Missoula to Yellowstone

Yesterday we ran the gamut of landscapes from mountains to valley plateaus to desert-like hills to rolling hills. Today we left the mountains into range-land plateaus then right back into the mountains. Despite the rain the scenery has been spectacular. We’ve seen a lot of eagles – in fact one swooped down low over the car just as we were leaving Missoula. And what I thought were osprey nests atop tall platforms are actually eagle nests. I should have realized that by the size of the nests. Today I actually saw some eagles in them. There is no mistaking the bald eagle. (Did you know they are called bald from the old English word balde meaning white?)

We saw quite a few deer today as well – some of those antelope-like ones out in a field and a couple of white-tailed deer (or maybe elk) in Yellowstone.

We passed through an area where an earthquake caused the side of a mountain to crumble and fall into a lake – effectively changing its shape and taking 26 lives with it. The lake is now called Earthquake Lake.

We had lunch in a Banff-like town called West Yellowstone just on the outskirts of the famous park. As we entered the park an attendant about my own age tried to get me the senior’s discount until I pointed out that I was Canadian. It doesn’t apply to us Canadians. He then told me he had considered moving to Canada during the Vietnam era and is now considering it again.

Yellowstone is gorgeous! I took a few side trails in my drive towards the Grant Village campgrounds. Even though it is still June and schools aren’t out, the park is busy. I can’t imagine what it will be like in a few weeks. I gave up trying to find parking near one of the geyser trails. I didn’t even try to go to Old Faithful. I was lucky enough to get a campsite so will head back to Old Faithful in the morning. I should have better luck if I’m early.

Since the rain is still doing its thing and the temperature has dropped I decided not to put up the tent. Bus and I will sleep in the back of the car tonight.

One thing I have noticed is that the air in my air mattress has expanded. I guess it is the altitude since we are back up in the mountains again.

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