THERE CAN BE DANGER IN YELLOWSTONE

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE

There is no doubt that a trip to Yellowstone National Park is absolutely amazing.  You will see sites that you can see no where else in the world.  The Park is meant for your enjoyment - but - there has to be rules and regulations that will help keep you safe during your visit.

Unfortunately, there is also danger in Yellowstone.  You must remember that the animals in the Park are not tame.  They are wild and - if provoked or disturbed - they can attack.  They are protecting their own and we (the visitors) are the strangers in their environment.

Animals are not the only danger that Yellowstone presents.  The rules and regulations about the use of canoes and tubing or floating the rivers in the Park have been put in place for a very good reason - just as the barricades at the different thermal features are there for a reason.

Last week some of the young people working in the Park for the summer decided to disregard the rules and go tubing down the Yellowstone River.  The result is that one of those young people did not survive their adventure.  The river can change from calm and peaceful to a raging torrent in the span of just a few feet.  Two of the three young people managed to get to the riverbank and get out - the other was not so lucky.  They recovered his body 2 or 3 days after the incident .

Just this morning I got word that a young girl had stepped across a barricade at the Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone in an attempt to get a better photograph.  She fell 550 feet to her death.

Please remember that those barricades are there for your protection.  They are not put up in an attempt to spoil your perfect photo.

Please obey the rules and regulations and have a safe and happy vacation in Yellowstone.

HORSE BACK RIDING IN THE YELLOWSTONE AND BIG SKY AREA

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY

WHY DID THE HORSES CROSS THE ROAD???

If you are in the Yellowstone area and decide to give horseback riding a try - you have many options. I have only mentioned three of those options here.

You can go to Parade Rest Guest Ranch located 8 miles north of West Yellowstone and take a trail ride. They offer a variety of rides and one is sure to suit your riding skills.

You can also give Diamond P  - located a few miles west of West Yellowstone down Highway 20 toward Idaho a try.  They are located in close proximity to the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo arena.

You can also go about an hour north of West Yellowstone to Big Sky and check with Jake's Horses about their trail rides. The horses pictured above are from Jake's.

You will find that the businesses that offer horseback rides generally have a variety of rides to choose from.  You can usually do anything from a one hour ride to an all day ride.  It just depends on how long you want to sit in the saddle.

I have put the links to the horseback rides that I am aware of in this post so you can check out their websites and get more detailed information about what they offer as well as their rates.

Happy Trails!!!!!

YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON 9/27/14

YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON

Mark your calendars for the Yellowstone Half Marathon.  It will be held at the Rendezvous Ski Trails on 9/27/14.  All trails are dirt trails.  The races are being held on Forest Service Land.  There are prizes and a great raffle.

There will be a 1/2 Marathon, a 10K Run, a 5K Run, as well as a 2K Run for the kids.  

Registration fees are $25.00 for the 5K Run - $35.00 for the 10K Run - $45.00 for the 1/2 Marathon and $80.00 for a 1/2 Marathon Relay Team.  The kids 2K Run is free.  If you register after  9/13/14 you need to add $10.00 to the registration fee.

The 1/2 Marathon begins at 9:00 a.m.  Both the 5K and 10K Runs begin at 9:30 a.m. while the free kids 2K run begins at 10:30 a.m.

You may register online at www.racemontana.com.  You may also check out rendezvousskitrails.com for additional information.  You may also call Free Heel and Wheel at 406 646 7744 for information.

ASTRONOMY IN YELLOWSTONE

NIGHT SKY

If you are an astronomy buff and if you are in the West Yellowstone area on August 23rd you might want to check out Astronomy Night at the Yellowstone Nature Connection.

The location is across the parking lot from the Chamber of Commerce and it begins at 8:00 p.m. Come and learn "How We Are All Made Of Star Dust".  The program will be presented by the Dark Sky Ranger and there will be a constellation tour afterwards.

Feel free to bring your own star gazing equipment but, if you do, be sure to all ahead for a set up area for your equipment.

You may contact Yellowstone Connection at 406 646 7557 if you need additional information.

