Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Home, home on the range......






I couldn't believe all of the wildlife we saw while in Yellowstone National park. The buffalo were my personal favorite, possibly because it brought back memories of making my clay buffalo replica in 6th grade for my infamous North Dakota state report. Thinking back, my teacher must have really had it out for me! She gave me one of the most boring states in the union....I must have been shy, because I would think I would have begged for something more exciting to report on. Like....hmmm.....Hawaii for starters!

I love Yellowstone!



I loved the castle geyser. It was so fantastic to watch!



This waterfall is so picturesque. It literally took my breath away! (Well that and my fear of heights!)^^


Steven and I had the chance to go camping for a few days before school started. We were able to see many colorful mineral pools, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. If you have never had the chance to make the trip it is definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the west.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Bear tracks!



Here is a rather large bear track we found on the banks of the Colorado River; and no..the size has not been photo-shopped!



The Colorado River is such a gorgeous river!



The forests here reminded me of my Northwestern roots, I loved all of the lush green.

Steven wanted to go fishing in the Colorado river when we were at his cabin. So we headed to a remote part of the river with a few select spots. Then we noticed a very fresh bear track! I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but we decided that it was a rather large bear! We decided to think nothing of it. Steven continued up the river a little ways, and I continued photographing the beautiful landscape. Then a few minutes later I heard a low breathy growl, I honestly thought the bear was right next to me...I looked quickly over my shoulder and couldn't see the bear. It continued to growl loudly. I started motioning to Steven, who thought by my gestures that the bear was about to attack. Suffice to say we made it safely out of the river bed without becoming Yogi's afternoon snack! Phew!!! My advice to the reading public.....if you find a rather large bear track that is not cracked or dried, you have a good chance of receiving a visit from said owner of said bear track!

PS. I don't advise that you run as if you are in the Olympic hurdles! ( I wish I could have clocked myself on an accurate stopwatch!) Apparently bears think chasing quickly moving smaller objects parr for the course so to speak....^^