With our houseguest Cary, the other DrC and I spent the last two days doing a whirlwind tour of Yellowstone National Park. As the Memorial Day weekend was beginning, a number of facilities had yet to open, including the store at Tower Falls, the deli at Canyon, and the Canyon campground.
New employee orientation was underway so these facilities will probably open in a day or two. Watching a pair of retired ladies try to figure out the register at the Fishing Bridge store spoke volumes about how recently they'd reported for summer season work.
Dunraven Pass alongside Mt. Washburn just opened today, and the road to the summit of Mt. Washburn remains closed. Several places in the park still have relatively deep snow along the roads, up to 4', while the roads themselves are clear and dry.
Animal watching was outstanding, there are literally thousands of bison in herds all over the park, plus lots of bison calves. Bison walked on the road alongside our pickup, close enough to reach out and touch had we wished to do so.
We saw several elk, including a calf so newborn it was still wobbly on its long legs. We saw several pronghorn, also known as antelopes. We saw no moose or wolves, both are notably elusive. The Canada geese and white pelicans are already in residence, and we saw two bald eagles.
Best of all, because it isn't common, we saw four bears: three grizzlies and a black bear in four separate sightings. Four bear sightings in one day is a lifetime best for me.
Old Faithful geyser continues to live up to its name. It erupted within a couple of minutes of the estimated time. Old Faithful Lodge continues to fascinate with its four story balconied atrium made entirely of logs and fieldstone.
Yellowstone's thermal features smoke and steam, mud pots gurgle and smell of sulfur, and the rivers are full and muddy with spring runoff. Truly fascinating, huge Yellowstone Lake was frozen over as was Lewis Lake.
Rest assured, the world's first national park is open for business, looking good but heavily patronized for so early in the season. Yesterday's Japanese tourists have been replaced by the Chinese, who are very much in evidence.
