right-hand side of the road I caught a glimpse of a bull elk. Naturally, I slowed down considerably hoping to be able to get a picture of him. He came out of the woods and crossed the road in front of me.

A movement on the left-hand side of the road caught my eye and then it dawned on me – there was not one bull elk – there were actually three off them.

As you can see from this photo – they all have pretty sizable racks already. The racks are beautiful – they are all still in velvet.

Immediate reaction – hit the hazard lights to warn other vehicles of their presence – stop the car – pick up the trusty camera and began shooting.

You can see the end result above.

YELLOWSTONE FOR KIDS

RANGER PROGRAM - YELLOWSTONE

Bringing the kids to Yellowstone this summer? Wonder what you're going to do with them after they've seen Old Faithful? There are many programs in Yellowstone National Park that are directed towards children.

For instance, they could become a Junior Ranger. The Junior Ranger newspapers located at any visitor Center are free. This will allow your children to start tracking the animals that they see, predicting the geyser eruptions and many more activities. Children from ages 5 to 11 who complete enough of the activities in the newspaper will earn their very own Junior Ranger patch.

They can also hear tales around the campfire. Check at any of the visitor centers for the times and locations of these program. At a family campfire you will all hear the tall tales about mountain man, the American Indian -  along with stories about the bison the elk and the bears.

They can also hop the stagecoach at Roosevelt. Rides take place several times a day and for more information you should call (307) 344 – 7311 or you can stop at the activities desk that any lodge throughout the park and they will be able to provide this information.

Any of the hotel dining rooms will have available the "Kids Activity Book". These books have games and activities, for instance there is a Yellowstone map sticker game that the children can complete and redeem prizes.

At the Old Faithful Visitor Center and the Canyon Visitor Education Center you can pick up self-guiding booklets for the Young Scientists Program. There is a nominal cost of $5 for the program which is designed for children ages five years and older. If they are successful in unraveling the scientific mysteries in the program they will receive a patch or a keychain.

If they want to learn about Yellowstone before their visit they can become a WebRanger. They need to visit the website nps.gov/webrangers. At this site they can take the WebRanger pledge – print out & sign their WebRanger membership card. They then complete all the activities in one "ranger station" for an award.

In addition there are many other Ranger–led activities that are designed for the young park visitors. Fun and educational films are shown daily at most visitor centers.

Without a doubt, there is plenty to keep your youngsters active and involved in Yellowstone. In the process of having fun in the National Park you may all be pleasantly surprised at how educational the trip has been.

JUST YELLOWSTONE

There are many many words and many many articles that have been written about Yellowstone National Park. I could go into a long dissertation about these photos. However, sometimes it is best to let the photos speak for themselves – and that is what I have chosen to do in this post. I hope you enjoy the pictures and that they give you some idea of the wonder, beauty, and magnificence that can be found in Our First National Park.

ENJOY!

Early Morning Mist Travels Across The Road

A Forest of Dead Trees 

Geyser Field In The Distance

The Steam Rises Near Grand Prismatic

A Left-Over From The First of '88

These photos are from own personal collection - all taken about a week ago.

WORK IN YELLOWSTONE FOR THE SUMMER

CLEANING UP OUR FIRST NATIONAL PARK

If you are looking for unique and different way to spend your summer – if you want to be in one of the most unique and beautiful places in this country of ours – then you should consider spending your summer months working in Yellowstone National Park.

The National Park Service does have seasonal jobs available not only in Yellowstone, but in most of the national parks in this country.

How do you find these jobs? One of the best resources that you can use is, of course, the Internet. Check out the website www.nps.gov. This site will allow you the opportunity to select the park you wish to work in. From my own personal experience, I have found that the best time to begin searching for these jobs would be in November or December of the year prior to the season that you want to work.

Also speaking from personal experience, there is seasonal housing available, at least in Yellowstone National Park. Please be aware that you will be charged a nominal fee for your housing for the season. You will be required to wear a uniform while you are working in the National Park. However, you will be given a clothing allowance by the government and they will direct you to the website where you may order your uniforms.

The variety of jobs that are available varies greatly, especially in Yellowstone. As you can see from the photo above, our National Park does require regular cleaning and trash removal.

I can promise you that working in Yellowstone for the season will be an experience you will never forget and probably one you will want to repeat.

SPORTS CAMP - WEST YELLOWSTONE

TIME FOR SPORTSCAMP

If you are in West Yellowstone during the week beginning June 24, 2013 - and - if you have children with you - stop by Pioneer Park and give the kiddos a chance to participate in the Annual Sports Camp.

The camp is at Pioneer Park from 9:00 a.m. until noon and is open for children ranging in age from 5 years on and up. Camp will be in progress Monday through Friday.

This camp is sponsored by the First Baptist Church and the leaders are members from the New Convenant Baptist Church located in Grass Valley,California.

