Yellowstone, part 5
Note...don't forget to read Yellowstone parts 1-4.
Cold last night, 40 in tent, 26 outside at 8 am. I temporarily solved my cold winter sleeping bag malfunction by spreading the summer sleep bag over the lower half. That did the trick. I still need to investigate the problem. In the meantime Donner sleeps quite well and doesn't move the entire night, with his faux coat on and two blankets under and over him.
Speaking of sleeping well, these cold nights in a cozy tent bring on sone of the most vivid, weirdest dreams i ever experienced, with real actors from my life experiences playing strange roles.
The day turned out to be quite nice, after all. Probably 50 percent sun and no snow as forecast. Good fortune.
We wasted no time to get to the Lamar Valley and drove the its whole eight or so miles. This was the highlight of Yellowstone for me. What a sight to behold. I decided to stay longer than i expected and get into camp by 6, instead of 5. I could have sat and just stared st that valley for hours. I met a guy there who comes to Yellowstone just for that. We did not see any wolves here, but knowing that this wad their home was satisfying for me. We did see a small wolf on the way in, feeding on some dead animal, competing with the black birds.
On thecway through Lamar, we had to wait over 30 minutes for some bison to clear of of the road. It's their home, so we do what they want.
Donner also got more quality time with some bison, but still has not figured out what they are. We also ran into an elk herd in Norris, and he was just as bewildered.
We took the long route back to camp so we could complete the entire Grand Loop circuit. By the end of the day, we traveled 3309 miles so far, 676 in Yellowstone alone.
Back at camp at 6:02, two minutes behind target, the evening's chores were done by 7:15, feeding Donner first. His appetite on this trip can only be described as voracious.
After i got a big fire going, we were joined for several hours by our new neighbors, Lenty and Radim from the Czech Republic. I learned a new party trick from him.
Got to the sleeping back by 11. I fear the beer that i drank with my guests will get me up during the cold night.
Ed and Donner
