Do you think bears can smell umm, let’s say a breakfast burrito with picante sauce and a cup of joe on one’s breath? Just wondering? Guess I shouldn’t be paranoid about what “ifs” I did ask a librarian once about books on paranoia. She leaned towards me and whispered “They are right behind you!”

Today was the Old Geaser Day, I mean Old Geyser Day. what a show. Heather was so excited and amazed. The colors are amazing displays. She didn’t like the smells. I advised her not to breathe in the steam or try to as little as possible. Later in the day she was still smelling sulfur.

First stop was the Lower Geyser Valley. Lots of steam coming from everywhere. The rivers were steaming and we had frost on the windshield.

The Old Faithful Lodge and Old Faithful herself. She was scheduled (estimated) for 11:10 a.m. and she was right on time! Lots of steam covered our view but was spectacular to witness.

After the Geaser/Geyser show we had two scoops of ice cream. I’m your huckleberry was my choice and Heather had a scoop of mountain chocolate. Both were delicious and we shared. It was a truly memorable experience. Us two Texans in 50 degree weather, sitting in Adirondack chairs on the porch of the General Store, swatting mosquitoes 🦟 as we enjoyed the frozen treat. Awe good times…

There is so much to see in this massive landscape. We are still in search of a moose 🫎 on the loose! Our search was high altitude to prairie low, up a mountain then down a valley. Heather refused to look outwards on the highway mountain roads.

We exited the South Park (not the sitcom) and proceeded into The Grand Teton National Park. 🏞️ The park office and visitors center were closed for the season. Go figure, Heather wanted her National Park Stamp. We did locate the General Store and she got some park stickers instead.

We had lunch in our car overlooking a little stream still in search of the moose 🫎 on the loose! Me and my spam sandwich and Heather with her peanut butter and crackers. We shared some cookies and Cheetos. My back was hurting and it was a long two hours drive back to our hotel. Back into the Yellowstone and the Ranger at the South Gate was cheery and polite. He was the example of how to greet people. Thank you unnamed South Gate Ranger for restoring my faith in the people who run and protect our nations parks system.

Ohh did we spot not one but two moose’s on the loose’s? Nope but we were still excited to see two Montana Mountain Elks. It didn’t take long for traffic to jam up and the gawkers (including us) to descend upon these magnificent animals who were just enjoying themselves some dinner.

We stopped for dinner at a local restaurant called the Old Cafe and the food was delicious. With bellies full we stopped at the grocery store across the street before heading to our hotel. WOW what a great day. We have one more full day here in Yellowstone National Park. Here is a map of where we have traveled in the park the last three days.

Tomorrow is Haden Valley and our best chance for Grizzlies, and wolves. There are typically only 100 moose in and around Yellowstone. October is their mating season and are found along the streams and high grasslands. Maybe a moose 🫎 on the loose is in the cards.

“Wilderness is a necessity… They who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” -Rachel Carson

Today’s shout out is for our niece Alexis Jade McColl! Her brilliant smile 😀 and attitude to match her height reflects the fiery personality perhaps driven from her bright red hair. We miss and love you lots.