IS IT A WOLF OR A COYOTE?

WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE

Here are a few tips for watching the wolves in Yellowstone.  Hopefully, this information will help you have a nice viewing experience.  Also - offering some helpful information for how to distinguish between the wolves of Yellowstone and the coyotes of Yellowstone.  When the coyotes have had a good winter and are healthy, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them and the wolves.

Wolves are 26 - 36 inches high at the shoulder.  They can be from 4 feet to 6 feet long from the nose to the tip of their tails. They generally weigh from 80 to 130 pounds and can be black, white, gray, or a mix of colors.

Coyotes, on the other hand, are about one third the size if a wolf.  They are generally 16 to 20 inches high at the shoulder.  They usually weigh between 25 and 35 pounds.  They can be tan to buff color, sometimes with a little gray mixed in and are orange on the tail and ears.

General rules for wolf viewing are:

Don't block the wolf's line of travel.

Park in a pullout.

Stay in your vehicle.

Be quiet.

Do NOT howl like a wolf.

Never surround, crowd, approach or follow wolves or any other wildlife.

Stay at least 100 yards from wolves and bears and 25 yards from all other animals.

NEVER feed wolves or any other wildlife.

Wolves are magnificent creatures and watching them is a very enjoyable pass time.  Respect not only the wolves, but all other humans who are trying to enjoy the same experience.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IS NOT BEING EVACUATED

AN ARCH OF STEAM IN YELLOWSTONE

There was recently a post on Facebook to the effect that Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area is being evacuated because the Super Volcano is set blow in a matter of weeks.  This is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE - or - at least if it is true no one has bothered to notify the residents of West Yellowstone - which is 30 miles from Old Faithful.

This article was in a publication called "Before It's News."  At the bottom of the article is states that this article was taken down after it was discovered that the source was from an April Fool's joke in 2014.

Maybe some people think this is funny.  Talk to the residents and merchants in West Yellowstone - Jackson Hole or Cody.  They do not see any humor in it.  

These towns depend largely on the tourist trade for their livelihood and it is stories like this as well as the recent story about ALL the roads in Yellowstone melting that has done nothing for the economic survival of these towns.

If you have questions about Yellowstone contact the National Park Service and get the straight story.

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THE ROD RUN IS IN TOWN

The Annual Yellowstone Rod Run is in town for the weekend.  Today the majority of them are touring in Yellowstone National Park.

Tomorrow will be the parade and then the "Show and Shine" at Pioneer Park here in town.

You absolutely cannot believe some of these restored vehicles.  They are amazing and they are beautiful.

I saw one old resorted semi which was carrying a restored John Deere tractor on the trailer.  The truck was painted John Deere yellow and green to go with the tractor.  It was really something to see.

If restored vintage autos and trucks are your "thing" then you really should be in West Yellowstone this weekend.

At the "Show and Shine" the owners love to tell you all about their vehicles and how they restored them to their present glory.

For more information click on the link above.

I REALLY THINK THIS SAYS IT ALL!

I am pretty sure that this photo - which I got off of Facebook - really does say it all.

We all need to find a little time to put ourselves out front and do what our heart tells us is best for us.

THEY ARE HERE!!!

As you can easily see from the photos above - a motorcycle group was in town one day last week. They were either on their way for a ride in the Park - or they had just finished their ride in the Park.   I was not able to find a way to get them all in the photo at one time so I settled for taking more than one picture for you.

I do not know where they were from or what group they were but many of them were wearing bright orange t-shirts with logo on the back (which I was unsuccessful at being able to read!)

It is a pretty common to have motorcycle groups here in town especially around the time that the Sturgis rally is going on.

There are some pretty snazzy bikes that come thru here.

If a motorcycle ride thru Yellowstone is on your "bucket list" then come on out.  The weather is beautiful.

ANIMALS OF THE GALLATIN CANYON

GRIZZLY BEAR AT MILE MARKER 26 IN THE GALLATIN CANYON

MOOSE IN THE GALLATIN CANYON AROUND MILE MARKER 26

If you have occasion to travel the Gallatin Canyon (referred to as "The Canyon" by the locals) keep your eyes peeled beginning about mile marker 24.  For some reason this seems to be the place in the Canyon that the animal life favors.

