LR-DSC01643.jpg

Hi.

Welcome to my photo/travel blog. Hope you have a nice stay!

Yellowstone in Winter

Yellowstone in Winter

In January, 1995 we flew out to Jackson Hole, WY to spend a week in Yellowstone National Park in mid-winter. This was a wonderful trip as the park is magical in the winter with very few visitors and easy access to the iconic Yellowstone wildlife. As we expected and hoped, there was a lot of snow on the ground and it continued to come down in the days that we were there. In those days the only way into the central region of the park, near Old Faithful, was to reserve a seat on the snowcoach, which was a cross between a small bus and a snowmobile. At that time private snowmobiles were not allowed in the park, which unfortunately is no longer true. We boarded the bus at the southern end of the park and rode to the Old Faithful Lodge where we had booked a room. The main activity during the day was to cross-country ski around the basin as well as along nice trails in the woods.

Lil with the snowcoach and ski rack at the end of the ride

Lil with the snowcoach and ski rack at the end of the ride

LR-1995 Jan YS-03-03.jpg

The scenery is spectacular in the winter with heavy snow and few visitors.

LR-1995 Jan YS-01-02.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-03.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-21 (2).jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-02-05.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-33.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-34.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-20.jpg

Cross-country skiing

At that time the only way to get around was to cross country ski or snowshoe. There were relatively few visitors, compared to the summer crowd, so one had the ski trails almost to yourself.

LR-1995 Jan YS-01-36.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-16.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-25.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-23.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-26.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-19.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-32.jpg
In general the ski trails were not difficult but there were some problematic spots

In general the ski trails were not difficult but there were some problematic spots

LR-1995 Jan YS-02-04.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-36.jpg
You can get idea of the snow depth by the height of the shelf at the pay phones

You can get idea of the snow depth by the height of the shelf at the pay phones

LR-1995 Jan YS-01-31.jpg

Thermal activity

One of the attractions of Yellowstone at any time of the year is the thermal activity, geysers and hot springs, which become more spectacular in the winter as there is more steam generated. The geyser area near Old Faithful is the hub of the winter activity.

LR-1995 Jan YS-01-09.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-07.jpg
Old Faithful in the winter. In the summer, the crowds would be three deep surrounding the geyser.

Old Faithful in the winter. In the summer, the crowds would be three deep surrounding the geyser.

LR-1995 Jan YS-01-12.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-04.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-02-15.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-02-16.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-02-10.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-01-13.jpg

Wildlife

A spectacular aspect of Yellowstone in the winter are the elk that come down from the high country to join the bison and gather in the lower elevations near the thermal areas. It’s also a lesson in survival to watch them pushing down into the deep snow to look for grass to eat in the bone-chilling cold.

A Yellowstone tableau: elk, buffalo and a hotel in the background

A Yellowstone tableau: elk, buffalo and a hotel in the background

It’s not uncommon to see wildlife on the cross country ski trails

It’s not uncommon to see wildlife on the cross country ski trails

Everyone carries on snow on their muzzle

Everyone carries on snow on their muzzle

LR-1995 Jan YS-02-22.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-27.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-29.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-26.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-22.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-31.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-21.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-04-13.jpg
A scenic lunch spot with visitors

A scenic lunch spot with visitors

National Elk Refuge

We returned to Jackson Hole by way of the snowcoach and rental car to catch our flight home. However, a big snowstorm hit which closed down the airport so we had to stay in a motel in Jackson Hole for a few extra days to wait out the storm. This was fine as there is lots to do in the town, highlighted by the National Elk Refuge which is just a few miles outside. To see the vast herds of elk we had to take a horse-drawn buggy from the parking lot. The day we went there were periods of near white-out conditions from the blowing snow.

LR-1995 Jan YS-03-07.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-03-09.jpg
LR-1995 Jan YS-03-11.jpg

Please note: All text and photos are copyrighted to Tom Yin. You are welcome to share the URL, however re-production of text or photos is not permitted. If you would like to feature this story, contact me and I would be happy to provide you with details, photos, text etc. Thanks!

Czech Republic

Czech Republic

Moon Kite of the Diamantina

Moon Kite of the Diamantina