Tuesday, April 27

Up to a hot breakfast of waffles, cereal and juice. Good start to the day in Buffalo, Wyo. We drove north west to Highway 14 West just North of Sheridan, Wyo. From there we drove over the mountains to Greybull, Wyo. About half way and on our descent from the summit, we spotted a Rocky Mountain coyote out on the snow fairly close to the highway. He seemed to ignore us, but watching him you knew he was aware of our presence. It appeared he was tracking a rodent that was under the snow and was more interested in a meal than in our possible threat. Watched him for several minutes. Hope we got some good photos. Will download them this evening. From Greybull to Cody was almost an arid desert. What a change. About 23 miles East of Cody, both Terri and I saw what appeared to be a moose down a deep draw next to the highway. It had a creek running and lots of willows. Sure enough a large moose was grazing in the willows. Shot several photos hoping we could get a picture of it. Will see. Decided not to stay in Cody but to head up to Cooke City, MT. and if we got there in time, visit the North road of Yellowstone. Turned on 296 the nez perc trail and sign said the road was closed. We decided to chance it since the Internet said the roads were open. Long 50 mile drive one way if closed when we got there. Saw a lot of deer and some elk herds. A marmoset was playing dead in the road and as we approached jumped up and ran off. Thought it was road kill. Got to Highway 212 to Cooke City and it said it was closed but there was no gate and was only 18 miles. As we traveled along more and more snow, but we kept going as there was no gate. When we got withing 6 miles of Cooke City, the road was only one and a half lane open, but we persevered and got to Cooke City. The Super 8 owners had just driven in ahead of us. Got our room and headed into Yellowstone. Immediately began seeing buffalo and antelope. Finally saw a herd of elk, then another and then another. When we went past Lamar lake, saw a number of cars, but couldn't see anything they might be looking at except some cranes nesting in the middle of the small lake. Boy were we wrong. Got to Mammoth Hot Springs and there was nothing open that served food, so decided to turn right around there and head back. Might get back by 8pm. Seeing elk everywhere now as well as buffalo and antelope. Bout ran over a ground squirrel and then a chipmunk. They need to learn how to cross the road. Cars still at the Lamar lake so we stopped and asked what they were seeing. A Black Bear across the water was eating a carcass. Looked like a burnt stump to us until we put our binoculars on it. Clearly saw the bear then. Took several photos hoping to get some good shots even though across the way about 200 feet away. Will see. So we had a great day of wild life viewing as well as being totally in awe of Gods magnificent creation.