“Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.” ~Gillian Anderson

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Yellowstone Part 1

We decided about a month ago that we needed to take a much needed family vacation during Damon's next break in school. We knew that we didn't want to travel far with the kids, but we wanted to get out of Utah, we picked Yellowstone. On Sunday we got to Yellowstone and didn't actually go into the park until Tuesday. We are loving it though. There is wildlife everywhere. I thought growing up in Lakeview that I have seen my fair share of wildlife, but it is nothing compared to here. So far we have seen tons of Buffalo, tons of Elk, some coyote, a wolf, a few bears and bear cubs, a fox, oh and a few ground squirrels. The pictures below are from our first day in the park. We went and saw Old Faithful, which we got there just in time otherwise we would have to have waited another 90 minutes to watch it go off.
The first day there we passed a road saying river drive. Damon, thought we should go that way but we didn't. On the way back to the condo, we decided to go that way and saw that there where a bunch of cars parked and a park ranger. We had been told if there is a park ranger you need to get out, because there is probably something good going on. Well come to find out a pack of wolves had killed a buffalo and had been eating on it all morning and early afternoon. Right as we got there they had taken off. We were pretty bummed to say the least. The Park Rangers did tell us though if we came back a dusk we might see a bear come and maybe take a nibble on what was left over from the buffalo. So with that being said we headed back to where we were staying and had some dinner. Then we headed back to see if we might see some kind of wildlife.
When we get there, there was a few cars with people with there cameras out. Damon and I get excited thinking maybe there was a bear. No they were just taking pictures of a bald eagle up in a tree. But we get out and I walk up ahead to a good viewing spot with Olivia. Right then a lady points out something to her husband swimming across the river. I look and think its a coyote, but its a WOLF! I yell to Damon and he runs over. So for the next 40 minutes we got to watch a wolf about 100 yards from us nibble on whats left of the buffalo. It was so COOL!



The buffalo are everywhere.


Olivia and Sophie in front of a steam pocket. Sophie spent most of her time in the stroller or the car seat.






Olivia in front of Old Faithful.




The wolf getting a drink of water.





Taking some bites at what is left of the buffalo.














Damon and Olivia watching the wolf. You didn't really need binoculars to watch it only if you wanted a real close up look.







5 comments:

Begay Family said...

The Yellowstone pictures are GREAT. I'm so glad you guys are having a great time.

Michelle Tiller said...

Glad to see you all looking so happy. Love the pictures of Olivia with you and Damon xxx

EmmaJ said...

You guys are so lucky! I really wish we were there too. I think you are being very brave Sian in being around all of these wild animals.

Sarah Z said...

Looks like fun! I was surprised to see some posts while you are on vaca! Kendra was/is a runt like Sophie is...don't you LOVE hearing..."don't you let her eat?" or "why don't you feed the girl?!" SO annoying! Have a safe drive home!

Scott and Sarah Bell said...

Love the pictures! So so jealous we'll prob go when the boys get older! Glad you guys had a great time!