Winter in Gardiner, WY

We are now out of Yellowstone. The campground closed down and we had to leave the park.  Our last day at camp was a hike to the top of Purple Mountain. Remember that we were not to leave the area but luckily the trail head was across the street. We ran across the street through employee housing and on the trail before anyone caught us.  We saw 2 other escapees on the trail who were doing the same thing. The view was of the entire valley and from the top we could see the jagged mountains of the Tetons. You know I am a rule follower but this was well worth it.  Back to camp and the  trip to Gardiner.  On the road out of the park we saw less then 5 cars.   Stopping a few times to see a coyote, bison, and a herd of antelope.   For us the shutdown enabled us a rare opportunity to experience the park with few people.

The Airstream is now parked along the Yellowstone river in Gardiner , MT where all the snow was falling. The weather is supposed to break next week.  I have to say that The Ralston is handling all this weather quite well.  The temp inside the AS is holding nicely and keeping us dry.  Yesterday we went to a local hot springs resort for a well needed dip and a dinner that was surprisingly terrific.  This place called Chico was in the middle of nowhere and was packed with people.  As we were driving around town a man stopped us in the middle of the street and it turned out he was from NJ and recommended this outing. We NJ people are everywhere.

I am staying for the Interpretation class next week while Wally comes home for some work. It looks like the temps will be in the 50-60's and sunny. Yeah!!  Our friends the Franzels are moving out to Washington so we are getting together for dinner near here on Saturday night. Nice to see friends.

Alone in Yellowstone

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