Thursday, September 1, 2016 Exploring then Bullwinkletta and calf

Thursday, September 1, 2016

I am Thunderpaws!  King of the morning!  I run, I fly, I chase inanimate objects.  Ok, sometimes I knock things over.  Sorry about that.  But I AM THUNDERPAWS!

I wake up to the smell of smoke.  I guess the wind has shifted.  I look outside.  Are those clouds?  It starts to rain... all of 362 drops.  I am sure that will help the fire in Yellowstone.  As we enjoy our morning coffee, we get another 196 drops of rain.  It is cool, but not cold.  We get another 206 drops of rain before the sun comes up over the trees.  On my morning walk, I headed over to the visitor area and read about the fire. The smoke was thick, making it hard to breathe.  The fire was started by lightening, and they are letting it run its natural course.  It may burn into the winter, and the firefighters will do what they can to protect any structures and such, but that is it.  There are firefighter camps all over the place with helicopters and tents.  Hopefully, the wind will shift again.

Today we are going to explore some 4wd roads.  We saw a road out of Antelope Flats that ends up near Moran Junction, so we figure we would try and start at the Moran point.  One small problem... there is no sign on the road, so which one is it?  We had some rangers redirect us from one road.  We follow the meager map we have and hit a fork in the road.  Ok, we should turn left.

Now, to be clear, there are several types of 4wd roads. 

-One is just a plain dirt road.  Even cars can drive on those. 

-The next level up is a dirt road that you have to go real slow on because it is somewhat rough.  Cars can drive these roads, but slowly. 

-Then, there is the road that cars shouldn't drive on as you need high clearance otherwise you tear out your undercarriage.  'Jack' is still good at this level.

-Then the next level is a narrow road, with major ruts.  Not only is your undercarriage at risk, your paint job is at risk. 

The road we were looking at was the 4wd road of the highest caliber.  We took it for about a half mile.  Are we on the right road?  Jack's alarms are going off telling us we are getting too close to things.  Naw... we draw the line at this.  Let's go over to the Antelope Flats side and see if this is easier.  When you are crossing the Antelope Flats, imagine what you see... antelope, but of course!  We stop for lunch by sitting on the tailgate of Jack, watching rain on the horizon.  We hear thunder.  We get a few drops of rain, but that is it.  It doesn't look like it is raining on Yellowstone.  Too bad.

There are lots of forks in this road - not on our map - and the road it looks like we want to take is the big bad 4wd road...  Ok, we will pass on this.  There are plenty of other roads to explore...

Back into the GT National Park, we explore the Pacific Creek Trail.  It is a decent dirt road back through meadows and valleys.  Plenty of pines, and aspens that are turning yellow.  Add a stream and you have a stunning landscape.  This road actually takes you out of the national park, into the national forest... where hunting is allowed.  There is an outfitter way back there promising a trophy elk.  The campgrounds have structures that allow you to hang your kills.  We hiked a little down one of the trails.  Is it hunting season????  Let's get out of here!

Over to Two Ocean Lake.  What a gorgeous ride.  Looks like we may hike here tomorrow.  This is way too pretty to let slide.  On our way back to Hannah, we see people with cameras on the side of the road. 

 

What animal do we have here?  A she moose and her calf... awwwww.

Back to Hannah and Rudy, as we settle in... the action started.  RAIN!  POURING RAIN, and thunder!  A real life storm!  Rudy wanted no part of being outside.  He wasn't real keen listening to Hannah getting pelted.  He stayed right next to his humans till the storm passed.  Then he wanted out again!  Fair weather cat...  Oh, and no chance of a campfire tonite...

I have noticed a phenomena specifically related to this neck of the woods.  It is 'OHS' - Oblivious Humanoid Syndrome.  It seems humans are struck with awe at the beauty of the area that they forget how to drive.  They will go 25 mph in a 55 mph zone, oblivious to the fact that the entire state of Wyoming is backed up behind them.  Now, I totally understand wanting to enjoy the beauty... BUT PULL OVER!  How hard is that?  And make your turn when there is no traffic.  Are you waiting for an engraved invitation?  MOVE IT or PULL OVER!  Sheesh... Yeah, I am talking to you towing the Airstream.  And you, that little pickup...