Our lunch spot toward Candy and Rick's house...beats McDonald's!
We left Candy and Rick’s place in Hamilton, MT at 7 AM. Rick had told us it would be about 4 hours to Yellowstone. Ha! We now know that there is Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern and Rick Time. It took us all day…but what a beautiful day it was. We first drove down the Bitterroot Valley, then up over the mountains via Lost Trail Pass and Chief Joseph Pass. Incredible views. As we descended on Highway 43 into the Big Hole, we drove into a complete fog bank. We stopped for breakfast at a café, and Rick and Candy told us the fog was preventing us from seeing the Big Hole’s beauty. But as we left the café, the fog began to lift and we saw some of this huge valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. The landscape was dotted with ranches, cattle and houses that were few- and- far- between. We traveled on to I-15, then joined I-90 in Butte. At Livingston, we turned south on highway 89 to the north west entrance to Yellowstone. Some construction slowed us a bit (adding to the Rick time), but we finally entered the park about 4. Then the fun of finding a spot began. At the entrance, several campsites were listed as open, but as we got to each one, the signs said “full”.
A fisherman on Lolo Pass river
Finally Candy had the bright idea of calling the reservation number, instead of driving to each camping area. Her cell phone also got coverage here, ours didn’t. :< We were told the only places still available were at Bridges Bay, so off we went. We did get 2 sites there, but what sites. The A,B,and C loops are all in a meadow, wall to wall campers, tents, what have yous. There was a very narrow road between campers, and we felt like we were sleeping on the road. But, beggars can’t be choosers, so we set up and ate a quick dinner. Harris and Rick went off in Rick’s van to get propane, and Candy and Judy sat talking inside Howie. As the sun went down, a buffalo wandered through the very crowded campsites. He was supremely unconcerned with all the people, eating grass and getting his photo snapped every few minutes. He came back again the next morning.
Eating ice cream after arriving at Yellowstone
We did some exploring, and asked at the check in place if we could be moved to G or H loop, further off the road and in the trees. Luckily, we were able to be moved for the second night to a very nice, quiet spot. We set up our house in the new spot, then drove Candy and Rick’s van (Goldie) to go for a hike up Elephant Back Mountain. It’s a “moderately strenuous” hike according to the guide. 3.6 miles, 800 foot elevation gain, and the view at the top is stunning. “A sweeping panoramic view of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding area.” Candy and Rick had no trouble with the steepest parts, and at first were polite enough to wait for us. We convinced them to just go at their own (fast) pace, and Judy huffed and puffed her slow way to the top, with Harris staying right behind her to encourage her at every turn. We ate our lunches at the top, then continued the loop down back to the car. After dinner we played cards, and again, Rick seems to have all the luck. (or strategy, or something?)
The only positive of where we camped on our first night at Yellowstone
Rick, Candy, and us at the top of Elephant Back mountain
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