It will give the kiddos something to do in the morning and mom and dad can get a few hours to themselves.

Hope to see you there.

WEST YELLOWSTONE SUMMER HAPPENINGS

PIONEER PARK - WEST YELLOWSTONE

The town park in West Yellowstone is Pioneer Park.  It consumes an entire city block.  There are swings and slides and other playground equipment for the kiddos - there are also covered picnic tables with bar-b-que grills.  In addition there is a very large grassy area in the park.  There is also a baseball diamond at the park.

During the winter - the city builds a large sledding hill in the park for the enjoyment of the town residents.  

In the summertime we have Music In The Park.  That program kicks off June 21 with a performance by Kennedy and the Assassins.  There will continue to be free music at the park throughout the summer.

In addition, the "Show and Shine" for the Yellowstone Rod Run will be held at the park.

Fourth of July will see lots of activity at the park with music  and Bar-B-Que by the local fire department.

In addition to that - three times this summer the First Baptist Church will host "Kidz in The Park" featuring games of all kinds - cotton candy - popcorn - hot dogs.

IN THE VOLCANO

A Portion of the Yellowstone Caldera Rim

Sometimes, when you are enjoying the beauty of Yellowstone and are busy looking for the elusive bear, wolf or moose - you tend to forget that you actually "in the volcano."

I snapped a photo of a portion of the Yellowstone Caldera Rim which I have posted above.

You see the geysers - hot pools - fumaroles - steam vents - mud pots - but you forget that you are actually inside the volcano that shaped this National Park.

COLLECTING THE FLAGS

West Yellowstone Boy Scouts Pick Up The Flags

I have already written about Flag Day in our little town.  I told you about the Boy Scouts of Troop # 602 placing flags at the homes and some of the businesses in our town on Flag Day - 4th of July - Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Each scout gets to place a flag in their own yard and all the churches in town get a flag placed - free of charge.

This is their only fund raising activity.  This year the Scouts placed 147 flags in our little town.

The funds from this program - (it will cost you $25.00 for the entire summer) - are used for merit badges, supplies and for their summer camp.

They started the program in 2001 with a total of 40 flags.  The program has now grown to 147.

Way to go Scouts.

YELLOWSTONE'S BISCUIT BASIN

Early Morning at Biscuit Basin

Pictured above is an early morning shot of Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park. This is one of my favorite places in Yellowstone. There is a trail at Biscuit Basin that will lead you to the Old Faithful area.

My first – and probably only – cross-country ski trip was taken on this trail through Biscuit Basin – past Morning Glory Pool and on to the Old Faithful area.

It was several winters ago when my husband and I took a snow coach into Yellowstone. The snow coach driver dropped the two of us, our cross-country skis, a map, and instructions that said "we will be leaving Old Faithful at 3 PM – be there – or be left."

We had a wonderful time. Even though it was our first time on cross-country skis and even though we were not quite sure where we were going we had a fantastic time.

The trail was pretty much deserted and was quiet and peaceful and a beautiful sunshine winter day.

Along our route we came across a coyote who was lunching on a bison carcass. He paid very little attention to us and we did not bother him.

Just for the record – we did make it to Old Faithful in time to catch the snow coach back to West Yellowstone.

NORRIS GEYSER BASIN - HOTELS OF THE PAST

Norris Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Park

Just a bit of history about hotels at some hotels of the past and Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone.

Four hotels were built at the Norris Geyser Basin from 1886 to 1901. The first one was built in 1886 but unfortunately it burned before they were able to open it.

Yet another rustic hotel was built to replace the original one that had burned but – it too burned.

In 1892, after two failed attempts, the third hotel was successful in opening for business.

The fourth hotel (and the last one) opened in 1901 overlooking  Porcelain Basin. Although this hotel did have 25 guest rooms, the main business conducted at this hotel was serving lunch to visitors on their way to Old Faithful. This hotel closed in 1917 and was raised in 1927.

HISTORIC AREAS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Inn At Old Faithful - Yellowstone

Recently, my curiosity got the better of me. Living at the West Gate of Yellowstone National Park we are surrounded by history. There are many structures in our town that have been designated as being on the  National  Historic Register. That got me to wondering if there were designated historic areas inside the National Park. So, with the help of the good old Internet, I did some research and the following is what I discovered.

The National Register of Historic Places is administered by the National Park Service and does include the following properties in Yellowstone National Park.

Fort Yellowstone

Fishing Bridge Trailside Museum

Madison Junction Trailside Museum

Norris Geyser Basin Trailside Museum

Northeast Entrance Station

Obsidian Cliffs

Old Faithful Inn

Lake Fish Hatchery

Mammoth Hot Springs

North Entrance Road

Old Faithful area

Roosevelt Lodge

Lake Hotel

Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Obsidian Cliff Kiosk

Queen's Laundry Bath House

Post Office at Mammoth Hot Springs

 If you are a history buff – and if you enjoy visiting historic places – you will find more than enough to keep you occupied in Yellowstone National Park.

