Countdown to Yellowstone

Lookout bears, here we come …

Friends and I are gearing up for a long road trip to Yellowstone National Park. Every time I read a bear attack story, I think, hey, I’ll be in bear country soon. Here’s a quote from the park’s Web site:

“Hikers are also urged to check with visitor centers for information on bear activity and possible trail closures. Updated trail information is available at park visitor centers and backcountry offices or by calling Yellowstone’s Central Backcountry Office…”

Yellowstone's central valley

I checked the weather report today for the monthly averages way up there in Wyoming. The highs are a lovely 72 to 75 degrees. The lows, however, made me cringe: 38 degrees … wow … I haven’t felt 38 degrees in YEARS. We’re taking my car, which has a generous trunk, but with four people stuffed in the main cabin, we’ll be squeezing our clothing and camping gear into a fairly small space. Now that I know fleece is mandatory, the trunk just got tighter.

Maybe we can layer up: wear tons of clothes on the car ride and crank the AC to freezing. Hmmm… I did buy those vacuum-shrink bags. I think we can pancake some of the clothing for the trip up. The fun part will be finding a vacuum in Wyoming … at the KOA campground. Good times!

The trip will include a two-night stop in Utah, where we’ll stay with my friend Marla’s brother. He lives in close proximity to a couple gorgeous parks with hiking trails. I’m ready to go … now!

We’re toying with the idea of taking the local highways, instead of the interstates. We’ll see if that works, considering our time frame and gas prices.

I’m lucky to be traveling with Marla once again. She’s a master travel guide and planner. I just have to point the car in the right direction and push my foot down. Her kids, Sandy and Michael, will provide the entertainment. We’ve got books on tape, games and snacks.

Some of the events we’ve got on our calendar:

• 3rd Annual Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous: Demonstrations of carding and spinning wool, making butter and leather working; Seminars on Native American Culture and the Fur Trade Era; Entertainment and Competitions such as Cowboy Poetry, Storytelling, Black Powder Shoot, Knife and Tomahawk Throws are all part of the ten day mix. I say, bring on the Mountain Men!!
• Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo Born in the past to ease the cowboys’ boredom, today’s rodeos feature Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Breakaway Roping and Bull Riding. I say, bring on the cowboys!!
• Hiking for me, too. I hope to find some trails, either with a guide or without, where I can take in the vastness of the park. I really don’t want to see any bears, up close. I’ve read enough scary stories.