End of Summer

It's almost the end of summer, but just had to get in the annual trip to Yellowstone.  Unfortunately, a cold front went through the days when we were there, so it was a bit cold and not like summer at all.

We did a few ranger walks.

 
 Saw the geysers.

Met some slithering wildlife.

 And also did some longer hikes on our own out in the back country in areas most people don't see.

 
 Cascade Lake
 
 

 
 Lone Star Geyser.

Came upon this guy rambling about out in the back country.  It was a little intimidating to see him so close, with no one else around and no way to outrun him if he objected to our presence there. Fortunately he was more interested in eating grass than bothering with us.  So, we just waited, trying to look inconspicuous, until he strolled on away from the trail.
 
 

He and his friends probably made these tracks on the trail.

 The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area is impressive, but don't go there if you're afraid of heights.

 

 Saw this Osprey nest on the rocks high above the canyon, complete with baby osprey.  We saw the parents fly in, probably with some food for this noisy baby bird.

This is the closest we got to seeing a bear.  The fur was soft, but the claws - not so much!  The ranger also had a Grizzly skin to show us with claws that were even bigger!

 

 This bison was nice enough to pose by the roadside.
 

It's nice to know there are still some places you can go that look like this.