Sunday, August 18
Pretty hazy this morning as we set out on the Beartooth Hwy, not great for photos but great scenery. The highway begins with seven miles of switchbacks - quite a climb! After we reach the summit, 10,947, at Hellroaring Plateau, things seem to clear up a bit. (There are many forest fires going on to the west in Oregon,Washington, Idaho and up in Montana.)
Beautiful lakes and remnants of snow.
Lots of glaciated basins and lakes. We stop and walk around a few of them. Lots of Summer wildflowers still blooming some places. It was in the 50's most of the morning. It is not unheard of for the road to be closed due to snow just about any time of the year.
There are poles to mark the edge of the road when there is lots of snow!
Island Lake and the campground there is very busy. We stop at the Top of World store briefly where prices are laughable. $1.50 for one postcard - not! Didn't even look at their gas prices!
We try to visit the Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower in the Shoshone National Forest, but find the mile-or-so-long road blocked the last 100' and tower closed. Pretty views, though.
Pilot Peak Overlook, Clark's Fork Overlook.
Some of the campgrounds don't allow tents or any "soft sided" camping equipment.
A short walk to Lake Creek Falls.
We stop by Crazy Creek where we have camped in the past and then Cooke City. Cooke City was founded as a mining camp in the 1800's. It has a few shops and restaurants, including an old dry goods store that looks its age. Then we drop back into Wyoming, heading for Yellowstone's entrance and the Lamar Valley. Always a treat.
We see the expected Bison herds and wait while one herd moseys across the road, snorting, grunting, grazing and giving us the stinkeye.
Of course there are a few "tourons" (tourist + moron) who are out of their cars and way too close to the animals. The rangers are making their rounds, telling people to get back into their cars.
We see this lone pronghorn and then the animals dwindle and the number of fishermen in waders grows.
The sign by the entry isn't promising.
Once through the valley, we take the eastern loop through the park to avoid the biggest crowds (Old Faithful, Paint Pots, etc.). We have been here multiple times and Summer is never a preferred time, so we make our way through, with just occasional stops.
Sulfur Caldron
Thermal Springs.
This is a "hot spot" that was near our parking spot.
Mud Volcano
This noisy raven entertained us by Yellowstone Lake.
Yellowstone River
We reach Grant Village Campground and although the sign says "campground full", we decide to check it out. It being Sunday and this being a huge campground, the odds are good and yes, they find an open site for us - G178. Driving and walking through, it seemed there were several but they could be reserved or no-shows.
The fee is $21 with our pass, but this includes 2 very nice showers.
From the campsite we walk to a nearby lake which is very quiet and peaceful. Beautiful evening.
Got a kick out of this guy and his dog on a paddle board!
We've thawed some burger, so we have super nachos for dinner with beans and veggies and lots of cheese. Yum! Colorful evening sky.
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