Another day of training that kept me so focused I could hardly think about what I wanted to do with my free time. In other words, I had so much extra time during training that I read "Yellowstone Day Hikes" to determine how I would forget the boredom that was overtaking me at the time.
Today turned out to be a good day for photos. Elk were plentiful this morning on the walk to breakfast and hung around much of the day. They were around quite a bit again this evening after dinner. Darren, Charissa and I decided to go for an early dinner to leave some time open for hiking. We just returned. We hiked the Lava Creek Trail which was close to the Gardiner River.
The trail was relatively flat most of the way. According the park ranger at the Ranger Station across the street, it was an out-and-back hike which totaled 7 miles. We didn't get all the way to the end, but we probably hiked a good 5.5-6 miles in my estimation. There was a nice little backcountry campsite right next to the river about 2.5-3 miles in that is tempting to go back to. It has nice tree covering and such as well as flat surfaces for the tent.
Enough of the rambling, how about some photos.
Today turned out to be a good day for photos. Elk were plentiful this morning on the walk to breakfast and hung around much of the day. They were around quite a bit again this evening after dinner. Darren, Charissa and I decided to go for an early dinner to leave some time open for hiking. We just returned. We hiked the Lava Creek Trail which was close to the Gardiner River.
The trail was relatively flat most of the way. According the park ranger at the Ranger Station across the street, it was an out-and-back hike which totaled 7 miles. We didn't get all the way to the end, but we probably hiked a good 5.5-6 miles in my estimation. There was a nice little backcountry campsite right next to the river about 2.5-3 miles in that is tempting to go back to. It has nice tree covering and such as well as flat surfaces for the tent.
Enough of the rambling, how about some photos.
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This is as soon as you step out of our building..JPG)
Lava Creek Trail.JPG)
Hey there, little deer. 
Hi, Mark!
ReplyDeleteWow! How beautiful! I'm so happy you are there and getting a chance to see all the wonder. Here when we walk out, we see, what?, oh, a mosquito, an occassional raccoon or 'possum. Those are the big days! Thanks for the pictures. Good nature photographer, you!
Love to ya,
G-Ma
Hey Mark Andrew,
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! I know you are having a great time. What a beautiful place to be! Love you, Mom