Antelope Fire in Yellowstone

A week ago when we went into Yellowstone, we stopped for a couple of hours at a lookout over this wildfire. It was the largest of the 11 fires in Yellowstone this year. Shortly after we went through the Tower area, they closed the road as the fire was moving in that direction. They quite often let the fires burn, unless they are threatening life or buildings. In this case they were managing the fire and we watched as the helicopters dumped water on the fire and the planes spread fire retardant ahead of the fire. It was amazing how fast the flames torched trees and moved across the meadows.

If you look really close, you can see a couple of fire fighters at the top of the hill.

This tanker is being led by a small twin engine plane at the bottom left of picture.

This picture shows how large the smoke cloud is in comparison to the RV at left.

September In and Around Yellowstone

Last weekend we visited Yellowstone and also took a ride to check out the National Forest campgrounds near Island Park, Idaho. Any time of year is wonderful here, but fall is the best.

This Bald Eagle was enjoying the day also.

We don't get the bright red and orange fall colors of the northeast, but the golden leaves are like sunshine.

We spent some time admiring this Blue Heron. It reminds us of the ones we used to see in Fall Creek, behind our house.

Sawtell Peak in the background, the subject of previous posts.

A bull elk keeping an eye on his harem.

Wind Storm August 28 2010

A couple of days ago we had a big wind storm blow through West Yellowstone. We were at work when it happened, and these are a few shots of the damage we saw when we got out of work. All these were taken on the north end of town, in and near our RV park.

Our park managers' rig, only two spots from ours. Thankfully they are both okay.

Another view of their rig. John was taking a nap in the recliner which is in the slide out right under where the tree hit. What a rude awakening.

Help arrived in the form of a large crane. It was the only way to safely remove the tree without further damage. You can see the cable tied to the trunk.

After cutting the bottom of the tree free from the stump, it was lowered to the ground. A big sigh of relief. You can see our 'house' at the left of the picture.

The large tree extends from their site to ours.

A close call also in our small RV park. This section of tree was ripped from the bottom section, hurled over the border fence to the left of this shot and landed here. Tom and Nancy, this is the site you guys stayed in when you were here.

Just a block away, this tree barely missed another RV.

These next six shots are of what remains of the roof of the Best Western.

Another building in the same block as the Best Western.

Another hotel in town.

The rest of the pictures are vehicles parked on the property behind the Best Western. It shows you don't have to be parked near trees to be in danger.

This fifth wheel was knocked off the front blocks.

Red Rock Lakes Nat Wildlife Wilderness, MT

On this particular day we decided to take a different route to Idaho Falls for a supply run. We traveled on route 20 into Idaho and turned west toward Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Wilderness. This route takes us back into the very southern part of Montana where the Wildlife area is located. It was over 50 miles on dirt road, but very quiet and peaceful. Here is a sampling of the wonders we saw that day.

Hell Roaring Canyon and Hell Roaring Creek, Lima, MT

Interesting sign at the creek.

Upper Red Rock Lake. This Wildlife area is a favorite nesting site for trumpeter swans. We saw a swan family near here when we visited a couple of years ago in the spring.

We saw many beautiful and interesting critters today.

A hawk looking for its next meal.

A pair of sandhill cranes discussing which way they should go.

The Grand Tetons from the west side.