Our first full day in the park started wonderfully! We woke and walked to the lodge for breakfast. Our table overlooked Lake Yellowstone and we were treated to a view of mountains, water and beautiful greenery. Obviously the drought was over. On the way we passed deer, and buffalo grazing in the nearby fields. During breakfast we got a few great tips from the guy washing the windows. His suggestions? We get up EARLY the next day - leave the room by 6:00 and head over to Slough Creek to see the wolves and their pups. On the way we were guaranteed to see lots of wildlife. 90% of the visitors to Yellowstone never actually leave the car, or the boardwalk and complain they never see a thing...we were determined to be different. We also learned that the area around the lodge had just reopened to foot traffic due to bear sightings...cool.
After breakfast we hiked to Lake Yellowstone for a quick peek of the lake...we saw bear prints and managed to work ourselves into a heightened state of excitement.
Our planned hike for the day was designed to acclimate ourselves to the altitude and the strain of hiking. We were all showing signs of nausea and headaches....sure signs that were weren't quite accustomed to the place. Our hike would take us from 7700 ft to 8500 ft in 1.5 miles. Total hike 3.6 miles. We suffered. Mrs. F and I lagged and panted. The mosquitoes were relentless and Jacob developed a rash. Charles was vigilant for bears, since the trail had closed the day before due to bear sightings. He marched ahead gathering the kids into a group. Mrs. F and I were bear bait. Regardless, the view from the top was beautiful and were were encouraged that we might actually make OUR BIG HIKE into the wilderness next week.
Afterward we headed to the General Store for refreshments and I bought a fishing rod. My first one (at 44). Again, my Dad sat on my shoulder as I chose one, and bought fishing licenses for everyone. Mrs. F and the kids and I headed out to the lake to try our luck. Fishing regulations in Yellowstone require that you throw back any Cutthroat Trout you catch. You may keep all Rainbow Trout, in fact you are required to kill them and not release them back. Of course, the kids had great luck - and caught all Cutthroat. So we released them. Me - I spent all my time wrapped in fishing line as I had a hard time figuring out how to use my spinning reel. Charles watched for nonexistent bears and laughed at me.
After fishing time, we spent a few hours at the lodge rocking on the front porch, doing laundry, all the while the kids played cards next to the huge roaring fireplaces. We had a very early morning planned.
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