I know the moose love the willows but moose are pretty solitary creatures and are not often seen. I have seen this one and one other one around the 26 mile marker.

The grizzly in the top photo was across the river and I did not have my good camera with me.  I took the picture with my phone and it did a pretty good job.  I guess a "not too good picture of a grizzly"  beats not having any picture!

At any rate - when you travel the Canyon - stay alert and watch for the local residents to come out of the woods and provide you a photo op.

LIFE IN WEST YELLOWSTONE'S MADISON ADDITION

You just never know what you are going to see when you spend your days living in West Yellowstone. 

As I approached my house yesterday after work, I looked up the street and there was a mother doe and her fawn just casually strolling across Electric Street.

I carefully and quietly crept up on them and managed to get a couple of pictures of them for you.

We do also have a resident red fox that lives in the "Mad Add" (as the Madison Addition is referred to).  We see him more often in the winter time.

BEAR AND OTHER JAMS

WHY DID THE BEAR CROSS THE ROAD?

The most logical answer to that question is "to get away from the tourists".  This photo appeared in Backpacker Magazine and then made its way to Facebook. 

Several of the comments left on Facebook seemed to indicate that bear jams, buffalo jams, elk jams, wolf jams, etc. were all good reasons to stay away from Yellowstone National Park.

I take exception to those comments.  The bear, bison, elk, wolf and many other of God's creatures are the original and permanent residents of this amazing and wonderful Park.  They were here long before man arrived on the scene to invade their homes.  We humans tend to forget that WE are the visitors and we need to respect the rights of the original and permanent residents.

So - for those of you who do not wish to put up with the various "jams" and who are inconvenienced by tourists - perhaps you would be better off to avoid Yellowstone.  Never mind that you will deprive yourself (and probably your family) of the amazing creation that God has so generously provided for your pleasure.

If you are going to come with a bad attitude then the rest of us would just as soon you stay home.

ARE YELLOWSTONE ROADS MELTING????

FIREHOLE LAKE DRIVE

While it is true that Firehole Lake Drive in Yellowstone National Park was temporarily closed early in the month - I am pleased to let you know that the National Park Service has re-opened that road.


We lived in Arkansas for many years and I noticed that during the summer the asphalt roads and streets in our town would often appear to be melting.  The continued high summer temperatures would cause the asphalt roads to  "bleed" oil.  This is the same thing that happened to Firehole Lake Drive in Yellowstone.  The only difference is that the ground temperature is much hotter than it ever got in Arkansas.  I dare say that had Arkansas had the kind of ground temperature that is found under Firehole Lake Drive those Arkansas roads would have "melted" too.

I know that, if you do not live here year around, it is easy to become apprehensive and concerned when the news media reports that a road in the park is "melting". However, for those of us who are "locals" such announcements are pretty commonplace.

Several years ago a section of Norris Geyser Basin was closed due to extremely high ground temperatures.  That closing lasted a week or so - the temperature went back down to an acceptable level - and Norris was re-opened to the public.

When the National Park Service closes an area to driving or hiking or camping it is for the protection of our visitors who are not familiar with the conditions that can sometimes exist in Yellowstone.  It is not because the Park is melting or getting ready for an imminent eruption of the so called Super Volcano.

If you have questions I would highly recommend that you contact the National Park Service in Yellowstone rather than rely on the news media reports.  Get the straight story from the source.

I AM BACK

Between summertime business and family issues - I have been off this page for way too long.  I am back now and hope not to have too many interruptions from this point on.

We have been having typical summer weather.  Beautiful mornings and some late afternoon thunder storms that do not last long but do provide some needed moisture.

The town and the park seem to be pretty busy right now in spite of the fact that one of the news agencies on t.v. put out the word that Yellowstone was closed because all of the roads were all melting!!!!!  ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.  I will do a post shortly that might help clear up that misconception.

