Yellowstone in the Fall

A couple of weekends ago, we made what may be our last trip to Yellowstone for the season.  We went up to the Northeast entrance for a change of scenery.  The fall colors were gorgeous along the Chief Joseph Highway and we couldn't resist getting out and enjoying the beautiful weather.. ..I just LOVE this time of year!!

We passed through Cooke City.... such a quaint little town.

We arrived in the park just in time for lunch.  We had a picnic at Soda Butte Creek the temperature was just perfect.  Warm, but with a bit of crispness in the air.

We stayed for quite a while and watched the Buffalo that were on the other side of the river.

The girls were mesmerized watching them until they moved their way into the trees.

Then we headed to Specimen Ridge and set out on a hike to find the Fossil Forest.  There is no trail head marker or marked trail, so you are going strictly by directions from the hiking guide book.  We knew we were in the right area, but unfortunately we only ever found a couple of stumps and what appeared to be remnants.

The hike to the top is a very steep 1,100 foot climb.  The further we went, it became apparent that this was not something manageable for all the girlies.  We had made it so far, I wanted to make sure the forest wasn't just "right around the corner".  So while Mark stayed with the girls I trekked to the top to look around.  It was so strenuous.. ...I knew it would be nearly impossible for little Emmrey to make it.  I was hoping to find the forest and at least take some pictures back to the rest of the group.  But I only came back with this.. ..myself at the top with the view behind me:}

Oh well, we had good family time {playing "I have a Green Glass Door"} and got some great exercise to boot.

We headed to Mammoth {one of my favorite parts of the park} for some dinner at the Grille and some Elk entertainment.  Although there are typically elk roaming around town,  a couple of Bulls were causing security to be on high alert.  We found the security guards to be more entertaining than the elk on this occasion.

Emmrey had some birthday money from grampa & gramma that she had brought to Yellowstone with the sole purpose of finding something to take home with her.  We knew that the one thing she would gravitate toward would be some cuddly friend.  She was soon caught in the agony of choosing which one add to her brood. ...decisions.. ...decisions!!

Ultimately she decided on this little guy.  She was instantly in love with "Austin".

As we headed back out of the park, we were caught in a serious Bison Jam.  They were everywhere and in no hurry to get out of the way.

We were okay with that {well, Mark lost his patience after a while}.. ... it gave us a front row seat to just watch them .. .. .

.. ..and listen to them talk to one another.  Out in the distance, Buffalo are not all that interesting.  When you get up close and personal they are pretty fascinating to watch:}

 

Oh what a great way to spend the day:}