HurricaneMaine

I traveled to Butte to see Pete Buttegieg speak. It is a very historic town, having one of the largest historic districts in the country. It was central to the Copper Kings that mined for gold and other minerals when electricity was spreading literally across the country and more copper was needed. Unfortunately, much of Butte and the surrounding towns were forever changed by the mines and the corruption that occurred as a result. Whole areas were set on fire when people refused to sell or leave properties. As a result, legislation was eventually passed to stop corruption of politics.

I toured the Clark Mansion, one of the cooper Kings that Made a fortune at the expense of the local community. It was a fascinating story of his family and the family that later purchased the property and restored it.

Mirror has a back layer of diamond dust which you can see sparkle when standing to the side.

The rally was at the Mother Lodge theater. He was an eloquent speaker.

I took a full day photography class to learn more about composition, different ways to position my camera (in this case, my phone) and walked around the Clark Fork River area.

I also took a bird call class with a naturalist and took some decent bird pictures.

And some bird photos when pet sitting in Alberton.

After making it over the Tetons pass, I headed to the west entrance of Yellowstone. It was to open at 8 am but because of the 15 inches of snow, they delayed the opening until noon. I arrived a little early, talked to the rangers and planned what I would see each of the two days that I would be here. The ravens loved this truck. I saw people taking things out of coolers so I know the ravens were just waiting to look for food.

I was rewarded almost instantly with a wolf intent on something either near the water or more likely burrowing under the snow.

There of course was a lot of bison and a lot of snow to get some great pictures of them and the landscape.

I drove in from the west entrance and turned to go to Old Faithful and as far as you can go towards the South Entrance as it is still closed until May.

I returned to West Yellowstone to spend the night, the next day will be spent seeing part of the east where other wildlife can see before heading north to Gardiner.

As there was a major snow storm coming for the Tetons and Yellowstone, I left early to visit the furthest points in the Tetons. The pass to get there is no joke: winding roads and cold temperatures. Lots of snow still for the end of April.

I did get a picture of a moose. Not too bad with my phone.

Visitor Center and Elk Conservation center

Jackson hole

Mormon Row. Unfortunately the landscape was hidden by snow clouds.

I enjoyed some great food waiting for the storm to pass over. Next stop is the west entrance of Yellowstone which is opening the next day.

While I was here some very cold weather came through. Freezing temperatures at night, hail….Looking at the coming weather I decided that this will be my last night camping in the minivan as most temps were not getting above freezing and 15 inches of snow is expected.

I had a great time looking at the North Crater and the different lava forms. The lava tubes were closed as the bats are still hibernating.

i climbed this Inferno cone viewpoint to get some awesome views of the volcano ash field.

I think it is amazing how trees and flowers can grow in what was such a hostile environment and now is all varieties of sizes of ash and rock. I unfortunately did not see a pika here. It was too cold to go deep in the trails.

The nuclear research center on the way to Idaho Falls was closed but there is a little town called Atomic city which used to house those that were working on nuclear power in the area. Now it is a mostly abandoned town with only a few houses, a dirt race track, and an RV park.

Shoshone Falls was pretty cool though the weather changed drastically while I was there.

After entering Idaho I saw a look over point of the Snake River. This not the point where Evel Knievel kevel attempted to jump it but it made me th8nk about it. Unfortunately I did not make it to that other spot. I did not realize I was that close.

At the campground near Twin Falls, I walked some trails to the Snake River.

That night a storm came r ally close to where I was staying. The skies looked unfriendly but then later there was an incredible rainbow where the storm was.

Idaho Falls

The potato museum was wonderful. It really showcased the history of the potato in the world and Idaho. It also had novelty collections of peelers, mashers, and Mr. Potato head. I liked the videos including how the potatoes are processed for McDonalds including how they are cut using a water gun t9 shoot the mat 60 mph towards a cutter.

I asked about the free bag of potatoes for those visiting from out of state. They were instant potatoes but I am anxious to try them.

I did eat in the cafe that had all of the dishes featuring a baked Idaho russet potato. Delicious!

After stopping in Salt Lake City for groceries, a haircut, and buying a net and hat to keep bugs out as well as bear spray and grips for my shoes in Yellowstone, I headed to Antelope Island. The net was needed as the gnats are terrible. They were so bad that some still managed to get into the net and make hiking miserable. I still managed to get some hiking in and survived the two nights there. The bison walking next to my car was amazing.

I was glad to leave the gnats!