Yellowstone Snow

0640 28° F – Snow

This was the view from bed as we woke to a quiet blanket of snow.

About four inches coated everything in Bridge Bay. We felt bad for folks in pup tents.

After a breakfast of hot oatmeal, we walked to the Marina Store. Asking about anti-freeze, a kind campground employee said she would give us a gallon of anti-freeze after work tonight if we couldn't find any. The employees and volunteers here have all be very kind and helpful.

We learned that snow can happen any month of the year in Yellowstone.

The roads weren't bad at all, so we drove along the lakeshore. Fog and thermal vents gave the impression that the area was on fire.

Pines along the river looked like a holiday postcard.

I was happy that Beth packed my old Eastern Mountain Sports down jacket from high school days. Between that and my new hat from Colorado, I was very comfortable.

By 10:30 it was above freezing at 39° F. We drove to the gas station at Fishing Bridge where we found RV anti-freeze and filled our propane. Rangers there said only the north entrance to the park is open, but the internal roads are fine.

Stopped a few times along the way to enjoy the quiet beauty of the snow. Flying just above the treetops, this great blue heron was headed toward the lake.

A ranger advised going down the closed road along the lake where he had seen a grizzly bear. We didn't spot any bears, but two coyotes were leaping in the snow. Not sure if they were pouncing on small prey or just having fun.

We didn't get too close, but the 500mm lens let us clearly identify them as coyotes.

With the entrance closure, there was very little vehicular traffic on the road. We did yield to bison crossing as their mass is greater than that of many cars.

Just after noon we found more bison and opted to pull over and make lunch in the van.

Bison shoulders are well insulated. This cow didn't seem bothered by the snow at all.

These huge animals are fun to watch from a distance.

Signage warns people not to get too close. Sadly, we read several reports of people crowding them and getting injured.

Finished with lunch, we waited for the road to clear before heading out.

Many of the structures in the park have exhibits. I love the timber beams and antler chandeliers near the store at Fishing Bay.

After stocking up at the store, we walked the Mud Volcano Trail. Here's the sign describing the area.

Half-way around the loop we reversed course to avoid bison who had decided the warm trail was a good place to graze.

Greens and browns repelled the white of snow as hot water from thermal vents gurgled down towards the river.

No snow encroached on the bubbling "Black Dragon's Caldron" where steam and hot water mixed with mud. All of the active features along the trail had interesting names, but this was the most fitting.

Our modern van contrasted with the traditional yellow "Jammer" used for park tours. These old vehicles earned that knick name from the sound of the manual gear shifts that drivers "jammed" in as they navigated the hills of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

We emptied the holding tanks & filled our fresh water before heading back into Bridge Bay Campground.

Our timing was good. We arrived back at our site just as hail started falling. Ready for a warm dinner, we exercised the generator while cooking nachos in the convection microwave.

Reflecting on the day, the snow made it much more memorable, kept lots of vehicles off the road, and probably made it easier to find the animals. Reviewing the forecast, we were fortunate to get any good outdoor time today. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Today's Travels