Come on out.  Yellowstone is open - West Yellowstone is open and thriving.  You are missing out on a great adventure if you do not come see us.

FOUR BEAR JAMS

Yesterday afternoon we made a trip into Yellowstone National Park.  We had heard rumors that bears were fairly easy to spot over in the Hayden Valley and Mud Volcano areas - so - off we went on a bear spotting journey.

Sure enough - we saw the big boy in the top photo in the Hayden Valley between Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Mud Volcano.  Sorry the picture is not a better one but this big guy did not want to cooperate and let us get a good picture of him.

The second photo was taken just before we got to Mud Volcano.  He was happily digging up grubs on the hill side and we were able to get some fairly decent pictures of him to share with you.

We continued on our journey to Fishing Bridge where we turned around and headed home.  Sure enough - two more bear jams on the way out of the Park.  

I am not sure if they were the same two bears causing the jams but they probably were. 

YELLOWSTONE - ENJOY DINNER AND A SHOW

ANOTHER ENTERTAINMENT OPPORTUNITY

In addition to the Playmill in West Yellowstone, you can travel a few miles across the border into Idaho and go to a place called "Mack's Inn Dinner Theater".

It is the same type of set up as the Playmill EXCEPT at Mack's Inn Playhouse  you have the option to have DINNER AND A SHOW for  the price of $29.95 for adults - $26.95 for Seniors 64+  - Kids under age 10 are $19.95 and Kids under age 3 are $5.00.

This summer on Tuesdays and Fridays you will see Less Miserables which is billed as "a while lot LESS Miserable."  This opens May 23, 2014.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays you will see "Lucky Stiff" which is a musical comedy.  It opens on June 28, 2014 and plays on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays you will see "Klondike Kalamity" which is a melodrama and begins on June 14, 2014 and playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I am a bit confused as their website says that Less Miserables and Klondike Kalamity are both playing on Tuesdays.  Will have to check that out with them.

At any rate - all the shows are well worth the trip across Targhee Pass to Mack's Inn.

WHAT TO DO IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

THE PLAYMILL - WEST YELLOWSTONE

If you are looking for evening entertainment while you are in West Yellowstone this summer then be sure to check out the Playmill Theater located here in town.

This year they will be doing Les Miserales - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Beauty and the Beast.

The season begins May 24  and continues through the end of September.  The actors and actresses in these productions are college students who spend their summers in our town entertaining not only our visitors but the local folks as well.

I think you will be amazed at how professional these productions are even though they are in a very small setting.  You have the opportunity to be involved and there is no "bad" seat in the house.

All seats are $19.50 and group, senior and children's rates are available.

You can get more information and even book your tickets on line if you will go to their website.  Just click on the link and it will take you there.

YELLOWSTONE HISTORY

AN ARCH OF STEAM RISES IN EARLY YELLOWSTONE MORNING

If you are a "history buff" or - if you are just interested in learning more about Yellowstone National Park - you need spend some time with Geyser Bob.

He has tons and tons of information about the history of Yellowstone.  Have you ever wondered about the first hotels that were built in Yellowstone and what happened to them - how many are still standing and in use - how many have either burned or been razed and why did they disappear from the scene?

Have you wondered about the early days of camping in Yellowstone?  Where were the campgrounds located - were there tents provided or did the travelers have to bring their own?

Click on the link above.  His site is wonderful.  Not only is it loaded with history about Yellowstone but he has many, many pictures of the early days on Yellowstone.

This is a very enlightening and entertaining as well as educational site and I would highly recommend that you take a look at it - especially if you are planning a trip to Yellowstone.

NEW ATTRACTION COMING TO WEST YELLOWSTONE

YELLOWSTONE AERIAL ADVENTURES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

There is a new attraction coming to West Yellowstone and it is supposed to be ready to entertain you this summer.  It is Yellowstone Aerial Adventures.  I know that it is a Zipline as well as rope towers.  I am not quite sure exactly how it works but I am awfully glad to see an new attraction coming to town. There will be 49 challenges including rope bridges and log bridges in addition to the zip lines

It is located on Faithful Street across from Westmart Building Center and a short way from First Security Bank.

