2 Backpacks, 2 Bikes, a Van and a plan..: August 2015

At ten weeks in, it seems there are still more "gems" in the park that Andre and I are just getting to. Last night after we were done working and eating, we set out at about 6:30 to drive the north road of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We had driven the south road and done a great hike on that side of the canyon earlier in the season on Uncle Tom's trail, a sometimes paved, sometimes dirt path that involved a number of switchbacks alternating with metal staircases that dropped and dropped and dropped until you arrived at a great view of the lower falls.

After hiking back up via the same endless staircases, we'd continued on a path that meanders along the ledge of the canyon for a few miles until we'd reached "Artists Point", one of parks famous overlooks that provides an amazing view to the canyon and the waterfall. On that day, the view, although as stunning as promised, was obstructed for the most part by the busloads of visitors of every age and nationality jostling for position to see, pose in front of, video and photograph said view.

Last night on the North side of the canyon it was a completely different story. Our first visit to the canyon had been in bright sunlight early in the day. This time, 7 or 8 weeks later, it was about 40 degrees colder, and early evening just before sunset. There were only a handful of hearty folks at each overlook and the view was stunning, if a bit chilly! The canyon itself, carved out by water through layers of volcanic lava and ash from the large eruption that shaped most of this part of the park was magnificent and the colors along the canyon walls made it well worth the trip. Here are some photos from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone....

Week 9 in Yellowstone.

August has begun to unfold and we have begun to see small changes in the park that harken the coming of autumn/winter here in the park. Yes, I said winter. The seasons are short here, and we have been told that snow will arrive before we prepare to depart on Labor Day. I certainly believe it - because we have begun to have cold spells that, although intermittent, are sharper and more distinct. It is frequently in the 30's in the evening. We have had frost on the windshield. And for just a few minutes last week, there was snow just a few miles away from our location in the park.

We have noticed small changes in the animals as well. Rutting season is nearing. When we are stuck in "Buffalo Jams" in the park, the sounds of Bison are louder as they snort and grunt - even growl as they move in the herds, the larger males jostling, bumping and basically irritating each other as they move through the valleys.

Your standard buffalo jam passing through Hayden Valley

Grizzlys have also been spotted more frequently in the valley and soon the elk will begin their loud bugling - a sound that we've been told fairly screams through the air. We look forward to experiencing it - as well as all of the more subtle changes that the shift to a new season bring. Of course, we will be gone by the time Autumn truly arrives - a fact that, as is often the case, brings both happiness and sadness. We will be ready to leave when the day arrives. Three months is a long time for us to sit in one place, and we will certainly welcome back reliable phone and internet service and the novelty of watching television on occasion!

Of course there are plenty of things we will miss as well - which is why we will spend our free time seeing as many parts of the park we can in the time we have left. We have just begun our 10th week of work here and have about three and a half weeks to go. We know they will go by fast - and we are already juggling scheduling and decision-making for what comes after.

For Andre, the after is already happening now, as he has had to fly out of the park for training and some early work for the job he will do primarily in the fall, and has begun to juggle both obligations simultaneously. Thrown into that mix, was a visit from Nick as well, which was the highlight of our time here so far. We were able to share with him all of our favorite spots in Yellowstone, as well as the Grand Tetons and some of surrounding Wyoming and Montana over the course of five well-spent days. We would have liked to have Dylan here as well (in the past they have road-tripped out to see us together), but Dylan was busy defending his dissertation (Successfully! Congratulations Dylan) and preparing for his new teaching job with the University of Delaware that begins in a week or so. We will look forward to seeing him and Vicky when we are on the road again after labor day.

For now, here are some photos of highlights from our recent weeks in the park.