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 January 31, 2009:
It was another great day in the winter range for
wildlife viewing, again with return clients, a group of
firemen from New Jersey. There was a group of 3 wolves
atop a knoll north of the Lamar River prior to reaching
Lamar Valley. They were bedded, enjoying the sunshine.
At the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte
creek we were busy watching and photographing big horn
rams as they fed on the south slope of the hillside. All
of a sudden the rams jumped and began bounding away
through the deep snow and to our surprise from behind a
low hill came a coyote in hot pursuit. This is very
unusual as a coyote weighs 35 pounds maximum and the
rams up to 300 pounds and can be very aggressive. They
easily outdistanced the coyote and went and stood on a
rock ledge as the coyote continued toward them
struggling through the deep snow. He soon gave up and
went on his way, perhaps in search of a meal more in the
range he could handle, like a vole or mouse hiding under
the snow. I believe the coyote must have forgotten for a
moment his station in the winter range when he made that
dash toward sharp hooves and the potential of a very
convincing head butt from the ram.
January 26-27, 2009:
 I spent two days with return clients from last year that
enjoyed the winter range and were back for more. Over
the two days we were able to watch 19 wolves from two
different packs.
The Druids put on a special show on the 27th in the
Lamar Valley. As we were watching them on the slopes
south of the Lamar River the wolves went out of sight
behind a herd of approximately 15 large bull elk. These
bulls apparently were not the Druids main interest. As
the wolves disappeared the elk moved down hill. We
noticed big horn sheep bounding down hill on the steep
slopes of the area known as the ski slope. Right behind
them, guess who? The Druids were the reason for the
sheep’s quick downhill descent. The wolves were able to
stop on the edge and watched the sheep below, now safe
from further harassment from those pesky wolves.
Over the two days we also watched bald eagles on carcass
sites, bull elk, bison, coyotes, and big horn sheep in
the Lamar Valley as well as the Gardner River canyon.
The clients return visit was exciting and eventful. It
seems the winter range is never disappointing if we take
the time to truly embrace it.
December 24, 2008 (Christmas Eve day):
I went into the field today with a group from Jackson,
WY. It was crisp in the early morning but clear. It was
going to be a great day for watching wildlife.
 We were not disappointed. Between Mammoth Hot Springs
and Tower Junction is an area known as Geode Creek and
our first goal for the early morning was to see the
grizzly bear that was still out. Yes, December 24th, and
a grizzly out and about. He was where I thought he would
be and that was on a carcass that he had been working on
for the last 4 days. Just as it was getting light enough
to see we saw movement and Mr. Grizzly came out of the
brush. He had a seat next to another van. The passengers
were still seated safely in the van and were excited as
was to be expected. The bear then crossed the road at a
lope and went immediately to the elk carcass in easy
viewing distance and continued with his feeding ritual.
It was great watching and perhaps a once in a lifetime
experience seeing a bear that late in this country. We
enjoyed him for some time and then continued on out to
the Lamar Valley where we watched big horn rams on the
slopes. We also saw many elk, bison, and coyotes. On the
way back in we were able to find and view, as well as
photograph large bull elk in the Lava Creek area.
Simply put, it was a very special and amazing day in
Yellowstone.
September 4, 2008:
Today I had a private group of 12 persons that wanted
the opportunity to view the wolves of Yellowstone. It
was a chilly morning as we made our way to Lamar Valley.
At the first light of dawn we were on the hill
overlooking the rendezvous area of the Druid Pack. It
was a great choice as we were able to watch 23 Druids
throughout the morning, howling, socializing, playing
and just hanging out. An added bonus was the arrival of
a young bull moose, judging by the antler size he was
probably a 2 year old. He wandered into the rendezvous
area and at times was close to the wolves, which seemed
totally uninterested in his presence. We sighted bison
and pronghorn antelope in the area and some elk and big
horn sheep on the high ridges.
August 30, 2008:
I had a couple today that while here last year had hiked
to the top of “Cardiac Hill” to view the Slough Creek
wolf pack. Their primary goal was to see wolves again.
We spent most of the morning on the hill overlooking the
Druid Pack rendezvous site. We watched a total of 16
Druids. There was much playing with the pups,
socializing as the adult wolves came into the area and
yes, sleeping. On the way out of that area we were also
fortunate to see two Slough Creek wolves west of the
Lamar Canyon.
