Fall in Yellowstone National Park

We and Candice went into the park today to see some of the fall colors. This bison (or buffalo) was taking it easy in some of the grass that had changed colors.

This elk tried its best to blend in with its surroundings.

The grass around many of the geysers had already turned from green to yellow (or is that brown?).

The mud pots were still muddy.

Fall is here at Yellowstone National Park, but you have to enjoy it while it lasts.

We stopped by Upper Yellowstone Falls and captured these pictures.

Notice the steps on the other side. Who in their right minds would go down them?

Wildlife was all around us today. To see some of it, we had to keep a sharp eye out.

Well, we found our way to those steps in the prior picture. Uncle Tom's Trail has over 300 steps. Luckily, they removed the extra 200 steps and the rope ladders the trail originally had.

Looking down where the steps begin to the workout that awaits.

You want to hold onto the rails here and imagine that now you had to climb down some rope ladders too.

Down at the bottom, it was time for a snapshot and a brief rest.

We were standing on the platform to the right of the Falls when we snapped the first picture of the steps earlier.

The parking lot for the other side of the Falls is above this ridge.

A longer shot of the Falls.

The only problem going down Uncle Tom's Trail is that you eventually have to go back up Uncle Tom's Trail. Let the huffing and puffing begin!

Buffalo roam...

and wallow in the dirt.

One last look at the Buffalo.

In the distance, you can see the thermal water running into Yellowstone Lake.

I see you!!!

Human feet are bigger than elk feet.

This is the West Thumb Geyser Basin which sits next to Yellowstone Lake.

Time for a picture.

I guess humans use this trail so it must be okay to walk on.

I just want to get to the other side.

We have crossed the Continental Divide many times this summer.
It was getting late. Before heading home, we got these great pictures of Yellowstone in the evening.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Chief Joseph Scenic Highway & Cody, Wyoming

We decided we couldn't spend two summers exploring Yellowstone Park and not at least drive to Cody, Wyoming. So today, we headed that way.

As we drove through the park on our way, we got to see some of the colors of fall.

Someone was attempting to hide from us.

On our way to the northeast entrance, we passed through the Mammoth Hot Springs area and saw some lawn ornaments lounging around.

They were lounging around waiting for the male elks to determine who was head honcho.

Between Mammoth and the turn to Lamar Valley, we spotted a bear down below the road.

Going through Lamar Valley, we spotted a large herd of buffalo off in the distance.

Smoke filled the sky as Yellowstone's Antelope fire burned. It would subsequently grow to more than 3,000 acres by the following weekend. It had closed the Dunraven Pass portion of the Main Loop Road from Tower to Canyon.

Beartooth Scenic Highway and Chief Joseph Scenic Highway both gave more views of the colors of fall.

Look...it's a cow sitting by the side of the road.

When we stopped to take his picture, he decided to cross the street to stand with the other cows.

Chief Joseph has some beautiful views. Here are a few of them.

This pronghorn stopped just long enough for us to snap this shot.

Here is Cody, Wyoming. It's a nice little town with about 8,000 residents. We ate at a nice little place named Wendy's. She had red pigtails.

Next we travelled about 50 miles west on yet another scenic highway...the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. Highway byway, byway highway.

Marlon took this self-portrait while standing on his stilts.

Here are a few awesome views from the Byway!

We covered more than 300 miles today and, as always, ran out of daylight.

We call this one Buffalo at Night.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Tautphaus Park Zoo, Idaho Falls, ID End of Summer

Today we introduced Candice to the Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls. This was our second trip to the zoo using our annual membership which will allow us entrance to up to 100 zoos nationwide.

This is a Prevost's Squirrel, also known as an Asian Tri-Colored Squirrel, not to be confused with a Prevost Motorhome.

This little guy was enjoying the sunshine...

while this one watched from the other cage.

One of these things is doing its own thing...but it DOES belong...born August 16th, this "ugly duckling" will gradually turn pink from all the pink food it will eat. Cotton candy, pink lemonade, Franken Berry Cereal...

Do you know what this is? It is a Patagonian Cavy, also known as a Patagonian Hare. They are the 4th largest rodent behind the capybaras, beaver and porcupine. Because they can be very social with humans, the Patagonian Cavy can be a great pet.

Candice puts her coin in the wishing well, and properly keeps her wish to herself.

The King of the Jungle was posing for pictures today.

This mother serval recently gave birth to two babies. The babies were chasing each other while the mother lazed around. The serval has the longest legs of any cat relative to their body size.

The Tautphaus Park Zoo closes from October to March each year due to the harsh winter weather.

For more pictures, click here .

To be continued...

Washing and Waxing the RV

Today we did our monthly rv wash and semi-annual waxing. How long does it take to wash and wax the entire motorhome, roof and all? It took us about 7 hours this time. Today it was an ideal day in the 70's.

To be continued...