Commence Decompression

I am not sure that there is any better way to release tension than to take the camper and spend three days in Yellowstone. That is just what we did last weekend. Note that I did NOT say, "Haul the camper 'into' or 'through' Yellowstone." That would only increase stress!

We got to Yankee Jim Canyon about lunchtime on Friday. Our first choice of spots was already occupied, but our second choice campsite was open. The funny thing is, now it is our first choice! We had nobody near us, and it felt like we had the place all to ourselves. 

Undine Falls

We didn't really have an agenda or itinerary for the afternoon, so we decided just to drive. We drove out to Norris, across to Canyon, over Dunraven Pass, and down to Tower. More or less on a whim, we pulled into the Calcite Springs Overlook, where we found a flock of big horn ewes and lambs. We watched them for a while, then moved on to Undine Falls, where the late afternoon sun was at the perfect angle to light the falls. 

As we approached Mammoth, we spotted a herd of elk, cows and calves. I was out of the truck almost before Dan had it in park. I quickly climbed to a high point overlooking the herd and finally got pictures of baby elk! (I have only obsessed over it for two or three years now.)

We went to bed early Friday night, but we were awakened at about 12:30 by torrential rains beating on the camper. (I couldn't stop thinking about the mountain sliding down behind us and burying the camper forever!) It happened a couple more times that night, but by morning, there were some holes in the clouds allowing sunshine and blue skies to poke through. 

We started our morning with a bear sighting, a quick stop at Tower Falls, and a reverse ascent up Dunraven Pass. We debated about where we wanted to hike, and settled on Cascade Lake, a four to five mile in-and-out hike. We had the lake in sight when we heard the first rumbles of thunder. I declared the hike "close enough" to complete and we retreated to the truck. 

After a quick snack, we hit the road once again. But we really hadn't had enough hiking yet. We picked another "short" loop hike (another four and half or five miles) to Ice Lake. I didn't read the description in our hiking book well enough though, because I was not anticipating crossing the creek, not once, but twice, on fallen logs. It was worth the effort, however, as I thoroughly enjoyed the lake and Little Gibbon Falls. 

The biggest mammal we photographed on either hike was this photogenic pine squirrel. 

We both slept better on Saturday night and awoke much refreshed. After a leisurely breakfast, we visited Gardiner Baptist Church. We found the people friendly and welcoming. They even invited us to stay for their potluck lunch. 

After lunch, we had time for one last hike. We have hiked parts of the Beaver Ponds Trail numerous times, but we have never made the entire loop. This time, we actually made it to the Beaver Ponds. It was such a beautiful afternoon in such a beautiful place. Six miles of hiking left me hungry, so we grabbed a pizza on the way out of Gardiner. Then it was back to the campground to pack up and try to make it home before dark. (We didn't... maybe next time.)  

*** Bonus Pics***

I am always amazed at how at ease these sheep are on the steep cliffs! 

Little Gibbon Falls