Trip Report

Great trip! Great group of travelers! Even though the weather conditions at Yellowstone & Jackson Hole were less than desirable, everyone remained cheerful, positive and adapted to changes with grace. Rain, air & water temperatures in low 40’s made it just too cold for the float trip. Instead we went to the National Wildlife Art Museum, where we saw fantastic life size wildlife sculptures and beautiful art work. We enjoyed sunny, smoke free days as we traveled across Oregon and Idaho both ways, enjoying the vast variety of landscapes and beauty. Staying a night in Boise, each way, gave us time to enjoy some stops prior to and after Yellowstone & Jackson. First of which was Craters of the Moon National Monument, a vast eerie land of lava formations, interesting plants and silver remnants of old trees. A couple short hikes there gave us an up close look. Arriving in Yellowstone after dark on a rainy night made locating our cabins in Canyon Village a challenge. But, once situated everyone agreed the warm and snug little cabins were a pleasant surprise. The NPS has removed many aging cabins and are building five multi-storied lodges to replace them; three were ready for use this year. It was interesting to learn both the cabins and lodges are prefabricated, trucked in and assembled on site. Our step on guide, Chris, joined us at Canyon Village, sharing his love for and knowledge of the park and its history as we traveled around. He led several short hikes to some of the most fascinating features of the park. We were fortunate to see many bison and elk at very close range; two bears, one small one that ran across the road right in front of the bus; a very impressive bull moose; trumpeter swans on the Yellowstone River; many antelope as we traveled across Oregon and Idaho; as well as a variety of other birds and animals. We were lucky to see Old Faithful erupt, not once but twice within a 55 minute time frame – a very rare occurrence. At Mammoth Hot Springs we enjoyed a visit with an old friend, Ranger Bob, who was our guide at Death Valley last year. Then it was on to Jackson. Our outdoor lunch in Moose Village at Dornan’s, was enjoyed even though the clouds kept the Teton Mountain peaks obscured much of the time. The gondola ride up Rendezvous Mountain was mostly in the clouds, there was about five inches of snow at the upper landing so only a few hardy travelers climbed to the very top. We enjoyed hot coffee, hot chocolate and “top of the mountains” waffles in Corbet’s Cabin, then suddenly we were joined by a large group of kindergartners and their chaperones. The kids were so cute all dressed in snowsuits, they were so excited about the snow. Those of us who shared the gondola with them on way down the mountain had fun listening to them squeal as we swung a little at each tower. The rain let up so folks could enjoy a free afternoon in Jackson, but started up again as we made our way out to the Bar T-5 chuck wagon dinner and show. Covered wagons, heaters and blankets helped keep us warm as we enjoyed a cowboy dinner and entertainment. As we departed Jackson on day six the weather cleared so we got a good view of some snow covered mountains and were able to enjoy the ride over beautiful Teton Pass. Stopping at the Idaho Potato Museum, we learned a lot about the history of growing potatoes; saw a very good display of equipment used in the process – including a huge display of potato mashers. An unplanned stop at Oard’s service station; native American & early American museum; gift shop with snacks was a delightful surprise – a must stop on Hwy. 20 at Buchanan.