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 . . .

ANOTHER, BETTER Five-Geyser Day

Yellowstone started opening for the summer season on a staggered schedule  April 20.  We can only get to Mammoth, Norris, Canyon, and Old Faithful this first week in May, but before the crowds start, let’s enjoy the Old Faithful area. Although there are a lot less people, spring weather has been elusive. Today’s forecast predicts partly sunny skies, very light wind, and temps to about 50°, so it looks like a spring day. Let’s go see some geysers!

Even long-time visitors to the Old Faithful area head to the Visitor’s Center. At the Ranger’s Information Desk we’ll check the anticipated eruption times for the more predictable geysers and plan our walk around that schedule. Old Faithful is the most predictable geyser. Currently they say eruptions every 98 minutes +/- 10 minutes, but that can change. Surprise, you can watch Old Faithful anytime online. Let’s head to Geyser Hill for a different view of Old Faithful. We have about 20 minutes so let’s go!

Onward . . .

Mammoth Upper Terraces–What a Difference a Day Makes

A winter morning on Mammoth Hot Springs’ Upper Terraces. Wow, what a difference a day hour makes! From blue skies to whiteout snow conditions in a matter of hours, but I always love the peace and beauty when walking the Upper Terraces. Let’s explore these amazing travertine terraces.

upper terraces

Come on along . . .

Grandma Bighorn, a Sweet Goodbye

It has been a gray winter in Yellowstone. Overcast, snow, and WIND. During a few days stay in mid-February, however, there was a sweet moment early in the week. We pulled into a protected pullout near the Yellowstone River. This poor old grandma Bighorn sheep headed toward us and we retreated to make room, but there is not much room to retreat in this pullout. OK, OK, she was about 10 feet away–don’t tell. We are supposed to stay 25 yards from such wildlife, even when they come to us. Broken horn on far side, looks like arthritis in her front shoulders, eyes somewhat sunken, moving very slow–all alone and females travel in groups. For a few minutes she just hung with us, checking us out every once in a while but not anxious, fearful, or in a rush to leave. Perhaps for a moment we offered safety and a sense of peace. With our presence, wolves are very unlikely. We may be just about the last people to see her alive.

A tribute to your life, sweet girl.