Yellowstone July 2012

We headed to Yellowstone for a quick trip over the 4th of July holiday.  Todd had to work Monday so we got a pretty late start.  By the time we reached the Yellowstone entrance all the campgrounds were full so we decided to head back to GTNP and cross our fingers that there were a few spots left!  We found a spot at Lizard Creek just 5 minutes before they filled up--whew!

We got an early start the next day and tried to jam pack as much activity as we could into the day!  We started with the kayaks at Yellowstone Lake and kayaked around the west thumb.  Todd brought his go pro camera which made for some crazy footage.  Unfortunately I forgot to pack the regular camera in the kayak so I didn't get an pics!  We did see a cow elk and calf frolicking on one of the beaches.  The calf was racing up and down the beach and jumping--he looked like he was having a blast!

Well after the lake we headed up through the park and made our way to Trout Lake.  We headed for the inlet where we had heard about the cutthroat spawning. Wow!  I didn't really expect to see so many fish!  We saw easily 100 fish in the short part of the inlet we walked along.  The boys loved it!  It was amazing to see the rough parts of the river that the fish had to climb.  We stayed close to an hour and then decided to head back.  When we were half way around the lake Todd spotted some otters swimming in the middle.  We sat down on the trail and waited to see where they were headed.  They came right up to our bank and played around for a few minutes before they headed to the inlet for some fish!  We walked back around the bank and watched as they caught their dinner!  It was a great afternoon! Here are a few pics from our trip--mostly otters!  I really did a terrible job filming the kids this time!  I only got a few pics of the boys!

 Coleman enjoying the beach at Lizard Creek

 View of Jackson Lake from Lizard Creek

  the Boys spotted this little guy on the way back to camp

 Cutthroat spawning at the inlet at Trout Lake.  It was hard to get a clear shot.  I really want a new camera :)

 Liston watching from the bridge

 First shot of the otters from the water

 Keeping a lookout while they were on the bank

 Here's the female with one of the pups.  This one wasn't able to use his back legs at all--he just dragged them around.

 Getting some love from Mom!

 Here's the male sneaking a peak at his audience!

 Chasing the cutthroat trout

 Got one!

 Dinner!

The pups waiting for a bite

 The male kept sticking his tongue out and rubbing himself on the log!

 Quick drive-by shot of a wolf near Lee Hardy Rapids

Another quick shot of  a bull elk in velvet.

We sure had a great trip---too bad it was so short!  We'll have to head back again soon!