YELLOWSTONE TWINS

Mother Moose and her Twins

It is unusual to see moose around here - not impossible - just difficult.  It all boils down to being at the "right place" at the "right time."

For a couple of weeks I have been hearing stories about a mother moose and her twins in the Big Sky area.  Every time we drive to Bozeman I watch for them.  Until yesterday I had absolutely no luck seeing them.

Yesterday evening on the way back to West Yellowstone we were just past Big Sky - almost directly across from the Cinnamon Lodge - when there on the right hand side of the road - out in the field - was the mother and her twins.  The babies were having a great time running and playing.  Wish I had thought to take my video camera with me.  Unfortunately, these still shots are what you will have to make do.

THE TIME OUT CHAIR

It started out looking like this.  Sitting in a used furniture store in Bozeman, Montana.  My granddaughter saw it and thought it would make a good "Time Out" chair for her 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 year olds.  It sits low to the floor so the kiddos would be able to get up into it without any help. She did not buy the chair that day - but - a few days later when I was in Bozeman - I bought the chair for her.

Being the kind of a person who cannot leave well enough alone - I thought how cute it would be painted in the bright primary colors and made just a little special for two very special great grandchildren.  And so ---- it ended up looking like this.......

It is not a professional paint job - by any means - but - it was painted with a lot of love.  I am pretty sure my great grandchildren will never believe that one!!!!

P.S.  I told my granddaughter she had to pay me $1.00 for the chair so I could never be accused of buying the "Time Out" chair for those precious children!

THE ARNICA FIRE - YELLOWSTONE

THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2009 ARNICA FIRE

In September 2009 a fire was reported in Yellowstone National Park. This became known as the Arnica fire because of its location.   It was determined that lightning was the cause of this fire. The location of the fire was 5 miles west of the Bridge Bay Campground near the northwest shore of the lake.

The fire continued to spread and eventually approximately 230 people were called in to protect Lake Village and Bridge Bay.

It is estimated that the fire burned approximately 10,700 acres in the park.

As  frequently happens in Yellowstone, man is not the one who eventually puts out the fire – it is good old Mother  Nature who gets the job done.

It was actually the rain and the snow that got the fire under control and put it out.

Fortunately there was no loss of life in this fire. Fire is a necessity in our National Park. It actually regenerates the forests even though it has to destroy some of them first.

THE FOREVER RUNNING SPRING

The stream that you see in the photo above is located in the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and West Yellowstone. I have never been by this stream when it has not been running.

Summer, Spring, Winter, wet season, dry season – it does not seem to matter this little stream continues on its way down the side of the mountain. Amazingly, the flow of the stream does not seem to change much.  My suspicion is that it is fed by a mountain spring – but I do not know that for certain.

All I can tell you is that it does not freeze no matter how cold the weather gets in the wintertime. It does not seem to matter if we have not had rain for weeks – this little stream just continues to make its merry way down the mountainside.

Just one of the many unusual things you will see when you come to Yellowstone.

VISIT THE I-MAX IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

I-MAX THEATRE IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

 The IMAX Theatre in West Yellowstone is open for the summer season. They are currently showing three films – "Yellowstone" – "Alaska" – "Amazing Caves".

"Yellowstone" shows daily at 10 AM, 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9 PM. this film allows you to discover the grizzlies, the geysers and the grandeur of our First National Park.

"Alaska" shows daily at 11, 3 and 7 PM.

This film is narrated by Charlton Heston and gives you

glance at a place where wildlife and not humans rule.

"Amazing Caves" shows daily at 1 and 5 PM.

 In this film you will discover the ice caves in Greenland, some underwater caves in the Yucatán and terrestrial caves in the Grand Canyon.

Prices are as follows:

Adults $9

Seniors $8.50 (60 and over)

Children $6.50 (4 – 12)

In addition to the theater you will also find a very nice gift shop in the building and here you can actually get a 50¢ ice cream cone.

PLEASE - BE BEAR AWARE

THE BEARS YELLOWSTONE

This post is a plea for you to please, please – when you are in Yellowstone – be "bear aware."  This request is made not only for your own safety but also for the safety of the bears.

As you can plainly see in the above photo, bears do not know how to read road signs nor do they understand the dangers that automobiles create for them.

Even if you are in a populated area of the park you still need to be "bear aware". A couple of weeks ago I was at the general store at Fishing Bridge in the park. As I was walking out of the store - with my peach ice cream -  on my way to my car I looked up and not 50 feet from me strolling through the parking lot was a grizzly bear. It obviously was a young one and obviously did not realize it was where it should not be.

The fact that you are in a populated or semi-populated area of the park does not mean that you might not encounter a bear.

Please remember – you are the visitor – the wildlife owns the park. Please respect them – please respect their habitat – please do your best to keep everyone safe by being "bear aware".