YNP 7-9, 7-10

[Stonefly]

Had a short visit to the park this weekend. Got down there around 5 on Friday evening. Went in through Gardiner, down to Tower, and out through the Lamar. Saw a young black bear near Tower Junction, and then a large grizzly sow with three very large cubs (at least two yrs. old) between Ice Box Canyon and the NE entrance. Camped at Soda Butte campground east of Cooke City. Woke up early and drove over the Beartooth Pass, then came back in the park. Watched a good size black bear near the Yellowstone River for about ten minutes digging and foraging. Then down the road just a short ways saw the same young black bear just about a mile down the road from the previous nights sighting. Got a nice shot of him playing in the creek. We headed south up over Dunraven Pass, and as we came down the other side saw a mama griz and two young cubs. This was a pretty huge bear jam, but we were fortunate to watch them for about twenty minutes. Saw another black bear a few miles down the road. This one was right next to the road, and there were many people who were way too close. The bear got visibly nervous and crossed the road, coming within ten or twelve feet of a few people, and then proceeded into the picnic area directly to the north. I was pretty surprised how many people gave chase through the picnic area, trying to get pictures. We then headed over towards the Firehole for a quick swim, then out through West Yellowstone. Saw another grizzly in the park section of highway 191 south of Big Sky, on the other side of the Gallatin River. He was moving very fast, and only saw him for about half a minute. All total we saw 8 grizzlies, and 3 black bears (one on two separate occassions.) All of this in only about 8 hrs in the park. Pretty fantastic day. Ended up the short getaway with a stop at the Big Sky beer fest so the wife could enjoy some microbrews, then home. Oh-- the wildflowers are in full bloom up near Mt. Washburn. It was a stunning sight. I'll try and get some pictures up in the next day.

[Stonefly]

It looks like my pictures are too big to embed in this message, so here is a link to three of them:
http://insanefisherman.blogspot.com/2010/07/7-10-10.html

[huzkerpride]

Wow, those wildflowers are beautiful up there, well done!

[sandi]

Yes the wildflowers are very nice thanks for the report and the pictures