It is scheduled to be open mid-May to mid-September from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and as far as I know, it will be open seven days a week.

It is going to be interesting to see how it is going to work.  I wish them all the success in the world.  We need more attractions in this town to keep our visitors entertained and give them a reason to spend time here in our town.

BISON AND HIGHWAY 191 - YELLOWSTONE

THIS BIG FELLOW MADE IT SAFELY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY

BISON GRAZING ALONG HIGHWAY 191 OUTSIDE WEST YELLOWSTONE

LOOKING FOR GREEN GRASS BESIDE THE HIGHWAY

Not much posting on this page.  Just thought you would enjoy seeing a few more pictures of the bison grazing beside Highway 191 outside West Yellowstone. The bison are most likely on their annual migration to the Horse Butte area where the grazing is easier this time of year.

I often, at this time of year, drive out Highway 191 just to see how many bison are roaming around.  I also always hope I get the opportunity to see a new baby bison.

Come on out - we would love to share this experience with you!

BOZEMAN TO WEST YELLOWSTONE

MOOSE IN GALLATIN CANYON

I have told you many, many times in this blog that you just never know what amazing things you may see when you travel the roads here.  The road from West Yellowstone to Bozeman (100 miles away and the closest Wal-Mart) takes you on a beautiful drive through the Gallatin Canyon.

Traveling this road is always an adventure.  You may see the mountain goats in the middle of the road around Big Sky.  You may see a bear foraging for food in the meadow.  On the way home last Wednesday we spotted these two moose in the willows along side the road.

The photo is a little blurry because I did not have my good camera with me.  (That is a mistake that will not happen again anytime soon!)  I took this photo with my iPhone so it is not the best quality but it sure beats not getting a picture at all!

Moose are very elusive and solitary creatures and you do not get the opportunity to see them very often.  However, since the National Park is recovering from the Fires of '88 those who are in the know are saying that they moose are slowly returning to the Park now that their habitat is coming back.

Keep the camera handy.  You sure do not want to miss a photo op!

TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 191 WEST YELLOWSTONE

HIGHWAY 191 OUTSIDE WEST YELLOWSTONE

Coming home from Bozeman last week we were less than 8 miles from home when we encountered this big fellow crossing the highway.  It is extremely important at this time of year to be extra careful if you are traveling this stretch of the highway - especially at night.

This is the time of year when the bison - some loners and some in herds - are migrating from the deep snow of Yellowstone to the Horse Butte area in search of food that is easier to get to.

Some of the meadows in the National Park are still covered in deep, deep snow.  The Horse Butte area and even the shoulder of the highway offer them easy picking as far as being able to find food.

Unfortunately, the bison do not understand that there is traffic on this major highway.  All they know is that they are hungry and they know they have traditionally found food on the Butte and along the road.

Please, when you come here to visit, remember that they are the residents and YOU are the visitor.  If you get frustrated because you have to give them room on the road just try to relax - get the camera out - and enjoy the site you are seeing.  

After all, it is not on every major highway you can be brought to a stop while bison amble across the road in front of you!

YELLOWSTONE BISON ON HORSE BUTTE

THE 2014 BABY BISON ARE ARRIVING ON HORSE BUTTE
(Photo courtesy of Ed and Vicky Millspaugh residents of Horse Butte)

Had a message from Vicky - one of the girls I work with at the Chamber - she and her family live on Horse Butte which is about 6 or 7 miles north of West Yellowstone.

Horse Butte is one of the locations where the Yellowstone Bison migrate to during this time of the year.  Traditionally, many of the baby bison are born at this location.

The residents of Horse Butte are usually among the first ones to see the babies in the spring.  As you can easily see from the picture, the baby bison are orange in color.  That makes them really easy to spot when they are in the herd.

The official arrival of the babies signify that Spring has not forgotten our area of the country.  

You will be amazed at how much these little ones will grow over the summer.  They need to eat all the can and grow as big as they can in order for them to survive next winter.

