Day Seven is a big day for us because it will be our first day in Yellowstone National Park. However, the reason we stayed in Pinedale is because Jackson--the whole Jackson Hole area--is very crowded and very popular. According to Google, "Jackson Hole, a valley and wilderness
recreation area in western Wyoming, is bordered by the jagged peaks of
the Tetons. Close to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National
Park, it’s home to upscale ski resorts, rustic campsites and dude
ranches." Jackson is two hours from Pinedale, and we were ready for lunch.
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| Not too busy for breakfast |
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The Virginian Lodge was not too busy to serve us an excellent breakfast before we got on the road again.
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| A cautionary tail |
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But this day was full of unexpected events. We came over a slight rise and to our left was a herd of bison. This was a free range area. There were two young males to the left of the scene below.
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| A herd of free range bison |
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| Bison male left his pal behind |
These males were frolicking and heading toward the highway where cars were already parked. If you've ever been to the Konza Biological Station outside Manhattan, KS, then you know that bison are extremely dangerous to handle. The Yellowstone National Park website even has a recommendation.
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Keep your distance (source: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm)
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But no one told the bison males they could not cross the road to the other side where there was water in the bar ditch.
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Bison male crossing the road
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| First Bison male walks right through the cars |
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| Second Bison male tries to follow |
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The other bison male tried to follow his buddy across the road, but the people taking pictures and the cars scared him too much. He turned back to the herd. Meanwhile, the rest of the herd is unconcerned.
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| Bison herd grazing peacefully |
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What did this portion of Day Seven mean to me? I was very excited to see bison in their natural habitat up close and personal. I was irritated at the people and the cars, however.
What did I learn in this portion of Day Seven? Stop the car as soon as you see the herd. Stay in your car or just outside the door if you are taking pictures. Keep your distance. Let the bison do what they are going to do without interference.
What would I do differently if Mary and I were to travel in the future? More bison. I would love to have more exposure to bison herds and their behavior. Even though I served as Konza Docent for a short time, only specific people were ever chosen to work with the bison. I was not one of them.
