Yellowstone

I was rather looking forward to exploring America's First National Park. Unfortunately, the experience ended up feeling less like a commune with nature and more like a shuffle through an overcrowded amusement park. I think a lot of that had to do with the contrast of the serene solitude of Shoshone National Forest. I didn't spend a lot of time in Yellowstone; I parked at the few areas I could find a parking spot at and only took a few photos. If I do visit again, it will definitely be during the off-season.

I loved the geysers, the burbling hot springs, and the sounds and smells of the water and water vapor. Little tree swallows flitted among the spouting hot springs, cruising for snacks. They seemed to enjoy flying through the mists.

I did see the bison (and evidence thereof! They walk right over the geothermal areas!), and a small herd of massive elk. 

Yellowstone is a gorgeous area with an important geological history -- and future. If I do ever return, I'll make certain that it is in the winter or spring. I can handle a few closed roads for a little more peace and quiet. ;) 

I stepped in a lot of bison dung to get that shot. :P

Bear sighting!

Okay, bear experts. Is this a big black bear or a young grizzly? The bear is wet from the snow and rain, so the coat is matted down, but even so, this bear was really big for a black bear. I'm no expert, though, so I will put the ID in your capable hands.

 

After I broke camp at my little winter wonderland, I kept moving toward Yellowstone. It was around that same area that I spotted the bear.

I stopped at one of the turn-outs along the road to do a bit of sight-seeing. Shoshone National Forest is so incredibly beautiful. And vast. I felt so small here.

I don't really have a lot to say about this part of the trip. The photos say it much better than I could even try to. It was a privilege to be able to see this amazing area.

The Road to Yellowstone

I know I've already mentioned how much I love Wyoming -- but I love Wyoming. It's a geological, historical, and natural goldmine. I made many stops on the way to Yellowstone National Park; there's something amazing to gawk at around every turn.

The formation you see in the first two photos is known as Crowheart Butte. Here's what it says on that sign:

"In March, 1866, a battle was fought in this vicinity between Shoshone and Bannock Indians on one side and Crow Indians on the other.
The contest was waged for the supremacy of hunting grounds in the Wind River basin. Crowheart Butte was so named because the victorious Washakie, Chief of The Shoshones, displayed a Crow Indian's heart on his lance at the war dance after the battle. The major portion of the battle was fought near Black Mountain, several miles to the north.
Washakie, in his youth and middle age, was a very mighty warrior. He was a wise chief and friendly to the white people. No white man's scalp hung in his teepee."

 That's pretty brutal.

The road wound through a dizzying array of rock formations of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were dozens of turn-outs along the road to allow one to stretch one's legs and get a good look at the landscape. I took a photo of these gorgeous red rocks with the van in it and one without:

I also spent some time poking around -- if I recall correctly -- the Wind River basin. It was indescribably beautiful. 

I have many, many more photos of this area and the subsequent adventures, so more posts are coming soon!

Snow!

Remember what I said about my campsite being so cold? Well -- it snowed!

I was awoken around midnight by what I thought was rain on the roof of my van. I looked out of my window, but it was pitch-black outside and freezing, so I shrugged and shivered and snuggled up back inside the warmth of my sleeping bag/fleece blanket combo.

Later on, around 4 a.m., the sky began to brighten, so I set about making my morning tea. Once it was ready, I started to take down my window shades and I could not believe my eyes: my campsite was blanketed in white. I put on my wool coat and my boots and went outside to explore my winter wonderland.

I took a walk a little way up the infamous forest road from the day before, and I took a bunch of photos of the van and my surroundings. Look at the snow on my solar panels! I was able to brush some off with my ice scraper/brush (glad I brought that along!) Luckily, the rest of it melted and fell away as I  drove down from the 10,000 feet of elevation I was camped at.

Waking up to snow in Wyoming was such an incredible treat. I can't believe the amazing experiences I've had in this state. I've said it before and I will keep saying it -- I cannot wait to go back there.

Marooned in Shoshone!

From my travel diary - June 17:

I'm camping in Shoshone National Forest tonight. It's rainy and moody and altogether frigid; I find it to be gloriously beautiful. I'm warm and snug, nestled inside the van. Tonight I am wearing my socks, pajama bottoms, a tee shirt, a pullover, and my fleece hat to keep warm. I have my 15 degree sleeping bag and a fleece blanket over it. Snug, indeed. I am reminiscing about the day's events.

I was driving through Shoshone National Forest today, stopping every few minutes to stumble out of the van to gawk at impossibly large mountains and winding rivers, when I spotted a forest camp site. I immediately turned onto the forest road in search of the evening's free lodgings. It was a steep, winding, rutted road that led up through a series of switchbacks to a point I never actually reached -- because I got stuck in the mud (remember what I said about it being rainy? Yeah.). At first I wasn't worried; I had seen other people get out of muddy situations before. Apparently it's not as easy as it seems, because before long I was truly in a mire.

Woops.

 Luckily, my phone was working; I don't know what I would've done if I did not have cellular service up there. I called my sister and asked her to look up the Shoshone Ranger Station's phone number, thanked her profusely, and went about getting myself out of that situation. Big thanks to the people at the Wapiti Ranger Station for all their help and concern! I love you ladies. In the end, I dialed my insurance company, who offered roadside assistance. 

While I was waiting for my insurance company to arrange for my tow truck, I wandered around the area near the van. It was icy cold, and there was snow on the ground. Fog descended, and it started to rain -- and then the rain turned into snow. Here I was, marooned in grizzly country, and it was snowing. I laughed. What else could I do? Having a sense of humor about ridiculous situations can be sanity-saving.

Once my insurance company arranged for my assistance, my knight in 4x4 armor arrived within minutes, and he helped me get my big muddy van out of the muck. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to Bull's Conoco and everyone who helped me out today. Here's a few more photos of my muck-up:  

I decided to make camp at the base of that same forest road -- this time with all four (now filthy) wheels safely level on a gravel surface. Goodnight!

Split Rock Scramble

I love Wyoming. I love it. I can't wait to go back. 

A few weeks ago, I spent the morning channeling my 8-year-old self. There was a turn-out along the road with a sign that read, "Split Rock." I remembered the name from somewhere, so I decided to investigate. It was a great decision.

Split Rock is a fascinating geological feature on the vast, other-worldly landscape of Wyoming. And I spent the morning climbing all over it. I felt like a little kid, scrambling over rocks and peeking into all of the nooks and crannies. It wasn't long before I was openly smiling like an idiot -- the only person for miles.

I walked around the edge of a massive boulder, where I was greeted by a tiny hare. Aside from the mild surprise it must have experienced at my sudden presence, it was completely unphased by my proximity, and went about its bunny business while I lingered nearby.

I climbed, crawled, and hiked all the way to the back of the formation, where I was rewarded with a (literally) breath-taking view. I was worn out from all that playtime. I sat down for a breather and took a selfie:

I had a beautiful morning; Split Rock was just what I needed to invigorate my spirit. I can't wait to explore more of this incredible state.