Day 17: Sunday June 22

So many bison! A ranger said the scientific name is Bison but the Native Americans call them Buffalo. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to call them…

Last night there was quite the thunderstorm at home but here in Yellowstone National Park it’s snowing! We got up early to drive through the Hayden Valley to see if we could spot some wildlife.

Mud pots
So much steam

Snowy Bison
The 4 types of hydrothermal features
Coyote
Hello bear
Hello Bison
View spot!
Falls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Ranger program at the Falls
We love ranger programs
Another view from the falls
I find it very difficult to tell the difference between large black bears and small grizzly bears.
Watching grizzlies
Black bear
Interesting rocks
Waterfalls
Coyote chilling
Mammoth hot springs

We were supposed to do our horseback ride and cowboy cookout tonight but it was cancelled because of the weather – I said there is only bad clothing, not bad weather but they didn’t care. I’m super bummed we are missing it and there is no way of rescheduling. Instead we headed into Gardiner Montana.

Isla is such a cowboy…
Supper!
Rosevelt Arch at the North entrance into Yellowstone
North Entrance
Grizzlies in the snow
So much snow today!

Wildlife sightings today:

  • Coyote – 2
  • Grizzly bears – under 20?
  • Black bears – 6?
  • Elk – 3
  • Bison – 30+
  • Pelicans – 2

On another note: It is surprising how many people, once they find out we are Canadian, apologize for how their country is treating Canada right now and they completely disagree. Like almost everyday someone will go out of their way to say they love Canada and disagree with what is happening between the two countries.

Thankfully we have electricity hook ups here so the heater is on for the night!
Winter camping!