For May 30 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Entering from the south we got a firsthand view of the devastation caused by the 1988 forest fires. There are now many young lodgepole pines crowding the countryside. Noticed slush on the road. Enjoyed an intoductory video at the Grant visitor's center and then made it to Old Faithful in time for a sunny and blue-skyed backgound for the eruption. Enjoyed exploring some of the side roads and, of course, we were always on the lookout for new license plates. In addition to sighting 'Yukon' we came upon a very close-up view of several buffalo and their calves grazing. Later it got even closer as all the traffic on the road had stopped for a line of about about 6 buffalo slowly walking up the middle of the road. One took a particular interest in the front of our car, but luckily decided to meander on before inflicting any damage. We saw no bears, but many herds of buffalo. Also saw a number of elk. Enjoyed a picnic lunch and then drove north and east so we could view the upper and lower Yellowstone falls. found the 'Artists viewpoint' an especially pretty site. Continued down to Yellowstone Lake and found the ice just starting to break up. With the late afternoon sun and the snow covered mountains in the background it was very memorable. (You notice we were focusing on the area that wasn't covered on the family trip of years ago.

Stayed at the Canyon Village. Even though it was the first day they were open, there were none of the least expensive rooms left - learned people can start on May 1 making reservations for the following year! There was still snow around the cabin and a plow was still clearing the parking lot. Again no Internet.