Grizzly RV Park is full almost every night for July and August. Norm and I talk to many of the campers and a question we often hear is, "How long does it take to see everything in the Park?" Our answer is, we have been coming to Yellowstone for almost 35 years and we haven't seen everything, yet. They respond with, "Well, we drove the entire Park in a day (or two) and we've seen it all." Okay...
Last night we took one of our favorite drives to see animals. A pair of binoculars and a camera is a must. We started at Tower Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall cascading between very large pinnacles. Each area has its own village/campground, gift store and anomoly. For the last couple years we have observed a pair of osprey soaring around the canyon feeding their chicks and repairing the nest. It is quite a sight to sit and watch.
Continuing down the winding road we are surprised to see cars, trucks and motorhomes pulled onto the shoulders. A by-stander pointed out a large Grizzly Bear sleeping in the sage. Apparently he had killed a baby elk that morning and after a big meal laid on top of the carcass for a little power nap ! A carload of people sped by not even seeing the bear. So sad...
Roosevelt is the next lodge we pass. (They have the best chuckwagon dinner out in the meadow here! We have reservations the end of August so I'll save that for another day.) More cars are pulled over, and sure enough a momma Black Bear is trying to keep tabs on her very mischevious twins. They are romping over logs, chasing each other and even nursing. Something you don't see everyday! Another vehicle races by missing this event.
Mammoth is the home of Minerva Terrace, a large formation of alkaline water flowing down a step like hillside. It also is home to a small herd of elk. They love munching on the manicured lawns and having their photos taken. A super way to spend some time. If we leave this area around 8:00 pm our chances of seeing more animals on our way to Norris increases. There were elk, buffalo and even antelope that were close enough to photograph. The scenery is also gorgeous.
Norm thought he saw something so we pulled over to 'glass' the area. Yup... another Grizzly ! It was fairly young but still a BIG BEAR ! He got close enough for us to see his paws and the nails on that big boy were humungous! We watched him till it got too dark. I can't begin to tell you what an incredible experience that was! Another group of cars slowed down and maybe got a pic or two, but missed so much.
So to the lady who said she had been here four times and never saw a bear, I say...Chill...Take time to smell the flowers...Look and listen to what and who is right in front of you...Remember that life is a Journey.. .Enjoy your time here.
I read a great card - ADVICE FROM A RIVER
Go with the Flow
Slow down and meander
Delight in life's adventures
around every bend
Go around obstacles
Stay Current
The beauty is in the Journey !
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