TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE JAN 2017

January 21, 2017

Our flight to Bozeman, MT leaves at 10:20, so we head to the airport about 7:45 and park at the Park 'N Fly. Oddly enough, another couple on the shuttle says they have been to Yellowstone twice in Winter and give us some insights. We are flying on United Express and checking online, it says we leave from Terminal A, so that is where we are dropped off -  only to discover that if you are checking a bag, which we are, you have to check in at Terminal B.  Glad that we arrived very early as we take the train back to terminal B, check in, check our bag, then head back to terminal A for security and our gate! Luckily, security is about a three minute wait and after they double check all of Greg's body metal, we stroll to our gate in plenty of time.

Despite being in the last row of the small plane, we find space for our carryons and have a smooth flight, about 3 1/2 hours.  We begin to see snow covered mountains and watch frost forming on the window.

We arrive on time, call our hotel and their shuttle is there by the time we pick up our bag.
Smooth sailing!  The shuttle driver, a young guy from Illinois, is pleasant and points out Bridger Basin - the nearest ski area.  The land is rather flat, but there are mountains in all directions.

Nice hotel, Comfort Suites.  We settle and walk across the road to the closest restaurant, an Outback, for a lunch/dinner.  The snow around us is 8-10 inches but roads are mostly clear.  The temp this morning was 7, but it is in the 20's now and very sunny.

Beth outside the hotel.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

We head downstairs for a complimentary breakfast which is ok.  The usual suspects.  Best thing is a fresh waffle because it is hot.

After showering and re-packing, we meet our shuttle driver downstairs.  He takes us back to airport where we are to meet our ride to West Yellowstone. Interesting man - he is ex-military and teaches winter survival classes.  Also enjoys hiking into the mountains and building his own shelter on his off days.  He bemoans the fact that Bozeman is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and that temperatures are getting warmer.  He says the grizzlies in this area haven't hibernated for three years because of the warming trend (which makes them cranky) but assures me that they do hibernate down in Yellowstone, which is colder.  Yellowstone is basically a huge caldera which makes its own climate.

 Lots of groups gathering "by the bear" there including a large number on a National Geographic trip.  Interesting airport with lots of bronze animals and several cozy fireplaces.

We eventually meet 6 others heading our way and 2 more arrive as our driver, Bill, rounds us up for the 90 mile drive.

Pretty scenery as we approach Yellowstone

and more snow as we enter the park.

 By now we know all the other folks - 6 women and 2 men.  They are from coast to coast - California to Maine. (Also VA, NJ, CO)

We arrive at The Brandin' Iron Inn  in West Yellowstone, Montana and check in.  Nice room and we unpack and then check in with Road Scholar.

Can almost see the light snow

Yellowstone has had the most snow this year since 1958!

A light snow is falling as we wonder around the area a bit and then squeeze in a little of the football playoffs before we head next door to The Slippery Otter for dinner, followed by an orientation. Basic burger and fries, but tasty.

 Still snowing after dinner. This is the street in front of our hotel.  The whole town is about 9 streets x 4 streets.

Seems like a fun group and we are happy to learn that we aren't the only ones who have never snowshoed, snow mobiled or cross country skied!

Lots of discussion about clothing and the coming week.  Tomorrow morning will be lectures, followed by lunch and then our snowshoe adventure.