Surrounded

Cody, WY

Hello,

This morning when we were driving along the recommended route to see buffalo, Leroy said, “I guess we are not going to see any.”

Three miles later we were surrounded by buffalo of several sizes. They were so close that we could hear them tear off the grass and flap their tails against their backs. It was a picture taking dream even though I was afraid, at times, to roll down my window in case one of them might stick their head inside. Two of the bulls on my side of the car had a bit of a standoff that included some head butting. I was happy when they stopped that as I was not sure if our car could withstand battling buffalo. After the beasts moved off the road in front of us we went on to the next sight.

We checked at the information center to learn that it should be okay in Yellowstone with only intermittent icy patches on the road at the higher altitudes. Snow tires or chains are recommended(the sign said required), but we did not have those and the guy figured that is still fine today. When the road gets that bad they will close it.

It is an incredibly beautiful drive from the Tetons to Yellowstone. We got gas before we left Jackson. It was a good thing because all such services were closed. Leroy was able to get a sandwich at the Old Faithful center. We do carry some food in the car so it was not too bad. I was able to dash into the restroom before disaster struck. We scurried around the center to see a number of people sitting on the benches and after a wait of ten minutes we were rewarded with that faithful spout.

The weather was beautiful. We made many stops to take pictures and just drink in the sights. Leroy did not sleep the entire day and he even drove all morning until 2:00 pm when we got to Old Faithful. Can you imagine?

I drove out of the park. It was the most exciting drive as there was indeed some ice on the road. I also drove the highest point over 8,000 feet. At the top we were surrounded by snow on all sides. The road was 98% clear. The really breathtaking trek was down the steep hill and we were in the outside lane. Most of the time there was no one on the road with us so I hugged the center line with low gears engaged.

“What is that brown thing close to the road?” I wondered as we were going around Lake Yellowstone.

It turned out to be a buffalo along with a couple pals. Just then Leroy noticed another toilet. Since it had been another long time and who knows when the next would appear, we stopped even with the closer proximity of the buffalo. They were not looking at us so we just raced in and raced back out again. All was good.

The drive from Yellowstone to Cody is full of ooh and aah moments. At this level the aspens still had their leaves. The contrast of their yellow with the pines is lovely. At one point one slender tree was spotlighted in her golden glory amid the dark green of her neighbors.

What a perfect day! We are blessed.

Paula