Day 4 concluded with us pulling up to the cabin... a herd of wild big horned sheep were on the porch, taking refuge from the hail storm. What an amazing place we have rented. Electric Mountain is across the road.... the view of the snow capped peaks is breath taking!
That evening we headed into Gardiner to get the lay of the land.... decided to do a quick drive into the park up to Mammoth Falls.
We spotted elk grazing right on the edge of the road... a black bear 'grubbing' for dinner... buffalo with their calves, bedding down in the hills at the north gate.
Day 5 was sunny, we decided to take advantage of the sunshine & hike the north rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellow Stone. The trails were snow packed and lined with lodge pole pine. What an adventure that hike was. We feared for Henry... afraid he would tumbled down the edge... we needed a tether. We had a car-nic (Henry nicknamed our car picnic.) We says hot springs and hiked the raised walkways... we drove down to the Old Faithful in to take in the geysers. We enjoyed an appetizer and refreshments on the upper deck of the Inn... witnessing Old Faithful erupt twice. On the two hour drive back to the cabin we had many wildlife sightings... our youngest said his eyes were heavy & dozed into slumber.
Day 6 we headed to town ... the boys in search of a pair of binoculars. They camp out of the rafting/camp store with a mini telescope.... and passes for a 2:30 river rafting trip. The proprietor had grown up in Indiana.... said we had to experience the Yellow Stone River. We suited up in wetsuits... our youngest helped demo the safety procedures.... he kept saying, "I'm a little terrified." His big brother quoted Joshua...."Don't be terrified... be strong and courageous, for the Lord will be with you, wherever you go."
What an adventure the trip down the Yellow Stone River.... our youngest was soaked with the first rapids we hit... shrieking.... soon a massive smile spread across his face... he was enjoying our voyage. Our oldest played riverboat roulette, standing on the mast as we paddled in a circle, trying to see how many turns he could stand for.... he beat the record of seven.
We hiked the elevated trails of Mammoth Falls, taking in a Park Ranger talk ... the boys are on their way to earning "Jr. Ranger" status...
We headed back to the cabin to grill jalapeno burgers on a grated fire pit...
As I type, I am on the front porch, a cup of coffee at my side... Electric Mountain towers above me.
Brock got the scoop on the location of grizzly sightings. After dinner we are loading up and driving in search of a grizzly..... wait and see if our quest was successful.
Please continue to pray for our traveling mercies.... our time as a family.... we are not used to being together 26/7.... but we are making the most of it... tolerating those who the Lord has provided to be like sand paper... to smooth out our rough spots.... We have one day left in Gardiner. Friday we head to Jackson Hole.... many more Rocky Mountain tales to follow....
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