Just out from backcountry

We thought we'd check in since we have a temporary period of access to the rest of the world. We just completed a 3 night adventure in Yellowstone backcountry. Lots of fun!! Lots of hiking. If you feel like looking on a map, we hiked to Bighorn Pass one day and Fawn Pass another day (roughly 9100 feet elevation). Base camp was 5 miles in from West Yellowstone, along the Gallatin River (roughly 7500 feet elevation). Many elk seen but mostly when hiking with 10 people and llamas, few close encounters (all but Anna got up from our picnic area to explore, and an elk walked within 10 feet of her, thinking we were all gone). Throughout our whole trip however we have seen lots of wildlife: moose, black and grizzly bear, bison, elk, white tail and mule deer, pronghorn, wolves, coyote, bighorn sheep, golden and bald eagles, raven, red-naped woodpeckers, meadowlarks, osprey, peregrine falcon vs. goshawk (split decision on ID), sandhill crane, yellow bellied marmot, and others. Found lots of bones, and a few fossils and obsidian flakes discarded by frustrated native ancient flintknappers. Also wading through the Gallatin found a piece of very old petrified tropical wood. We enjoyed getting to know the differences between all the llamas personalities. Some cuddly and some definitely not. Obviously very interesting geologic features including the mountains, and thermal features. Also interesting history. We will try putting pictures up, if we have time. It's getting late so we'll possibly try tomorrow.

Another nice day

We were unsuccessful putting up photos, or sending e-mail (but we can receive it for the next 24 hours). The spotting scope has been great - actually necessary to see wolves and grizzlies. We are currently close to the boiling river, a place where the runoff from a hot spring runs into a small river. It makes for a natural hot tub that is fantastic. We went early this morning and will again tomorrow. Stopped at obsidian cliffs today. This is a huge formation of glassy rock prized by natives for the edges that can be made from it. This was interesting especially because during the llama trek our guides took us to places where we could find obsidian pieces that had been worked by natives in the past. Also walked around Norris Geysers - Tons of different thermal features. We'll try to post pics again if we have time tomorrow. Love to all!! TEAM

Hi from Cape Cod

It sounds wonderful! We are thinking of you every day. It is very relaxing here on Cape Cod. We're having good weather and lots of wonderful visits from the family. This weekend is special in that we have Alex, Kara, Jeff and Ann, Mike and Sam visiting. And Mark and Joe arrive later today! What fun! Love to you. MH,Mark, Mom and Dad

Enjoy!!

Have a great time at the Cape together! A & E are looking forward to possibly going there for Labor Day weekend (can't be sure because we don't have ther calendar with us). Have you been going to the beach? Has it been really hot? It gets to the 90's daily here, so that is why we go to the Boiling River at 6AM, while it is still in the 50's, and there is no one else there. That also increases your chances of seeing wildlife. The other thing we haven't mentioned yet are that the wildflowers are beautiful. Today we are going kayaking on the Yellowstone River (sit-on-top like at the Cape). A & E say hi!!

Wildlife Galore

Sounds like you've had a fantastic journey so far. What a great variety of wildlife seen. Your bird list is impressive, too. How is the spotting scope working out? We're looking forward to hearing more and seeing photos when you get to North Carolina.

Great to hear from you.

All pictures and information is greatly desired. We're having fun at the Cape with Mom, Dad, Frank, Beth, Mary Helen, Kara and Alex. The rest of Davidsons arrive today.