Jun 25 (Thu) Yellowstone – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Paul and Mary decided to get up extra early and go back to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for some photos in morning light.  On the way they saw a herd of elk. 

The drive took us along the Yellowstone River, where it was flat and placid.

They also stopped at the Hayden Valley overlook. 

There was another mob of people at the site.  Turns out most of the equipment on the tripods were telescopes and they were all looking for bear and wolves. 

On the drive to the canyon they saw more bison (of course).

The flowers are in bloom, a bonus for Mary who loves photographing flowers.

They stayed for a short while and then headed on up to the canyon.  The light really was excellent and they had the canyon pretty much to themselves.

Watch video in new large window.

The rest of the group was up and ready for breakfast just as Paul and Mary were returning.  The dining room at the hotel has walls of large windows overlooking the lake and it’s a pleasure sitting in the dining room enjoying the view.

Everyone then piled everyone into the car and headed to the South Rim of the Canyon.  The views, particularly of the falls, were spectacular. 

After the first stop we split up with Josh, Jessica and the grandkids opting to walk the length of the North Rim…only a couple of miles.  They did take a detour down a long series of steps to get better views.  In the meantime, Paul, Mary and Mom drove to the end and walked down to the view point.  It was a straight on view of the falls in one direction and the canyon walls in another. 

When we arrived back at the hotel there was a lone bison hanging out on the grounds very close to our entrance.  Only in Yellowstone.