Ride~About: Snowcoach to Wonderland!

Here we are, 7:30am at Mammoth Hot Springs to catch our snowcoach to Wonderland, driving to Old Faithful for a two-night stay. This winter started with warm temperatures, little snow, yet overcast skies with little sun. Then came February! Lots of snow, temperatures from -30 degrees to slightly above zero, and no sun. Unlikely we will see sun today, but you never know. We are heading to Old Faithful via the long route. From Mammoth to Canyon, along Yellowstone Lake to West Thumb, and over Craig’s Pass arriving at Old Faithful about 4pm.

Let’s go!

Ride~About: Winter Weather Hodgepodge

It is a beautiful winter day in Lamar Valley, but the clouds are foreboding. We are heading to Mammoth Hot Springs so let’s see what this winter weather holds for us this morning. We’ve had about ten inches of snow the last few days at Lamar Buffalo Ranch, but today the sun streams through the broken eastern clouds.

Come along the 29 miles to explore . . .

Ride~About: Springtime at Yellowstone Lake

Springtime in the Rockies leaves you guessing at the weather no matter what the  forecast. Springtime along Yellowstone Lake is no exception. Surrounded by huge mountains that can generate their own weather further complicates forecasting. Yellowstone Lake, the largest fresh water lake above 7,000 feet in North American, covers 136 square miles and the winds can really move along that flat surface.  Although we are starting our day with rain, some snow, a bit of ice called grapple, minimal wind thankfully, and seriously overcast skies, let’s remain hopeful.

We begin our trip at Fishing Bridge heading southeast 10 miles to Lake Butte Overlook. Let’s hope for brighter skies, maybe even some sun. On our way back we’ll be stopping along the northern shore of the lake to see what we will see. Always an adventure regardless of the weather, because my friends, there is never a bad day in Yellowstone!

Fishing Bridge

Let’s go . . .

Ride~About: Winter Gray on Gray

How exciting to be traveling into Yellowstone via snowcoach on this winter day, although a very gray winter day. Our trip has been planned for about a month so come what may, we are going. It is totally overcast, snowing occasionally, but not too cold–in the mid 20’s. Since we are all photographers, we hope the weather will improve, but ya pay for ya ride and take ya chances!

We left West Yellowstone traveling through the West Entrance. We will be driving to Madison Junction then to Old Faithful, with stops all along the way at the various thermal basins. As we drive along the Madison River, we are hoping to see a bobcat or the pair that have been hunting in the river over the last few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed. We’ll also hope for some sun as the day progresses, then again, there is never a bad day in Yellowstone!

snowcoach gray view

Here we go!