August 22, 2008:
The days and viewing are great in the Lamar Valley/Tower
Junction area. I had the opportunity to spend the day
with a grandfather that brought his granddaughter to
Yellowstone country in hopes of seeing the wolves of
Yellowstone. It was an awesome day. As it was getting
light we saw a grizzly bear in the Boulder area as we
traveled to Lamar Valley and the rendezvous site of the
Druid wolf pack. Getting up and out early was well worth
it. While in the field that day we saw 24 Druid wolves,
a total of 5 grizzly bears, a pair of bald eagles on a
dead cottonwood along the Lamar River, a beaver out for
a leisurely swim, and 2 mountain goats on Barronette
Peak.
August 21, 2008:
I met 4 clients at Tower Junction this morning. Main
goal today was to try and see wolves and bears. Before
the day was over it would be a huge success story. We
left Tower and crossed the Yellowstone River headed to
Lamar Valley where the Druid wolf pack was back in the
valley at their old rendezvous site.
As we got to the area known as Boulders we took time for
a quick stop at a bison carcass site. It was barely
light enough to see but there feeding on the carcass was
a grizzly bear. With the dim light it made it seem
almost ghostlike and added to the excitement of finding
a bear so soon and close enough to see even in the low
light. Leaving the bear was with mixed emotions but we
headed on to Lamar and the rendezvous site.
It was a good choice. It is best to view the rendezvous
area by climbing a hill to overlook the Lamar River and
the site to the south. Up we went. In a short time we
were watching 21 Druid wolves and 5 grizzly bears. One
of the female grizzlies had a set of last year’s twins
with her and was close to the road and river, examining
an old carcass. It was a great view. Further out moving
from the area was another grizzly heading to the tree
line to the south. Grizzly bear number 5 was another
story. It was in the area of the rendezvous site and the
wolves were none too pleased. It was awesome to watch as
the adult wolves circled the bear and when able charge
and nip at the heels, all the time working to drive the
bear in the opposite direction from the pups in the
area. It took some time and had everyone on the edge of
their seats so to speak as the drama played out.
Eventually the grizzly had enough and left to the tree
line and the wolves came back seeming to be holding
their heads high as their success.
You never know what you are going to see when you are in
Lamar Valley, but it never seems to be dull.
August 13, 2008:
An early start this morning from Gardiner, I left before
daylight with a couple coming to Yellowstone for a
wildlife tour. Just as it was getting light we arrived
at the Boulders area near the Yellowstone River
crossing. There was a bison carcass north of the road
and in easy viewing. Luck was with us as there were 8
Slough Pack wolves taking advantage of the bison carcass
and feeding in the early light of pre-dawn. As we were
enjoying the wolves we were rewarded with an additional
bonus. A black bear came from the Lamar River corridor
and up to the carcass site. There were many viewers and
the bear did not stay long but gave a great photo
opportunities before crossing the road and heading
south. The wolves retired to the foothills to rest after
their meal so we headed further toward the Lamar Valley.
We did not make it very far before we noticed a black
bear as we approached the Lamar River. As we watched it
swam the river and after seemingly checking the area for
other wildlife he made a direct route to another bison
carcass on the river bank. We watched for a long time in
good range, even for photos for the group. Bears have
amazing strength. Even though this was a black bear it
was able to actually move the carcass of the large
bison. With the day winding down we headed toward the
Mammoth area and were again rewarded with a close up of
another black bear at Floating Island.
 July 7, 2008: At Lava Creek we saw a bull elk in
velvet grazing along the road. Pronghorn antelope and
bison with calves are scattered along the way as we head
up to Slough Creek. Only one black colored gray wolf is
visible, but we were treated to a glimpse of a gold
eagle chick in it’s nest. Further into Lamar Valley we
found a grizzly sow and 2 cubs from this year along the
trees. A badger made it’s way through the sagebrush. A
sub-adult bald eagle was perched in a snag along the
Lamar River.
July 4, 2008: Traveled on a Grand Loop Tour with
4 couples. Saw a massive six point bull elk at Lava
Creek with his antlers encased in velvet. Going up
Dunraven pass a black bear had created quite a traffic
jam. Good chance to photograph him. The Upper and Lower
Falls of the Yellowstone are still raging with all the
snow pack melting this late in the season. We ate lunch
at a quiet spot on the divide between Yellowstone Lake
and Old Faithful. An ice cream treat was enjoyed while
we waited for Old Faithful to erupt then off to Fountain
Paint Pots and back to Mammoth to end the day.
