Last few days in Yellowstone

Wednesday, June 19th

After our loooong hike yesterday, decided to sleep in a bit and take a day to be lazy tourists.  Drove over by the Canyon area, first stop was some laundry and a shower for Cindy.  I seem to go longer in between real showers..  We spent the rest of the day driving around the area checking out the sights.  Met our goal of being lazy tourists, joining the crowds who minimize any sort of walking or physical exercise and drive to every site, fighting for the closest parking spots like it’s a shopping mall.

Thursday, June 20th

Chilly conditions returned overnight, but back in action today for some more hiking.  Drove north from our campground up to the Mammoth Spring area of the park.  It’s a nice area with some hot springs, quite a bit of wildlife in close contact and some good views while hiking.  Enjoyed our first “fast food” meal in awhile at the cafeteria, consisting of a black bean burger and fries.  Surprising to see quite a selection of non-meat and healthy eating options even at a cafeteria.  Took a walking ranger tour later in the day to see the historic army fort, which was the original buildings in the park while the army managed the place prior to the park service being created.

Drove a bit further north to check out the boiling river attraction, but it was closed still due to high water from the spring melt.  A warm soak would have been awesome with this colder weather!

Friday, June 21st

Decided this would be our last full day in the park, before heading onwards.  Took a further drive out to the northeastern side of the park towards the Lamar Valley.  Supposedly more wildlife sightings happen in that area due to less tourist traffic with fewer major attractions nearby.  Hiked the Slough Creek area to start the day with overcast conditions.  A nice hike, but didn’t see much wildlife other than some birds and a few bison.  Stopped to talk with a couple from Wisconsin who were fishing the creek and having some good luck.  Water seemed cloudy to me, so I didn’t give the area a try.  River was too high to try fording over it for a loop trail return, so we backtracked the same way to the trailhead (We both dislike backtracking, but learned a lesson earlier in the week during that road hiking session.  Sometimes backtracking is the best way home..)

Heard from other hikers about a bear nearby, but did not see it on the way back.  So.. no bear sightings for us other than a drive-by sighting.  Don’t count that as a real one though.  Second stop was a short hike up to Trout lake, turned out to be great scenery with an impressive sight of wild spawning trout.  Finished the day a bit earlier than usual to get back for dinner and a final campfire.  Folks continue to be interested in our Rpod trailer and impressed by our lengthy road trip.

All in all, we liked the park.  Luckily there is enough remote area and trails to get away from the crowds.  Think we mixed it up well with offbeat hikes and major attractions.  I do frown upon the hordes of people who pull over on the shoulder, stop in the road and generally act like morons to get the best view of an animal hanging out near the road.  I’ll likely refer to this place as the disney world for nature, due to the lack of effort needed to actually have rare sightings of animals without having to leave your vehicle.  Think you should actually have to leave your car and at least walk a bit to get the benefit of seeing them up close.

Our journey continues as we head further west with a quick stint in Montana for groceries then into Idaho.  Spending a few days on our own then down to Driggs, ID to meet up with some friends for a few days.