Just this morning I was bragging about this easy, low-stress job.Then, a few hours later, one of our campers goes missing. I met him and his wife on my rounds last night. They sleep in a tent, and I estimate their age at around mid-80s. Anyway, they drove up to a trailhead above us around 11 AM this morning, and he set off alone while his wife went into town. She came back at the appointed time and he never showed. The wife asked a 4-wheeler up there to let me know her husband was missing. So, I call Search and Rescue, who sends out a 4-wheeler team. Thankfully, they found him early evening – sunburned, windblown, and exhausted, but okay. Whew! In the meantime, the campground filled up and I visited each site to talk “bear” with the new campers! I love it, but don’t really need the high drama level of today.
Before all that happened, 4 bison bulls grazed their way through the campground. I saw one licking a picnic table, which forever alters the way I will approach a picnic table. At one point they took up residence next to my site. I was returning from town and the sound of my approaching van sent them off in another direction. I hear they are frequent visitors but they don’t seem to bother the campers; rather, they come into the campground during the day when everyone is gone to Yellowstone. They graze on the grass and drop Buffalo chips all over, but that is the worst of it so far.
On the bright side, I am meeting people from all over the world, including Thailand, France, and Australia. And I am seeing incredible wildlife without even trying yet: elk, deer, antelope, nesting eagles, bison, osprey. Furthermore, I am back in Meadowlark country and rejoiced when I heard the first song. Others are seeing wolves, grizzlies, and moose inside the park. I walked by a couple parked in their truck and using binoculars. I asked them what they saw: a herd of about 100 elk way up, along a treeline above the campground. When/if things settle down, I will get out my spotting scope and keep it set up on the tripod.
I cannot say enough about the views from the campground. I am about 3 miles above Gardiner, MT, up a winding road and steep slope. The Yellowstone River valley below is narrow, and I look across the valley at beautiful mountain peaks, still snowy in some places. I can see some of Mammoth Hot Springs as well.
Yep, that is my view. Found someone else’s picture of Electric Peak!
Night temps are still in the 30s, with lovely 70 degree days. These early campers are here to see all the wildlife babies of this season, including grizzly cubs and bison babies. They are long-time campers and know how to camp in bear country. Because the campground is primitive, the cost in only $7, or $3.50 for seniors with a pass. So affordable for people, but I hear the cost is going up. No political talk tonight, though. I am pooped. What a change from my carefree lifestyle in New Mexico. Life was good there, with little stress other than what to order for lunch each week at the restaurant in Mexico.
Tomorrow is my second full day, and I will start by making my morning rounds through the campground, and then checking that all food and other attractants are stowed after people leave for the day. Hopefully most days will stay that simple!
