Day 3: Wild Wolves Woke up early to get ready for wolf tracking. Was a little unsure what to expect but in the end was very pleased with the results. Met our guide, MacNeil Lyons, at 6 AM. talked and planned our route based on what we wanted to see. We headed to Hayden Valley and set up some scopes. Saw three elk on the way. After waiting for a bit, we lucked out and saw a big grizzly too far away for a photo opt but cool none the less. After the bear ran into some folliage we lost him. Then some time passed and our guide spotted what I have been waiting my whole life to see in the wild -a wolf! After observing the one for a bit, another one joined it and before it was all over there were 4 wolves. One yearling and three pups, 2 black the others silvery-grey. We watched them through the scopes for some time then we lost them in the trees. Our guide told us more information about the wolves. By then a human pack had gathered to watch and listen and to see what was to be seen. We waited around some, and the grizzly came back. It headed towards the trees where we had last seen the wolves. The yearling came out of the trees and met the grizzly trying to divert the bear's attention from its younger charges. After some rarely witnessed wolf /bear interactions towards the end of meeting between the two species, the pups joined in the chasing the bear away.
Overall a great start to the morning. We then packed up and headed to our next location. Before making it very far, we saw a sow with two older bear cubs. We admired, then moved onward in hopes of seeing more. We drove down to Lamar Valley, stopping perodically. Saw another grizzly through the scope again and continued on our way. Saw some pronghorns and bison with the unaided eye. As we drove through Yellowstone, MacNeil told us great stories and information on just about everything, very helpful and knowledgeable. We stopped at the other wolf hot spot but after talking to the other people hanging out decided that a bear sighting further down the road would be better.
It proved to be the right choice. The grizzly was in tall grass but fairly close. Got okay pictures but overall just seeing it was worth it. After that, we started our journey back. We had set out at 6 am we came back at about 1. Saw 4 wolves, 6 grizzly, lots of elk, bison, and pronghorns, overall a eventful day.
But the day was not over yet. We drove to Mammoth Hot Springs. Saw a coyote, and pardon the pun, some mammoth formations. Ate, then drove to our lodging at Old Faithful. Saw some more elk, then reached the inn. Checked in, got settled, then ended the evening with a bang with Old Faithful being the last thing we saw before finally calling it a day.
Day 2 Oh, Bison!
Got up, packed the car, and stopped for breakfast at a place called The Virginian. After eating we hit the road heading for our hotel in the canyon area. Along the way we drove through The Tetons and stopped at the various places in Yellowstone until we reached Canyon Village.
Saw some really crazy tourists and a lot of bison as well, as the mud volcano. I think I can still smell it. Got a bit to eat, took a short rest, then off we went to look at the notable natural wonders that are Yellowstone. A lot of waterfalls and walking before we started for Lamar Valley in hopes of seeing my first wolf.
No wolf but more bison, some dear, elk, and two pronghornes as well as some beautiful scenery. Then after that crazy day, we retired to our rooms to recover.
Reminder: animals at Yellowstone are wild. Stay safe and smart.
We woke up early and headed for the lodge to get breakfast and low and behold Old Faithful is a blowing. The dark contrast of approaching storm clouds silhouetted it majestically. I took some freehand shots. After lucking out first thing in the morning, I got a bite to eat and headed for a different perspective of Old Faithful. It was great till the cloud mixed with the steam. 
After that we speed walked to Daisy Geyser and arrived just in time. Took some pictures before the rain hit. It rained on and off most of the day but between rain some great photos. After Daisy we walked around the other thermal features, took some photos of the very colorful pools, and saw a coyote too fast for a photo.
I went and waited by River Side Geyser, saw it erupt, took some picks then booked it towards the Grand Geyser where I was able to get some pictures, as well. After that we went to lunch, looked around at the various stores, went to Castle Geyser. It was not on schedule like it normally is so we headed to the visitor's center to check the times. Old Faithful was due to go off and the sky was bright blue so I waited. As I was wating some rather inconsiderate people walked right into my photo line completely blocking my view and not to mention they were not on the approved area.
So I yelled at them "Get off the Thermal!" Some people moved over and looked back but not the one's I needed to move. I gave up the battle and moved further down so they would not be in my way. Then Old Faithful starts to boil and they manged to waltz in front of me as well as several other law abiding citizens so we yelled as a group. I don't think I've ever seen people jump and move so fast. Old Faithful performed and people only got in my shoot a little. I will be able to crop them out thankfully. Overall happy with the day's results. 
So that's the day at Old Faithful. What a day! Geysers are really something else. You really don't get what they are all about without being there. 
