Newsy Updates

Interestingly enough, due to the frigid weather we are in, which is apparently early this year (lucky us, ha!) the Elk carcass hasn't been touched yet by predators. The bears are, we guess, fat from berries and other downed animals and have already gone into hibernation mode. The coyotes and wolves traditionally live on the other side of the mountain from us in the park so haven't picked up the scent yet. We saw magpies on it yesterday but the birds aren't strong enough to break skin so have to wait for the dogs and bears to start the break down process.

We are all cleaned up in the cabin and the car is packed for an early start tomorrow. We plan to hike in Custer State Park if the weather is better there and do a drive by Mount Rushmore on our way to Kansas. Estimated date to reach Dunnellon is Friday.

I asked Bob to look online yesterday while I was cleaning the cabin to see what the travel home temps were supposed to be so we could pack appropriately and I vacuum sealed the rest of the clothes. I packed like I saw him packing, warm clothes for cold weather mostly with one pair of shorts for when we reach Florida. So I looked at the cities myself this morning and after we leave Yellowstone, everywhere else is in the 70's or higher for the whole drive. Hmmm. Guess we're repacking today :)

We hope to attend church this morning but the wind is gusting up to 50mph and it sounds like the roof is going to fly off! It has already rained and cleared and cloudy again and it's only 10am. A last walk in the park would be perfect except not if we're going to blow away! Barbara Snow and we are packed and on GO!



Here is a shot of the Yellowstone Association store in Gardiner. All of us 'insiders' refer to it as YA. :)










Here is the famous Roosevelt Arch, erected in 1903, in honor of then President Roosevelt who signed the legislation to make Yellowstone the first National Park.








Here is the Gardiner River that runs along the entry road from the north entrance (from Gardiner). It looks rather tame here but has many pretty rapids all the way in. The Elk and Big Horn Sheep like to wade through different areas for refreshing drinks, especially in the warmer months.