Tautphaus Park Zoo, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Today, we visited the Tautphaus Zoo in Idaho Falls. They have the largest collection of animals in Idaho with over 400.

It seems wherever we are there is always some animal to greet us. This one, however, you don't want to get too close to even if she is smiling.

These giants you can't miss.

This one was a little shy for pictures.

Most people don't know that pink flamingos are pink because they eat carotene - containing brine shrimp.

The zoo has 14 species that are endangered and part of National Species Survival Plans.

These guys were inside fighting over the sun coming from the skylight.

We made a new friend when this little guy came over to the glass to see what was going on.

This cat is just a little too big for our rv.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Late Spring in Yellowstone & Beartooth Highway

A late spring visit to Yellowstone will yield many animal and other sightings.

You may see a herd of buffalo, also known as bison, grazing on the distant prairie.

You may see badgers burrowing in the remaining snow...though probably not. They are here according to the Park Service, but rarely seen by visitors.

You may see homosapiens attempting to look normal for the camera. Tip...wear sunglasses and no one will know your eyes are closed.

You may see a lot of clouds in the sky.

You may see construction workers toiling during their apparent break. Luckily, they finished removing the snow in time for our visit.

If you are lucky, you will see a mother bear and her two cubs.

You may see some pronghorn butting heads.

You may see a new young bison attempting to take its first drink.

You make go down a road and see this amazing view.

Heading over Dunraven Pass toward Lamar Valley, you may see snow in places that will later be beautiful waterfalls.

Heading through Lamar Valley towards the northeast entrance to the park, you may see deer lurking at the roadside.

You may see animals in groups or alone. You may wonder why the lone animals are alone.

After exiting the park near Cooke City, Montana you may continue east to see the magnificent views from the Beartooth Highway.

This road is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming (10,947 feet), Montana (10,350 feet) and the Northern Rockies.

The Top of the World Store sits at 9,400 foot near the middle of the 69 mile Beartooth Highway.

If you keep an eye out, you may see some beautiful rushing streams and waterfalls along your drive.

If you are lucky, you will not see the beautiful rushing water when you really have to go to the bathroom.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

A Little Hail in West Yellowstone

Today we got one of several hail storms which hit the area. Luckily, we did not have any damage.

A few of these hail storms came at night and covered the ground with several inches that you could still see the next morning.

Chatfield thought it might be safer up here just in case it got much deeper.

For more pictures around West Yellowstone, click here .

To be continued...

Yellowstone National Park

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park in May are here to view the animals of Yellowstone.

Animals are seen in virtually every open field and on most hillsides.

The bald eagle can be seen all summer long.

In May, bison and elk alike can easily be seen from the road in the safety of your car.

The animals primary activity is eating.

As summer progresses, the animals will venture farther from human territory as the snows of winter melt up in the mountains, making food more easily accessible there.

More eating.

If they aren't eating, they are likely to be staring at you wondering what the heck you are.

And sometimes you will find them sitting down and resting...both old and young alike.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Buffalo Wy. to West Yellowstone Mt.

What a difference a day can make. The winds had stopped and the sun was out. Ahead is where we had to stop on the highway the day before. You could see the road today.

It's hard not to snap a few pictures on the way. Look at the lake in the distance.

You know you are getting closer to West Yellowstone when you are greeted by bison.

We made it to West Yellowstone and set up camp next to co-workers who also came back this year.

Nice view from our front window.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...