From Hogs to Bears

Maybe the sign outside our door at our motel in West Yellowstone was an omen. It turned out to be quite an exciting day for us.

It began simply enough. Rain overnight, which perhaps washed away a few of the bugs still impaled on the front of the car. Breakfast was at the Timberline Cafe, where Debra reminded me that perhaps we hadn't made it clear that we spent the night in Montana. So here's a little proof from just inside the restaurant.

2061 miles to Washington, DC according to the chart. That's a lot less than I've driven so far, which is more like 3500 or so.

Very good food, including Montana cured ham that we couldn't finish. We packed it away to have for lunch.

Then it was off to Yellowstone with the intention of seeing Old Faithful and then heading on to Grand Teton. It was definitely a top down day, just as yesterday had been.

Driving along, we were distracted by a ring of steaming geysers encircled by a boardwalk. Check out the steam rising between us from one of about eight geysers fomenting as we walked through.

From there we headed to Old Faithful but were drawn, instead, to the Old Faithful Inn, an impressive timbered structure with an atrium probably 6 stories high and a marvelous porch. Believe it or not, neither of us thought to take a picture. Instead, we thought to have a cappuccino out on the deck and settle in to watch Old Faithful.

Sure enough, as promised, she spouted, right on time. Here's the requisite photo documentation, as seen from the inn.

We had hoped to make it out of Yellowstone before stopping for lunch but that didn't quite happen. We found a lovely spot and pulled out the lunch fixings that Debra had assembled while I'd been talking to the office after breakfast.

If you look really hard you can see Lewis Lake at the top of the picture. We had a delicious spread -- the Montana ham from breakfast, goat cheese, snap peas, and peaches. Even Max joined us.

Then it was on to Jenny Lake, where I remembered hiking with mom, Daniel, Andrea, and David (who was in a carrier on my back) 30+ years ago. Debra and I tackled the hike around about a third of the lake. At many spots you can see the lake framed by the Tetons; at other times you make your way through dappled sunlight strewn with wildflowers.

As we were near the end of our trail, we stopped. Several people were gathered around and a ranger was standing there with them. It wasn't a complete surprise because we'd been warned by passersby going the other way. Still, when you come upon it you're never prepared.

THERE WAS A BLACK BEAR not 50 feet off the path, merrily chomping away at brush and berries.

Hopefully you can see him -- head in the left (or first) photo, body in the right (or second) one. It took our breath away. We stood, transfixed, with half a dozen people, watching leaves move, an ear pop up, and then finally his head and body visible. Now that's wildlife! The ranger said it was extremely rare to see a bear on this trail (or maybe that's what they tell everyone so they feel special). It was really thrilling!

A few minutes later we reached the dock and took the boat service back across the lake. That's a very nice (if wet) arrangement that they have; you can leave from the visitors center or from where the boat lands across the lake and enjoy any number of different hikes that way.

Worn out from sun and a somewhat demanding hike, we headed to Hatchet (east of the Tetons) and our hotel for the night. Here's how it looks outside and in.

Charming. A restaurant on the premises run by folks who came up from Mississippi and are loving it in Wyoming. Can't blame them!

My head is practically hitting the pillow as I write. The stars are beautiful tonight. Hope that bodes well for Smoot tomorrow!!