Rescue Creek

I haven't discovered why this area is called Rescue Creek. Maybe because it is bordered by Rattle Snake Butte. (I'm not kidding!)










Bob and I did this hike last year and it was dry, arid, hot and a long walk. This year we added roommate Phyllis and friend Kathy. Temps were in the low 70's and very pleasant.









This is a pretty good hike to see wildlife. This was our first sighting. Not really unusual except to note that he was large, very mature and watching us.








The weather bringing more moisture this year helped to 'green up' the landscape and the flowers again were very pretty.

Fireweed

Barb, Phyllis, Kathy

This is a one way hike so we dropped Kathy's car off at the end and drove up to the high end to take off.













If you blow up this picture you'll see who was watching us below on the trail. We believe this fox was hoping we would veer off so he/she could continue on the path.








It quickly decided we wouldn't yield so hopped off to the left. It may be hard to see but this fox was pretty scraggly looking but it could be the end of the winter coat sloughing off.











And this was the last we saw.























Here is a pair of Sandhill Cranes we came across. It doesn't seem right that they would be this far northwest, but here's the proof! We again think they were trying to divert us away possibly due to a nest or young in the brush. Very vocal and used feathers and jumping to great effect.








This flower has gone to seed and though I've tried, I can't figure out the name. This perfectly, symmetrical ball is almost as large as a baseball. I have to find a flower expert or field guide to get some help.









This hike starts with an uphill climb and other than a few ups and downs along the way it is considered a downhill hike. Love, love, love this kind, ha!






 
So, this is a Pronghorn, commonly called Antelope. Antelope are legend only though. There are no Antelope in North America or so we've been told countless times. This Pronghorn was apparently the scout. He saw us and within 5 seconds assessed the situation as dangerous and as we crested the slope we saw...








the rest of the herd.

Not sure what to call this critter!

Oh wait, it's Bob showing the perspective of the elk horn to a person.

Stemless Goldenweed

We have now made our way through the pass and begin the final decent to the view that is below our cabins on the most northern side of Yellowstone. Our cabins are up on the left hand ridge slightly further west (or left).

This group of rocks is the last climb before a totally flat walk back to the trail head and car. We dubbed it the Mickey Mouse rock. See the picture below to see why!






















This is the Gardiner River which converges with the Yellowstone River closer to town, about one mile away.











We are happy to be done and place another 8 miles into the hiking log.