To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul ~ Andri Cauldwell
The simplicity of black and white is the complexity of the extraordinary ~ Vikrmn
The beauty of the world in black and white is a whisper to the heart and a call to the soul ~ Anonymous
With black and white, what you get is a timeless capture that doesn’t lean on colors but the pure essence of the subject ~ Anonymous
Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~ John Muir
Yellowstone is spectacular, especially the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and seeing the bison and geysers were incredible. I only covered part of the Park and will definitely return to explore the northern area.
If you plan a trip to Yellowstone, definitely get a tour book and also use the National Park information online and decide which areas you want to explore. Â I chose to stay in West Yellowstone (and use the west entrance) as it is next to the Park, has many hotels and restaurants plus the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT ~ May 2023 ~Â Photos
By going in May, I avoided the summer crowds however, some parts of the Park were still closed and at the higher altitudes, there was snow on the ground. Also, even in May, there were traffic backups, sometimes caused by drivers stopping to see the bison while other times, a mystery.
Favorite Restaurants ~ West Yellowstone
Would I go back to Yellowstone? Most definitely … it is a treasure and should be on everyone’s travel list!
Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined
This not for profit wildlife park is marvelously informative about bears and wolves. There are exhibits to browse prior to walking through the wolf and bear habitats. I was lucky to be there when the animals are fed: staff hide the food and the animals hunt about for their meal (as do the birds!). Staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
At one of the buildings in the wolf habitat area, there is a statue of a wolf. Several times, I saw a wolf come to the glass enclosure and stare at the statue. I found that fascinating and wondered what he was thinking or sensing. Another enclosure is open with the wolves at more of a distance.
The Center is a marvelous place, as within Yellowstone, I saw bison, but did not see wolves or bears. I purposely stayed in West Yellowstone to use the west entrance to the Park because a town is convenient to that entrance plus I’d read about the Discovery Center. You can easily spend several hours at the Center and it is definitely worthwhile to explore.
Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined
I’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone National Park and finally got there. It is spectacular and I understand why people make more than one visit and/or stay for longer than a few days. I planned to travel prior to Memorial Weekend and waited until the snow season was over (though there was snow on the ground in the higher elevations).
My route from western Washington started with the I-90, stopping in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I had time to visit a favorite book store (“The Well Read Moose”) before heading to Butte, Montana to break up the drive. Leaving Butte, I went over Homestake Pass (6,329 feet, the Continental Divide) and then local Montana highways to West Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park has 5 entrances. I chose the West Entrance as the town is very close to the park. My favorite part was the Canyon area. And I mentally made a note to return to see more of the northern part of the park. Should you travel to this area, definitely check online or guide books for valuable information.
West Yellowstone has a fabulous Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. And while I saw magnificent bison in the park, I am glad I visited the Discovery Center to see the wolves and bears.
Leaving the park, I traveled via the South Exit, noting that the restaurant at Grant Village was closed but would open Memorial Weekend. The South Exit took me to the gorgeous Grand Teton National Park. It was an easy drive to Jackson, then over the Teton Pass (connecting Wyoming and Idaho, 8,432 feet; very steep, 10% grade but very beautiful) towards Idaho Falls.
I stopped in Idaho Falls to break up my trip as I headed to Boise. The falls and the Japanese garden are quite stunning and there is a nice green belt to walk along.
It was terrific revisiting Boise as I love the Rose Garden, Green Belt and the downtown area.
My last stop was Hood River, on the Columbia. Beautiful, windy area.
Below are some favorite photos. I will have additional posts with information about the areas, including favorite restaurants, and more photos.
Would I go back to Yellowstone? Most definitely … it is a treasure and should be on everyone’s travel list!
Savor your journeys, near or far, real or imagined
Journeys with Eileen Diane 