Moose lying down in brush just off short trail
between Maude Noble’s cabin and Menor’s Ferry,
Grand Teton National Park.

This bull moose, along with a cow and a calf, was laying down just off a trail we were walking on. Karen spotted it, and thinking it would be a great picture, got my attention. When I saw it, I figured that we were way too close to it, even though it was laying down, so we left the trail and looped away from it to get back to the trail at a point further down where there was an old barn. As we got back to the trail we saw a young ranger gesturing to us to where she was standing, which was in the direction we were going anyway. The moose had apparently already been reported and, since they were in an area with frequent pedeatrian traffic, rangers just arrived to keep people away from the animals. Though the moose were obviously used to the presence of people, they are still wild animals… and they are big and can move very fast. As well, according to the ranger we, some boys had been throwing rocks at the moose the day before.

While we were there, the rangers strung a yellow plastic barrier tape — the kind you see at crime scenes in movies and TV shows — to keep the public at a safe distance from the moose.

This picture was taken from a window inside the old barn.

This morning, we stopped at Norris Geyser Basin, but don’t have any pictures because we were a little out of routine getting going in the morning. As a result, Karen brought out my camera, but I hadn’t put the memory card back in it. We discovered it wasn’t in the camera after Norris. There was another smaller point-and-shoot camera in the truck that had another memory card in it that would work in my Pentax, though the card had much less capacity.

Tower Falls — another disappointment. There is a sign at Tower Falls that points to the overlook, but the part of the sign that says how far it is to the falls itself was covered with a piece of wood. We didn’t even notice, though. We had been to the base of the falls a number of times in the past, so really didn’t need to know how far it was. However, when we were about half way there, the trail was blocked by a barricade. A sign that said the trail beyond that point was closed due to erosion. So we turned around and went back. This picture is from the Tower Falls overlook.

After Tower Falls, we drove up the road to the northeast entrance a ways, had lunch and saw several hundred — maybe over a thousand — buffalo. On the way back, just before Tower Falls, we saw some bighorn sheep. This female was just stepping off a wall along the side of the road. I shot the picture from the driver’s seat of the truck, trying to compose it in such a way that the road and wall didn’t show much, if any.

This young male was very close to the female, just on the other side of the wall.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Someone wisely refrained from going after their cap - outside the barriers, too close to the edge, and on unstable, gravelly soil. Just before this, we saw an overweight man climb over the railing very close to the brink of the canyon to retrieve his cap. Luckily, nothing happened.

Looking down the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from an observation point on the north side of the canyon.

This view is from another observation point further up the canyon, again looking downstream. This is a composite of several images.

Twisted and gnarled tree roots, with a rock gripped in them.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

Steps going down to the observation point where the previous picture was taken. This was at the end of a trail with quite a few switchbacks and a bit of a climb.

Switchbacks on the trail.

Wear hiking boots instead of shoes. In rugged territory, boots can really help prevent that twisted ankle or knee.

Break in new boots BEFORE hitting the trail.

Wear two pairs of socks to help prevent blisters.

Source: hikerscorner.com

Toting a weapon such as a knife, gun, or Mace may seem like the easiest way to deter someone, but someone bent on foul play will probably be more adept with a weapon than you are. Besides, guns are illegal in national parks and must be licensed even where allowed. Mace is also illegal in many states. You don’t need a license for everyday items like a set of keys, a ballpoint pen, a nail file, or your walking stick, however.

Source: “Playing it Safe”, Backpacker, Feb 1994

The rule of thumb for anyone whose clothing has caught fire is to stop, drop, and roll. Smother flames with a blanket or sleeping bag.

“Eliminating the source” also means you must instantly remove burned clothing, except for bits of cloth that adhere to the burn itself. Remove watches and jewelry that can retain heat.

Boiling water spilled onto wool pants, polypropylene underwear, or inside boots can cause severe burns from heat retention.

Fleece jackets… will melt from contact with flames and sear into the skin underneath them.

Source: “Burned!”, Field & Stream Aug 1997

Know your hike and your terrain. Plan for the journey by researching the area on the web. Simply type the park’s name into a search engine, and see what you find. Chances are, the park’s site will offer loads of online information about their best season, activities, trails, and even numbers for contacting the Park Rangers. Some of these sites will even offer printable trail maps online. Be sure to talk to a local Ranger prior to the hike, and ask for information regarding safety and environmental issues. The Park Ranger knows the area well enough to steer you clear of danger and towards the best sites on the trail.

Source: Kaboose

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREAT HIKE OR A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL IS UP TO YOU!

Your descent marks your entry into a world in which planning and preparation, self-reliance, and good choices are crucial. Don’t hike alone. Know what your destination will be and how to get there. Know where water is available. Get the weather forecast. Don’t overestimate your capabilities. Hike intelligently. You are responsible for your own safety as well as that of everyone in your party. Stay on the trail and never shortcut switchbacks.

Source: National Park Service

Look for a campsite this is somewhat protected from wind, flooding and heavy rain fall. Under a group of small trees is ideal. Keep away from the tallest tree in the forest - that’s where lightning likes to visit.

Source: Best Tips for Enjoying the BackCountry in the Rain

Carry a whistle on a string around your neck. A hard, shrill blast is louder (and more painful to an attacker’s ears) than your voice, and you won’t get hoarse or tire as quickly if you’re injured and must call for help.

Source: “Playing it Safe”, Backpacker, Feb 1994

Build Fires only in fire rings, stoves or fireplaces.

Source: Iowa State Parks - Camping Tips