 June 25, 2008: Family of four with boys age 7 and
9 on a Grand Loop. We watched the Sand Hill Cranes at
Floating Island, then a pair of black bears at Petrified
Tree. One of the bears was cinnamon colored the other
was black, this is not unusual in Yellowstone. Stopped
at Calcite Springs and looked at the osprey nest, saw
two chicks and one adult. As we traveled up Dunraven we
saw a black bear on one side of the road and a young
grizzly on the other. An eagle soared above while we
viewed the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone at
Canyon. In Hayden Valley a crowd had gathered to watch a
wolf sleeping across the river. He would lift his head
to check us out and then go back to his nap. The boys
got a kick out of visiting the “stinkiest place” in
Yellowstone, on a warm day the sulfur really smells at
Mud Volcano. Lunch was enjoyed at a pull out on
Yellowstone Lake. While at Old Faithful we saw Castle
Geyser, Lion Geyser as well as Old Faithful erupt.
June 18, 2008: Up before dawn to do a Wildlife
Tour. We watched wolves from both the Druid and Slough
Creek packs. The Sloughs were near their den site,
caught glimpses of the lone pup born this year. The
Druids were traveling near Soda Butte. We spotted 11
bears at various locations in Lamar Valley. At
Barronette we watched through our spotting scopes as the
Mountain Goats fed on the steep cliffs. Big Horn Sheep
ewes and lambs were on the canyon walls at Calcite
Springs.
 June
16, 2008: On the way in to look for wolves we
stopped to see the Sand Hill Cranes at Floating Island
and found a bull moose. At Slough Creek we watched 6
wolves near the den sight. They were playing with the
lone pup of the year. Mountain Goats and their kids were
grazing on Barronette Peak. At Tower we saw two black
bears and the osprey on the nest at Calcite Springs. On
the way back we saw big horn sheep at Wrecker pullout.
June 1, 2008: In early for a Wildlife tour, girls
day out two adult daughters and their mother. It is
barely light as we get to Floating Island, the Sand Hill
is tucked down on her nest. What a treat, we find three
moose at Petrified Tree, two young bulls and a cow. They
walk towards us as they graze, great photos. At the
Slough Creek wolf den we catch sight of the pup and it’s
“babysitters” through the scope. We find a few big horn
sheep high on the cliffs on both sides of the Hitching
Rail pullout. At Barronette Peak we find 4 Mountain
goats with their kids. On the way back to Gardiner we
stop again at Floating Island to find a cow moose and
her calf lying on the bank. The Sand Hill Crane stands
and turns her egg, then settles back down on top of it.
Another great day in Yellowstone.
May 19, 2008: At daybreak near Phantom Lake we
find a black bear, three black bears at Petrified Tree.
A single black bear and a mating pair. On the north side
of the road as we approached Tower Junction another
black bear was feeding. We spot a grizzly at the base of
Specimen Ridge. At the Slough Creek den sight eight
wolves are in sight, including the lone pup. On
Barronette Peak we find one mountain goat. At Calcite
Springs we stop to check the osprey nest and find a big
horn ewe and lamb. Good wildlife viewing for the group
of four.
 May
6, 2008: As we enter the Black Tail Ponds area we
spot 5 of the Leopold wolf pack in pursuit of a bull
elk. They caught him, but he fought, striking at them
with his hooves and they gave up and moved on. After
this exciting scene we proceeded in and watched a
grizzly feeding on an elk carcass at Wrecker Turnout. Up
at Soda Butte we watched a single Druid pack wolf in the
meadow, he was black in color, feeding on an old
carcass. On our way back out of the park there were two
Big Horn Rams near Wrecker Turn out, the grizzly was out
of sight.
4/26/08: We spent the day with friends from
Jackson today out in the Lamar/Tower area. It was an
exciting day for all of us as we saw 2 grizzlies today,
the first of the year. The Sloughs were also busy. We
watched the grizzlies and wolves from the same location.
Not a bad way to spend the morning. Friends and mega
fauna.
