Merry Christmas in Yellowstone

My debut as "Mrs. Claus"! 

Each year Yellowstone celebrates Christmas on August 25th. Some say the tradition started when a freak storm stranded the guests at Old Faithful..To help defray guest anxiety the Inn decorated for christmas! It's been a fun tradition ever since. When I worked here (10 years ago!) I remembered the fun we had, so we asked the manager at Grant  campground if we could surprise the staff at their dinner party-it was such fun! And, we were mobbed at West Thumb- After dinner we joined the staff and sang carols throughout the camp-all 400 sites!

Here's a picture of an executive from Xanterra-he was so surprised!

Travelogue # 31 Roosevelt Entrance, Sawtooth Mts., Little Bighorn

We're on a road trip....We left the rig in Gardiner, MT., and entered Yellowstone via the Roosevelt (North) entrance. After a quick look at Mammoth Hot Springs we left Yellowstone via the NorthEast gate, and traveled through the Sawtooth (sometimes called the Beartooth) Mountains. I won't comment on all the pictures individually-just enjoy as much as we did!

We were delayed a little by the requisite critter...this time it's buffalo!

The North East Entrance is the least used of all the gates...

Jack call this a "car catcher".  It's the way they try to minimize avalanches....

We thought we'd make a brief visit to the "Little Bighorn" National Monument...We left 4 hours later! It's a somber, sad testament  to a difficult time in our history. The information is well done and balanced.

We finished the day at Belle Rouche-the absolute center of the 50 States

Whew!

#30 The Road to Philipsburg

We went to Philipsburg, MT, 'cause the internet told us that's where we would find Sapphire mines and we wanted to see what that is all about.

The road to Philipsburg had the requisite critters....

And the road followed Rock Creek......

I know how Rock Creek got its name..it's 38 miles of bumpy gravelly road...

This is how you find sapphires...you get a bag (or bucket) of gravel, use a screen to wash the mud and then use tweezers to pick out the stones. It's fun after you know what to look for...

This is one of the places to sift..the other is Gem Mountain about 16 mi. out of town and nearer to the actual mine. We found about 18 stones that were cuttable. That means they are worthy of the next step-heat treatment. Right now there's such a backlog that whatever we decide they won't be ready until MARCH!

After all that hard work we stepped across the street for a yummy dinner....might go back tomorrow for some more sifting.....

#29 Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, Polebridge

Kootenai Wildflife Refuge

We loved this refuge (it's where we discovered the Puddler magazine for Kids) and since Bob and Peggy are birders, we thought they'd enjoy it, too. We' were told there's several critters (amongst them a moose!) but we only saw birds.

Jack wants to make a puzzle from this shot....Maybe someone will get this for Christmas!

And, another glimpse of Polebridge-it was pretty lively-Friday night is pizza nite.

Here's the bridge, and yep, it's made of poles....

A sentimental stop-here's where we were sworn in as Jr. Rangers....

And it wouldn't be complete until Jack took Bob fishing under the pole bridge at Polebridge

Intense, serious business...

Peggy's checking to see how cold it is....It couldn't be too bad-there were people on the other side swimming...

It's catch and release but that didn't seem to matter...Both guys caught several and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Then it was off to eat pizza....

Bob and Peg have elected to forego their trip to Yellowstone and return to CT instead. We wish them a safe trip and happy travels...Whoa, bear! Human Here! (Inside joke)

#28-Lake Moraine, Radium Hot Springs, McLeod, Rte#93 and Peggys Birthday!

This is my third blog of the day, and probably one of the longest...We've been very busy so I'll just dive in...

We couldn't leave Lake Louise area without a look see at Moraine Lake..Looks like we'll have to put it on our "return" list....

Nestled in the mountains high above Lake Louise is this jewel of a lake and resort...

As we drove to the Kootenay National Park we came across another Sign about the Continental Divide

I just had to add this little critter...we count all the critters we see, big and small...

We stopped to see another waterfall ......

Do you HooDoo?

This on the way to Radium Hot Springs-fondly known as the Hole in the Wall. Can you see the cars as they pass?

Absolutely no pictures at the Hot Springs....But it was the best! It was Bob's first dip in a pool since his stroke and since the temp was 102 he was in heaven!

The big horn sheep were on the side of the mountain-we barely had enough energy to take their pictures! Hot springs are soooo relaxing.....

And before we knew it, it was Peg's birthday..Jack picked flowers for her hair, Bob had a cute card and we had a card for her...

Jack found the perfect rock for Peggy....She says she likes to be in a different place for her special day...well. She was in McLeod camp in the Kootenay National Forest, just outside of Radium....

While at McLeod the guys went fishing,,,,Here's Bob's perfect stance....

And here's the result!

Not to be outdone-Jack caught one, too! They had such smiles on their faces when they got back....

Now, this is a side of the Haboraks that few have seen.....We almost left them (just kidding!)

This is how Bob and Peg travel between sights...sometimes Peg takes pictures right out the window...

The trusty tour guide extrordinaire! Jack has packed fun filled and stunning scenics...

Do you HooDoo?

More HooDoos....

Exhaustion takes over...'nuff said!