Mammoth Hot Springs and North Yellowstone

Today it happened. Joan and I were hiking on a remote trail, should have been around more people, when we came upon some sort of carcass recently killed. Although we knew better, we walked up close to it when IT happened. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a big black hairy beast rambling our way at breakneck speed. With the grace and dexterity of a Wild West gunslinger, I pulled the bear spray from my holster and aimed at the great beast…

Just kidding but we did see a bear!

Today we spent the early morning visiting the city of Mammoth and going to the hot springs to the south of the city. They have done a great job installing a boardwalk around the springs which allows close up viewing…and smelling if you know what I mean. Pretty interesting views, not like old faithful but still cool.

The rest of the day we spent in North Yellowstone which was recommended to us by a Ranger, he correctly described it as the “Serengeti of Yellowstone”. Although remote in location, the visitors that were there would stop their car whenever a sighting occurred…no matter where or who was behind them. And of course we did the same running from our car to watch for elk, wolves, bear or any other wild animal that would walk by. You’ve seen those pictures on USAToday where someone is getting way to close, well we didn’t but we did see many that were. No mauling, bites or goring today…just our luck, we go to a bullfight and the matador wins again.

Best of the day; thousand of bison on the river bank, multiple pronghorn sheep, and our first bear sighting. He was actually close to the road feasting on a dead animal, couldn’t get close enough to see what it was but I know someone could have told us.

Great day, tomorrow to Bozeman, MT. Heading to town now to get a bison burger…you know, just to remind them who’s in charge.

PS…I’m taking bids on my bear spray, starts at $19.99.