Getting a Good Start

Stop #1: Yellowstone

Our first days of our Alaska trip were great. We spent the first night at Caty's so we could get an early start to drive to Yellowstone the next day. 

 

Our home for the next seven weeks

We had a sunny, windy, but somewhat uneventful drive through Wyoming. Many Pronghorn sightings, a great burger in Thermopolis and, then, 10 miles into “watch for Elk for the next 13 miles” just after I said we were running out of time to see Elk, we saw one.

We drove into Yellowstone via a route we’ve never taken – the Chief Joseph scenic highway. Wow! Absolutely beautiful.

Chief Joseph

It is one of the most beautiful drives we’ve ever been one. A dramatic valley, startlingly green, with a fabulous view of Granite Peak – which looks a bit like the Matterhorn. 

Granite Peak

We stayed in Cooke City, Mont., the first night. It’s just outside the northeast entrance to Yellowstone.

Coming into Yellowstone from the northeast

This entrance takes you through the vast Lamar Valley  ...

Lamar Valler

... which is known for its huge Bison herd ...

American Bison

Then, less than 10 minutes into Yellowstone, we saw a cinnamon Black Bear. It was right next to the highway foraging and not paying much attention to the crowd. 

First Bear of the trip

We also saw Bison, Pronghorn, a Coyote (in the same field we had seen the Bear in), Hawks, Turkeys and (a bit earlier) a Fox.

On the road, just like us

We topped it off with a lovely trout dinner at the Log Cabin Cafe in Silver Gate just outside the Northeast entrance. A great start to our great adventure.

On our way

Trip date: June 3-July 20, 2013