4/22/08: It was another great touring day in the
winter range of Yellowstone. The group with me were
treated to seeing a total of 20 wolves from 3 separate
packs. They saw Sloughs, Druids, and Ox-Bow. They also
enjoyed spending time photographing the nice Big Horn
rams at Junction Butte.
4/8/08: Took out a group of three today, leaving
before daylight to get to the Lamar Valley area. Another
cold morning but as the day unfolded it was worth it.
Our first excitement was in the area of Specimen Ridge
trailhead. As we traveled toward Lamar Valley we noticed
a red fox in a fast trot with a lone coyote not far
behind. They crossed the road right in front of us. The
fox then stopped, sat down in the snow. The coyote did
the same and they just stared at each other, perhaps
thinking that was way too much energy wasted. The coyote
got up, crossed back over the road and the fox, as if on
cue got up and followed the coyote. They went over the
hill and out of sight leaving us wondering what that was
all about. We were able to locate the some of the
members of the Druid wolf pack at the Footbridge and
Hitching Rail. The Druid pups, were feeding on a winter
kill carcass which was quite close to the road. As they
were feeding the coyotes were waiting their turn. A gold
eagle arrived landing in a Douglas Fir snag, waiting its
turn at the carcass. Another Druid pup approached the
area along the cliffs and for a moment entertained the
idea of walking a cliff ledge to get closer to 3 bighorn
rams that were taking in the nearby events. The pup
thought better of it and continued to the feeding site.
It was great viewing for a long time and many photo
opportunities also presented themselves.
2/1/08: We had great wolf watching today. Saw two
different packs, the Druids and the Agates. A total of
24 wolves for the day. Three large big horn rams also
provided many minutes of quality time at Wrecker
Pullout. They were very photogenic. As we traveled in
the large bull elk were there for all to see, as if to
say what took you so long to get back here. It was
another great and exciting day in Yellowstone.
1/27/08: We were treated with getting to view and
spend time with all 16 of the Druid pack today in the
area of Soda Butte. It does not always happen that we
see all of a pack at once so this was a special treat.
Bull elk were in the Lava Creek area. There are probably
few places to see big bulls in these numbers all in one
day. It was great. Today we saw big horn rams, ewes, and
lambs at the confluence in Lamar Valley. It was also
nice to see so many and so close. It was another banner
day in Yellowstone.
1/21/08: It is definitely wintertime in
Wonderland. There have been many days with snow, little
sunshine and a biting wind. Though this sounds bleak and
perhaps not for everyone. Today we saw 21 different
wolves, comprising the Druid pack, an unknown gray
colored wolf that had ventured into their territory, as
well as another group of wolves closer to Slough Creek
area.. There are 4 in this group. They will receive a
pack designation if they have pups in the spring. Saw 7
bull elk in the Lava Creek area today as well as 4 nice
big horn rams at Junction Butte on the Yellowstone
River.
1/11/08: It was a spectacular wolf day. The group
from New Hampshire saw a total of 29 wolves. The packs
were the Agates and Druids. The Agate pack area is in
the Tower Junction area and the Druids were once again
in the Soda Butte area where they have been spending
much of the winter. This is great because it has allowed
for some close viewing. We also enjoyed the chance to
watch big horn rams along the Yellowstone River and bull
elk with their majestic racks. They were in the Lava
Creek area where many spend the winter.
1/09/08: Watched the Druid pack in the Soda Butte
area today, as well as a lone gray colored wolf that has
ventured into the area but is not a Druid. He is living
dangerously being in a pack’s living room and not being
invited. We saw 17 total wolves. On our way back
to the Mammoth area we watched bull elk at Black Tail
ponds. The big horn sheep had come down off Mount
Everetts into the Gardiner canyon. They often come down
to get to water and were next to the road. It is an
exciting experience to watch them travel down the
extremely steep slope of the mountain and act as if they
were on flat ground.
1/2/08: The new year has arrived and a new and
exciting winter season in Yellowstone. A family of 6
from Tennessee joined me today in the winter range and
their long journey proved not to be in vain. They saw 18
wolves from 2 separate packs as well as a lone gray not
with any designated pack. We also got to see a golden
eagle which is always a treat. Another great day.
 12/22/07: Watched the Druid pack north of the road by
Trout Lake, close to where they were the day before. Not
much activity as they were bedded on the ridge. A little
play by the pups.
