Random Driving Pictures

(Sheridan, WY)- Here are some from the first leg of our Saturday drive, from Big Sky MT into Yellowstone Park. These are of the "shooting through the window as Ame drives" variety.

The Gallatin River ran parallel to the highway for much of this leg. It was a beautiful, gently rushing stream of cold, mountain run-off.

Mama and baby moose, with the Gallatin River behind.

Evidence of the great forest fires that swept through the area a few years ago. The charred trees remain upright though dead, while grasses and other underbrush grows beneath. It was startling to see the hills and mountains with brown exteriors, and green surfaces beneath.

Approaching the park, there were meadows covered with wildflowers, while mountains loomed in the distance.

Scenic Drives Today

(Big Sky, MT)- We'll be leaving Big Sky today for a roundabout trip to Sheridan WY. 

The trip will pass through the width of Yellowstone Park, beginning at the western entrance, going through to the Beartooth Scenic Byway to Cooke City MT. From Billings to Sheridan, it's interstate highway travel, but as interstates go, it should be pretty great.

Mapquest- leg 1

Mapquest- leg 2

Random Wildlife From Yellowstone

(Big Sky, MT)- We've seen more moose than anything so far, although Ame did encounter a small black bear here in Big Sky while on a jog. No pictures of the bear- just a change in course.

A bald eagle perches atop a dead pine, near West Yellowstone MT.

Two female moose just off the West Entrance Rd. You can always find wildlife along the roadways when you spot cars parked in crazy ways at the roadside, for no apparent reason.

Male moose, not far from the females.

Didn't see the grizzlies, but the signs made clear they roam the area- Pahaska Tepee, WY. In fact, we were fairly happy not to encounter the grizzlies.

Old Faithful

(Big Sky, MT)- We thought there would be two things that Isabel would be most excited to see in Yellowstone- wildlife, and Old Faithful.

I don't even wear a watch.

Ame and I were impressed, but alas, Isabel was not. Thank goodness we had seen the bison early in the day, and some moose and mule deer a little later.

The area is very interesting, as Old Faithful is hardly the only geyser or geothermal formation. The things are everywhere in the area, and makes for an interesting landscape while driving. In addition to the forest and mountains, streaks of white minerals mark the location of geysers, along with steam.