And there we have it BEARS.......

Well just as Steven and I thought we would never see a bear, it seems today was the day. Although we had seen some bears in the far distance (so far they were just brown spots), we had all but given up on any "close" encounters. As we were making our way out of Yellowstone on the West side in the early morning....it seems all the wildlife were out. River otters, bears, wolves, bison, etc.... We came up on a long line of cars and then noticed a momma grizzly with her cubs right off the road. It was the perfect way to end the trip. Here is momma and her cubs. Next couple of days Steven and I are going to relax and spend time at the cabin before heading home.

Old Faithful

Steven and I actually took some time and slept in a little today. We were staying at the Mammoth Hot Springs Inn, and must I say it was noisy. However, Steven could not get over the shower...he loved it. With that being said, we were on our way around 083o this morning to have breakfast at the Grill. We drove to the Madison and Old Faithful areas of the park arriving just in time to see Old Faithful erupt. Some of the best pools and geysers are in the Old Faithful area (also known as the ring of fire). Remember when we were in Ireland and I blogged about Steven's aunt telling me he was high maintenance.....well he really isn't, he just likes his shoes to match what he is wearing.....today...HIKING all around Yellowstone....he wore black suede shoes just so they would match what he was wearing. I have laughed all day....but I must say Mr. Steven made it throughout the day without ONE bit of dust on his shoes. Now that is working some shoes. As for me, I came up with the bright idea to buy running shoes and bring them on the trip.....I now have two very large blisters on each of feet and a sunburn to boot. See....he is the smarter of the two. Anyway....it was a great day and we have really enjoyed this time just relaxing and seeing the wonders of nature. OH one more story, Steven rescued a lady in distress. We happen to be at a restroom near the Morning Glory Pool and a lady was in real need of a biological break. She walked in and immediately walked out after discovering there was no tissue paper. Steven is always ready for any emergency...he dug in his bag and handed her the needed supplies. Of course the lady was in love with him at this point.

Snow, Yellowstone, and Bison Oh My!

Well how shall we start tonight's blog. Steven and I got up early this morning and made our way to Yellowstone. Prior to leaving the house we packed all things needed for a few nites stay in Yellowstone. We departed the house at 0730. Why do I feel the need to tell this.....THIS is the perfect time for SNOW on Beartooth Highway (some elevations of Beartooth are 10k feet above sea level). The road winds and turns up the mountain and down the other side. The snow started as we got half way up the mountain and by that time we could not turn back. We kept trying to pull off, but was afraid that we would get caught on the mountain if the storm did not stop. Please see picture attached to this blog to note what Steven and I encountered as we got to the top of Beartooth. West Point is the highest peak. There were near white out conditions as we got to the top and the road was covered......Aunt B and Steven's mom warned us about possiblity of snow. WE GOT IT. After spending an hour trying to get up the mountain and to the other side where the snow was not as bad....the trip got a LOT better. We entered Yellowstone and spent the day at Mammoth Springs and Norris Geyser Basin. Please see picture of the day for one of the photo's of some trees on the Main Terrace at Mammoth. We finished out the day having dinner and ice cream at the cafe in Mammoth Springs. Wildlife - Bison and elk. I am in the search for BEARS. Yes, Yes, and Yes Momma Bonnie and Aunt B we have pepper spray. Steven has advise me that any bear watching will be in the confines of a car....I am trying to find a way around this....but he has put his foot down....

Big Horn Canyon

Today was a great day. Steven and I travelled around Montana to Big Horn Canyon (see blog picture), the Medicine Wheel in Big Horn National Forest, and on to Yellowtail Dam. We were able to see more animals...including the Big Horn Sheep (see picture of the day). Well to round out the trip, Steven turned on the GPS to make the three hour trip back home. We ended up on a gravel road and all of the sudden signs started popping up saying "road for tribe members only." Well....come to find out, the GPS had taken us down an unmarked road into the Crow Reservation. Obviously on a road on which we were not allowed. After turning around, we did drive through the reservation. Absolutely beautiful.

Beartooth Highway

Steven and I stopped at one of the lookover spots for Beartooth and all of the sudden all these chipmunks started running up to us. Come to find out they are use to being fed by the tourist. They kept following us....at one point one even followed us to the car. So needless to say we had to find a way to get peanuts during the trip and come back 3 hours later to feed them. Once again...they came running up and one even got on my arm demanding food. Here we are feeding the little critters. HIGHLIGHT of the day.

Day in Montana

So today was great we drove the Beartooth Highway. The Beartooths are home to the largest contiguous land area in the U.S. of over 10,000 feet. So in short....I was scarred driving the highway but we made it just fine. We ended the night having dinner at a steakhouse in which you walk to the back of the steakhouse and out the door....and yes there you have it...THE PIG RACES. Steven had me rolling on the ground. He was hollering for the pigs and in true fashion always picked the underpig and cheered him/her one. On the next couple of post, I will include the pictures from the day.

Montana - Here we are

Well as you can imagine the trip to Montana has started out much like all of our other trips. I stayed out of Steven's way and he packed. Sum luggage two bags, two shoulder bags, and one computer bag. Total weight of bag being checked....49lbs. When we checked into Delta, they laughed and told us that we could not have even accomplished 49lbs if we tried again. Fortunate thing for all you travelers......if you have a Delta Skymiles American Express Gold or Platinum card...NO baggage fees for your first checked bag. This is a new benefit that we learned about. PRICELESS. On the flight from St. Paul to Billings I watched Alice in Wonderland and Steven conducted social camp with the lady sitting next to us. They talked the entire way to Billings. I loved watching him on the flight talk and laugh. He won my heart again.

Okay...so we are going to do better about posting our trips and fun things on this blog. Look for our next trip to Montana coming at the end of August.