The bull elk are still at Lava Creek, some today were
close enough for great photo opportunities as they
grazed close in the area of Blacktail Ponds.
Big horn sheep grazing on McMinn Bench above Gardiner
canyon. Went west of the arch on the old road and found
pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and whitetail deer.
12/21/07: Druid wolf pack were south of Soda Butte this
morning. We watched as they socialized and they put on a
grand performance of howling which echoed off the cliffs
above them increasing the magnificence of the
performance.
As we watched they started traveling east in groups and
sometimes singles and eventually crossed the road and
went to a carcass site on the north side of the roadway.
They were close enough one did not need optics for
viewing.
Part of the day was also spent watching the large bull
elk at Lava Creek and the big horn sheep in Gardiner
canyon.
12/4/07: Spent the day with a couple from Florida that
came north to view wildlife in Yellowstone during winter
season.
The day was quite rewarding as we saw not one but two
packs of wolves, these being the Druids and Slough Creek
packs. We saw a total of 23 wolves this day and we were
treated to the Druids putting on a howling show.
The big horn sheep were in the Gardiner river canyon and
also spotted some large rams on Specimen Ridge between
Tower Junction and Lamar Valley.
Found 4 large bull elk at Black Tail Creek and they
posed nicely for photos.
It was another great day.
11/20/07: Spent the day in the field with a couple from
Texas.
We watched the Agate pack in the Tower Junction area.
They were resting on an open hillside but once in awhile
one or two would get up and move a short distance to a
carcass and feed.
Back in Mammoth we stopped at Pallette terrace and went
up the boardwalk.
There was a black wolf pup standing watching us, tired
of that and picked up a bone from a carcass and walked
up the hill and out of sight.
Really close and an awesome experience. The couple was
highly pleased and many photos were taken.
On leaving the terraces we proceeded down the Gardiner
canyon and located 8 big horn sheep rams watching us
from the cliffs.
 11/06/07: With the interior of the park closing down in
preparation for winter season and over snow vehicles our
touring turns exclusively to winter wildlife tours on
the northern range. This is the area from Gardiner to
Cooke City and points in between.
Today my client was treated to having the opportunity to
watch 14 of the Agate wolf pack and as an added bonus we
got to hear them do a group howling.
Throughout the day we were able to locate and enjoy
several other species of wildlife.
These included 20 bighorn sheep, 1 mountain goat on
Barronette Peak, 3 bald eagles in Lamar area, coyotes,
mule deer, elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer and
a rare treat of getting to see a small herd of white
tail deer in the area of Tower Junction.
11/03/07: Spent a good part of the morning watching the
Druid pack in Lamar Valley in the area of the Institute.
They were feeding on an elk carcass on the edge of the
Lamar River. Their meal was interrupted by the arrival
of a grizzly that went right to the carcass, scattering
the Druids in the process. It was fun to watch the
interaction as the wolves would try to distract the
grizzly and give another wolf the opportunity to sneak
in and get a bite or pull some meat from the carcass and
make a hasty retreat.
This went on for quite sometime before the grizzly left
the carcass, waded the river and bedded down on the
other side close to the carcass. He must have been full
as the wolves were able to move onto the carcass and
resume feeding without any interference from the bear.
As if on que the wolves gathered and left the area up
river and not long after the grizzly also left, leaving
the carcass to the coyotes and ravens.
The drama was very exciting for sometime and appreciated
by all that got to witness it.
On our way back to Gardiner we were able to locate and
watch the big horn sheep on the cliffs in the Gardiner
canyon as they worked their way down the steep cliffs to
the river to drink.
 10-26-07: Went into the park today and just inside the
north gate less than a mile spotted 16 big horn sheep
rams on the hillside coming down to water at the
Gardiner River. It is also getting to the time of the
year for their mating season so they were also doing
some fairly aggressive posturing and head butting. The
sharp “crack” sound as they crashed together was very
clear between the canyon sides.
Located one nice bull elk still with his harem not far
above the sheep on the Gardiner River. Also watched a
pair of mature bald eagles perched on a snag along the
Madison River. Bison and elk were also along the Madison
River. It was a very enjoyable few hours in
“Wonderland”.
