July 17 Trip

[Bill_Kaiser]

We really needed to get out of Dodge and Yellowstone seemed like it might be cooler than Helena. We got to the park late after work and Mammoth was full. The range said we could park overnight at any large pullout along the highway north of Gardiner. There was a large pullout just out of town, so we parked it for the night. The next day we got a spot in Mammoth and headed into the park. The traffic on Friday afternoon was very bad and we had to put up with a lot of rude people, including people chasing animals up the hill with box cameras. For the next two days, we spent more time at camp, relaxing and drinking wine rather than fight the crowds. I also shot some HD video this trip and might try posting it on Youtube.

Here's the photos I liked best.

Lava Creek/Wraith Falls elk. Looks like this fellow with have quite a rack this fall.



Above Tower Falls



And that Washburn griz. It seemed small to me and perhaps it's first year by itself.

[Helene]

Thanks for the report Bill! Yikes, the crowds and crazy people in the park doesn't sound like fun! I wonder if that young grizzly is one of the 4 cubs?

[Ware]

Nice shot of the griz, I love the look on his/her face.
I know I don't like the crowds on Memorial Day weekend. I can't even imagine what it's like in peak season!
Maureen

[sandi]

To bad about the rude people not fun especially when you are trying to have a relaxing getaway. The young griz looks like the single two year old that was with his mom around washburn last year. He or she would have been booted this year. Nice shot

[Bill_Kaiser]

To bad about the rude people not fun especially when you are trying to have a relaxing getaway. The young griz looks like the single two year old that was with his mom around washburn last year. He or she would have been booted this year. Nice shot

The topper was when a guy with two kids started playing right next to us as we were trying to cook a picnic dinner. There were other tables, but they didn't use them. His wife showed up in the car and partially blocked our car even though there was room to park elsewhere. We finished dinner, picked up and left.

If you go out early in the morning, the crowds aren't much worse than other times of the year. We took naps and lounged around the campsite in the afternoon after that.

[NatureDudeRx]

GI'm glad to read that you made the best out of what could be a frustrating situation. I love the grizzly photo, so it seems like it was definitely worth the trip.

[wguss]

Sorry to hear about the inconsiderate people. It won't be that long before fall comes and the crowds go, and as far as I'm concerned even without the problems you and Linda can still have your wine.

Love the colors on your griz.

Bill

[kalamitykatie]

Sorry for the people, but glad you found some highlights!

~Katie

[dalite]

Nice shots. As for the elk, it's a five pointer. Although its a nice photo, when you bag a six pointer or 7-pointer, now there's history.

[ELK]

Nice shots. As for the elk, it's a five pointer. Although its a nice photo, when you bag a six pointer or 7-pointer, now there's history.

Looks like a 6x6 to me....and there may be another brow tine we can't see.

[Kevbar]

Great shots. Glad you were able to get away. I wonder if July is going to be record attendance? We are heading up late August and Im hoping the crowds have thinned... I hate when its too busy. Love the bull and Grizzly shot.