DOWN COMES THE SKATING RINK

ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE ICE SKATING RINK IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

The photos above show all that remains at this point of the ice skating rink at Pioneer Park in West Yellowstone, Montana.  Fear not - come the winter time it will be put back in place.

For now Pioneer Park is returning to it's summer look.  The park gets a lot of use during all seasons of the year.  This summer it will be the location of the Annual Show and Shine when the Rod Run comes to town.

It will be the site of picnics, baseball games, soccer games and family gatherings all thru the summer months. It will also be the place where Music In The Park will be held.

This was the site of the Kids 'N Snow activities last winter as well as the place where the sledding hill was built.

On the 4th of July it will host Bar-B-Ques after the annual parade and it will be the spot where a lot of folks will congregate to watch the spectacular fireworks display.

Hope you will be in town sometime this summer to enjoy our city park.

YELLOWSTONE MOUNTAIN TOP SNOW

MOUNTAINS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK STILL HAVE PLENTY OF SNOW

Last Sunday, after Easter Sunrise Service, Church, lunch and a nap, we decided to make our first trip of the season in to Old Faithful.

I was a little surprised at how much snow has melted already in the Park.  There are places where you have open meadows that are clear of any snow.  The grass is beginning to green up and the bison in the Park are really enjoying all that young grass.

We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the grizzly that has been hanging out around Seven Mile Bridge but it must have been his/her nap time too!  We did not see hide or hair of him.

However, the trip was still great.  The water in the rivers is beginning to show signs of the snow melt.  They are not as clear as they usually are.  But - as I said - any trip into Yellowstone is amazing.

Come on out this year and see for yourself.

YOU DO THE LOOKIN' WE'LL DO THE COOKIN'

FREE FOOD AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ON APRIL 19, 2014

If you plans for the upcoming weekend include a trip into Yellowstone National Park then we have good news for you.

Spend your day enjoying the Park and viewing the animals, geysers and hot pools.  Then, after a long and exciting day in your National Park, come to First Baptist Church for a free meal.

This is the fourth year the Church has had the "YOU DO THE LOOKIN' AND WE'LL DO THE COOKIN'" affair.  The menu this year is hamburgers and cheeseburgers and hot dogs cooked fresh from the grill, baked beans, coleslaw and those famous homemade deserts along with coffee, iced tea, water and lemonade.

This has become a tradition for the Church to sponsor this event on the Saturday after the opening day of the Park in Spring.

We do it to give the locals a good start on the Summer Season, to welcome the returning seasonal workers back to town and to provide a little something special for the Park visitors.

If you are in town - we are serving from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Come on by.

IT IS "SPRINGTER" IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

FINALLY - BARE GROUND!

We have a "new" season here in Yellowstone.  It is the weeks between the time winter gives up and Spring arrives.  It is known by the locals as "Springter".  The weather is really unpredictable during this season.  For instance - yesterday was a beautiful sunny day and today we have a mixture of rain and snow.

Today was the opening day for the Park and signals the beginning of the summer season.

We still have mounds of snow piled around town but the rain we are getting today will help get rid of it quickly.

Finally - and at last - we can walk on bare ground from our back porch to the satellite dish to clean it off.  Springster is definitely here!

YELLOWSTONE IS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER HOORAY!!!!!

HANDING OUT MUFFINS TO THOSE WAITING IN LINE

THE LINE UP ON OPENING DAY AT YELLOWSTONE

At 8:00 a.m. this morning Yellowstone National Park officially opened signaling the beginning of the Summer Season.  To top it off - today and tomorrow are "Free Days".  No fee to get into the Park.

A couple of us "locals" went to the gate at 7:30 a.m. and started down the line welcoming everyone to the opening and offering them fresh baked muffins to enjoy while they waited in line.

This is the second year we have done this.  Hopefully it will become a tradition.  Jan Stoddard, a local resident and amazing marketing person, came up with the idea and allowed me to help her with it.

It was beautiful here yesterday and this morning - it was raining.  That did not stop us.  We just got out the rain gear and the umbrella and down the line of cars we went.