trippin to Yellowstone

We took two days to go bear and wolf viewing in Yellowstone. Fall is a nice time to visit, no crowds to stand behind, not hot, and most of all no crowds! (or yes I already said that). The downside is a lot of the centers are closed which mean flushing toilets to. We stayed in Gardiner, MT just outside the north gate of Mammoth. The town is a deer zoo. There are deer all over, so be careful when you drive there, they walk right down the streets! Inside the park we saw several Bighorn Sheep, they were massive. Of course Mammoth was a Elk zoo there. We drove from Norris to Canyon and were lucky enough to see 5 wolves in the meadow right beside our car. Then we saw several vehicles about 1/2 mile down parked. So after the wolves crossed in front of us, we drove to see what the action was there. There were 4 more wolves feeding on a fresh kill, it was really awesome. We watched the 5 approach the Alpha male, a huge white wolf to get permission to feed. There were one black wolf, the white one and rest were grey and silver. We saw tons of Bison, they own the road and several coyotes and one squirrel! The bear stayed out of sight for us this trip. Which was strange, we heard of lots of sightings since they are feeding for hibernation. We heard lots of stories, but we saw none. We did see lots of "rock bear"! They were just rocks! We will go again next fall and invite anyone who wants to go, come, it's a great time to go. Oh yes, we did see Old Faithful. Who doesn't go and at least see that.

Pirate-we will miss him

Today was a sad day for us, Pirate our wonderful Aussie Healer had to be put to sleep. He was nearly blind and deaf and wouldn't eat the past 2 days. He just moped and had a hard time breathing and getting warm. We made him a warm bed in the lower bathroom with warmed blankets and that helped him feel more comfy, but he still was going downhill. We had him since the day he was born 16 years ago and he was a great dog. Shana & Kristy will remember that day!
He was always so obedient and protective of his family. He was a loving dog and loved to go for walks, rides and camping with us. He and Kim would get up before Mark and go for a walk when we went camping, he knew the routine and loved it. Camping won't be the same without him.
He will forever be missed along with our other beloved pets we have had. We lucky to of had the privledge of having them a long time and never have lost them to accidents. We now have Gypsy the "Cleo-cat-tra!" to help fill the void, but there is nothing like the fun of having a dog who enjoys going places with you. His lease will hang by the door until the day we get another pup.

Fall in the Rockies

It's once again Fall weather in Northern Utah. It's a nice change after a "it's too hot to sleep, eat or do anything" summer. This is now great sleeping weather! Of course with the cooler weather comes the apple pie making, raking leaves, the first snowfall , winterizing the camp trailer and the dreaded thinking about the holidays coming up.
Then it's the first of the year again and time to start the (oh I can't believe I'm even thinking this far ahead) the filing of the 07 tax season. :( . . . ugh..

Until then , we just have to enjoy the rest of 2007. We did have a snow teaser last weekend, with some snow, some rain and some really cold weather that day and yes It's nice enough to open windows still, only turn the heater on occasionally and yes still use the AC in the car.
In other words, for us northerners, it's beautiful. For the hot weather dwellers, if you come to visit, bring your jackets, cold weather gear and of course your warm jammies. I know you will think us nuts when we really aren't that cold yet.

Last week we winterized the shed by putting the summer stuff towards the back and bringing the winter stuff to the front. Ice melt, shovels, anything that might be needed for that cold snowy winter day yet to come. Until then, tomorrow I will bake a pie, shop for a much needed winter coat and enjoy the windows open before we go in winter hibernation!