9-12-09 Saturday

September 12 Saturday
This is a wake-up early day to be at the trail on time. We do not have the convenience of cell phone alarm when we have no service. Somehow Paulette figured that out and for sure the alarm did go off. It was 30 degrees in and out of the baby egg camper, therefore, it took us no time to get our clothes on, slap some peanut butter and jelly between bread and head for the trailhead. Being the very intelligent women that we are, we decided to take the pocket cameras and just enjoy the time in the quiet with 14 new friends (no bundlesome big cameras and lens.) Everyone arrived all chipper with cameras slung over their shoulders – two smug ones with midget cameras. Off we went down the trail toward Shoshone Lake on a 6 mile hike. At about mile 1, Ranger Cathy Bell stopped to point out a GREAT GREY OWL who had just caught a field mouse. The owl danced around and performed well from the perch on the limb to the catch. Everyone was snapping away except the smart women with pocket cameras with batteries that were too cold and could not fire a shot. To add insult to injury, as we approached the lake and sat down, Ranger Cathy pointed out a BALD EAGLE sitting in the top of a tree. Now since the first tragedy the small cameras had found a home inside the clothing of the two smart women where it was warm and covered by three layers of clothing. Mindful that these are small cameras, we know where the eagle is in the picture. Paulette did get a shot as it flew - though blurry, it will find a place in her album. The time with Ranger Cathy was extremely informative and she showed her passion for this park, the forest, the wildlife and her love to share her knowledge with park guests. She is so enthusiastic about the parts of the park that few people ever see from the road. She pointed out numerous birds as we had birders with us, marks on trees and ask our opinions, and then demonstrated what to do if faced by a bear. Every situation is different and the actions of the bear determine how you are to react. This is only our second Ranger led hike and both have proven to be outstanding even if they did have to put up with a bunch of senior citizens.
Night brought us to Grant Village Yellowstone for the Ranger Talk about helping with night pollution by conserving in our homes and recycling in the parks to eliminate solid waste disposal. Of course we can separate the recyclable and the trash. Again it is nighty night for the more intelligent women in the baby egg camper.