The day started with a clear change in the weather. There were snow flurries, low cloud and overcast weather. On entering the park signs indicated that road closures had started to come into effect. The road on which we saw the bear yesterday was shut as was Highway 212 outside of the Northeast gate of the park.
Our itinerary today to go to Canyon Village and see the south rim of the Yellowstone Canyon, hopefully to walk the trail between the Lower and Upper Falls. Unfortunately, the off season had arrived, and the trails were closed for maintenance so the viewing points at Artist Point and the brim of the Upper Falls had to suffice. That said, whilst I was engrossed in photography at Artists Point, the others went for a walk along a unmaintained trail and found evidence that bears actually do in the woods!
We then headed off towards West Thumb through the Hayden Valley. The weather really closed in, but Ed and I could not resist a look at a few of the geysers at Mud Volcano. Having decided to remain in the car the ladies changed their minds informed that we had been told that there were a herd of bison at one of the upper springs. We made our way up to the upper springs and sure enough there was a herd, some snow-covered individuals made for good photos. However, a rather large bull was separated from the herd by our walk way and as we passed he made his displeasure known. Then another critter decided to approach the walkway in front of us, leaving us in a rather interesting position. After a short time, we decided to brave the truculent bull who was at least further from the walkway. Apart from snorts and hoofing the ground he just gave us a glare apart from when I levelled the camera at him!!
Having returned to the safety of the car, more from the weather than the bison, we had a spot of lunch and some excited chat about the previous 20 minutes or so! Next up was a visit to Yellowstone Lake and the West Thumb Basin. It was pretty clear this was the ‘vacation’ part of the park with many recreational areas and hotels mothballed for the winter. Whilst not unpleasant it was not very inspiring, that said the geysers on the lake shore and the geology was interesting.
The journey home via Old Faithful was unremarkable save for another bison traffic jam! Shopping for ‘take homes’ in West Yellowstone followed and we arrived back at a reasonable time with a change of heart for the following day