Despite a tragic bear/human encounter 15 miles away three days earlier, Tim, Dana, Lulu the dog, and I hoofed into the Yellowstone Wilderness Saturday morning. Why? Big beautiful cutthroat trout. This is Tim’s favorite creek to fish in all of Wyoming and we were excited to give it a try.
Sad and Chilling Reminder at Soda Butte Campground
All Smiles Early into the Hike
Lulu Leads the Way
3 things gave us comfort despite the possible wildlife danger:
- The bad bear had been caught
- There has never been an attack on a group of four and Lulu definitely counts
- The odds were in our favor.
A Beautiful Morning after a Restless Backcountry Night
Yellowstone Beauty
Payoff!
On the Way Home
We practiced good bear awareness, thanks to many loud hollered “whoops” and Tim’s heavy pack hanging skills, and the 14 mile trip went off without a hitch. And the payoff for a relatively sleepless night in one of the most remote places in the US was huge. The fish are big and hungry. The scenery is beautiful. And there is an Artichoke in Tarragon Butter at the Beartooth Cafe waiting for you at the end. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Toasting with Artichoke - Please Excuse the New Wide Angle Lens
MOM B
August 3, 2010 at 6:52 am
So good to see and hear from you both. PLEASE be careful and avoid the bears if possible!!! More frequent blogs would be appreciated. You know how moms worry!! Love you both!!!
Sam Smith
August 4, 2010 at 10:35 am
Ah, Cooke City… I hope you gave the old man who thought Steph and I were “hash” dealers some love for me!