10/12-16/07: I spent the last five days in the field with
another outfitter, assisting him with a tour. We stayed
2 nights at Signal Mountain Lodge in the Tetons and 2
nights at Old Faithful. Spent some time at the Ox-Bow
section of the Snake River while in the Tetons and were
able to locate and enjoy beaver, muskrat, and also a
family of River Otters.
The elk were moving onto the refuge on the north side of
Jackson. I counted one herd of 58 bull elk together.
Quite a sight.
Enjoyed the time at Old Faithful area and the adjoining
basins. The group were treated to a lot of great geyser
activity. They were able to see Grand Geyser, Riverside,
Castle, Grotto, Grottos Fountain, and of course the
signature geyser of the area, Old Faithful.
 9-30-07: Took a return client into Yellowstone today. We
spent a lot of time watching and my client photographing
the elk at Mammoth. They were bugling and working hard
to keep their harems of cows together. The sound of a
bugling bull elk early on a fall morning is a great
experience and always remembered.
A black bear was gathering quite a crowd close to Tower
and she was fun to watch.
Found another one later in the day just above Tower
Junction.
Also a nice herd of bison right at Tower Junction and
created a minor traffic jam as they decided to travel
the old stage road.
We later traveled to the Narrows by Tower Junction and
the big horn sheep were right close to the road area so
again another great photo opportunity.
Spotted a grizzly on Mount Washburn and found several
mountain goats on Upper Barronette Peak.
Another great day in Yellowstone Park
9-29-07:
Carol and I had some free time so we decided to take a
quick trip into the Tower/Lamar Valley area.
The short time we were in our decision was well
rewarded.
There was a black bear sow with a cub in great viewing
distance right at Elk Creek. It was a nice way to start
the morning.
Photographed a cow and calf moose at Round Prairie and
were able to find 3 mountain goats on Lower Barronette
Peak.
9-11-07:
Lee spent the day with a couple from the United Kingdom
that had come to Yellowstone to celebrate their
anniversary and of course if possible get the chance to
see wolves and bears. They spent most of their day in
Lamar watching the Slough Creek pack and a grizzly sow
with triplets. Later they traveled to Barronette Peak
and were able to see mountain goats. We were very
honored to be a part of their time in the United States
and be able to help them realize their dream of wolves
and bears in the wild.
9-9-07: Had some free time from the Popular
Photography touring so made a side trip on my own to
Hayden Valley just to look around. Just past Grizzly
Overlook was treated to getting to watch the Alpha Male
of the Hayden wolf pack cross the road just yards away
carrying meat, most probably back to the pups. After
crossing the road he went to the Yellowstone River, swam
across, stopped and watched all those watching him, and
then trotted off into the sagebrush.
9-8-07: Spent a few days over in West Yellowstone
assisting with the guiding of the Popular Photography
mentor series, which is based out of New York. It is
very exciting to get to spend time with those that are
so accomplished in the field of photography and be a
part of such an exciting program. This is my third year
with them.
 9-7-07:
Met with a group at Mammoth who hoped to the Yellowstone
wolves. The day was awesome as we traveled to the Mount
Washburn area and watched several of the Agate pack.
They were treated to howling as well as witnessing the
socializing when the Alpha male came to the area. The
pack then started to bed down so we left and went to the
Lamar Valley and watched a grizzly across from the
institute foraging. We later traveled to Barronette Peak
and were able to find 6 mountain goats on the peak high
above our vantage point. This group had never before
seen wolves, grizzlies, or mountain goats in the wild so
it was a very memorable day and it was great to be a
part of their time in Yellowstone.
9-5-07: Lee had a banner day in the field with
his group. They spent time enjoying the play of 5 of the
Slough Creek pups and then watched a grizzly across from
the Institute. Later in the day the big horn sheep were
at the Narrows on the Yellowstone. They also were
treated to a sighting of a cow moose on the south side
of Dunraven Pass. The elk have started coming into
Mammoth.
8-31-07: Took a couple from North Carolina into
the park before daylight this morning. They were hoping
to get the chance to see Yellowstone wolves in the wild.
We were a Lamar Valley before daylight and wound up
climbing Cardiac Hill to increase our chances of
catching the wolves across the Lamar River on Jasper
Bench. The climb was well rewarded. We watched 17 of the
Slough Creek pack for over 2 hours. We saw all 13 pups.
From our vantage we were able to observe the social
behavior which included the adults feeding the pups by
regurgitation. Traveled up to Barronette Peak and
located 6 mountain goats on the high slopes.
Another great day in Wonderland.
 08-23-07:
Lee and I were both in the field today with 2 different
groups enjoying their Yellowstone family vacations. Our
time was spent in the Lamar Valley and Dunraven Pass
area. We watched the Agate’s, one of the packs of
Yellowstone wolves. Big horn sheep have moved back to
the Narrows on the Yellowstone and are always fun to
watch. The very respectable bull moose that has been in
the lower end of Antelope Creek showed himself again
today and provided some very gracious wildlife nature
photography opportunities. The buffalo in Lamar Valley
area were close and it was great viewing. Had time to
take my group on a short day hike in the area and
checked out some of the buffalo wallow sites, after the
buffalo had left the area. Another great day in
Yellowstone National Park.
8-22-07: Our guide Lee took a family of 5 out
today as they were in hopes of having the chance to see
Yellowstone wolves, do a little bear watching if
possible, and if lucky see grizzly bears. What a day
they had with all their wishes answered. They watched 8
of the Slough Creek wolf pack in Lamar Valley, then went
to the high country on Mount Washburn and saw 4 of the
Agate wolf pack. From there they went to Dunraven Pass
and got to see their grizzly bear, not one but 3, and
for good measure 2 black bears as well.
 8-20-07:
Out with a family on a Yellowstone tour, the main focus
was viewing Yellowstone wolves and grizzly bears. What
luck we had. In Lamar Valley we watched all 22 of the
Slough Creek wolf pack as they traveled single file
across Jasper Bench. The pups are very playful and fun
to watch as they wrestle, play tag, and tug of war with
a stick. Like all kids, they love to play. We then went
up onto Dunraven Pass and got to see the very rare site
of a grizzly sow with 4 cubs. What a treat that was. It
will be hard to beat this day.
8-19-07: In the park early again today with a
couple to do a tour of the upper area of Yellowstone.
Near Dunraven Pass we were treated to having the
opportunity to view a black bear with her cub of the
year. She was working the white bark pine tree areas in
search of cones. The cones offer a lot of protein and
calories and help them put on extra weight for the
winter hibernation. After spending time with the bears
we left and continued on to the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone. The words awe inspiring do not do justice
to the beauty of the canyon as we watched the water of
the Yellowstone River tumble over the lower falls,
dropping 308 feet to the canyon floor, there resuming
its journey to the Missouri River. After leaving the
canyon we journeyed out into Hayden Valley and the
buffalo as if on cue were everywhere. It is their mating
 season
and many of the buffalo of Yellowstone come to this area
during the first three weeks of August. They were close
to the road and the photo opportunities were great with
a background of rolling sagebrush hills and the
Yellowstone River snaking its way along the valley
floor.
8-18-07: Spent the day on a sightseeing tour as part
of their trip to Yellowstone.
The better part of the day was spent in the lower basin
area and we were treated to some above average geyser
gazing. Old Faithful put on its usual great show but we
also were very fortunate and got to witness a dynamic
display by Great Fountain Geyser. Cliff geyser was much
enjoyed also as we watched the cycle of the eruption and
witnessed the draining of the pool as you would watch a
bath tub drain. The hot springs in the area were a
beautiful touch as always, including the special beauty
of Emerald Pool in Black Sand basin. As always the
colored bubbling mud at the fountain paint pots was a
joy to see. Yes, it was a great day in the thermal area.
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I
was so impressed with Rick's knowledge of the Park and his skill in
knowing the behavior of animals... Now, my wife and I along with our
three children had toured the Park many times over the years, but we
always did it the same way: kids and baggage loaded in the car, a
drive through east to west or north to south and a lot of "point and
shoot" photography. Not that there is anything wrong with that
approach; except one misses some of the vast beauty and very unique
character of Yellowstone National Park... You will have a great
experience arranging a tour with Yellowstone Yearround Adventures.
If you have children or grandchildren with you, they will be
enriched by the knowledge and skill of Rick Keats and his tour
guiding. And, all of you
participating will clearly see more, learn more, and have a very
positive experience letting someone else do the driving, help with
supervision around the wild animals, and prepare your picnic lunch.