1 – I love to read books about escapes, tragedies or deaths of people (mainly stupid people) out in nature. Each year I go to Yellowstone, I buy a new book to add to my growing collection. So far I have Bear Attacks, Man Eaters, Danger Stalks the Land, and Death in Yellowstone (a classic). I particularly love watching people in the park that think they are faster than a buffalo (which can be larger than your car). It makes me feel like I am in one of my books...except for the part when I actually see them running and screaming for dear life. Any suggestions on which book I should read next?
2 – I play a type of bingo game in the park. It involves using the printed brochure as a guide to all the animals that I need to find during my entire trip. I have seen almost all the animals listed, except for that darn yellow-bellied marmot, the bighorn sheep, and the Pika. The hardest part about the game is that I force myself to start the game over each year. I was even given binoculars for my birthday so that I could find those little creatures. 3 – I really enjoy floating down the Snake River in a canoe or a raft. OK, I particularly love doing it in a raft because it takes twice as long and I have more time to enjoy the sun and scenery. My favorite part so far is Box Canyon because of the rapids and rocks that you have to dodge (or risk getting a hole in the raft). Although one can’t really float down the river in the park, I figure it should count since the Snake River does runs through the park.
4 – I have the worst geyser luck on the planet. The first time I went to see Old Faithful it was dark, so I only heard it. The second time I went to see Old Faithful, I missed it by two minutes and was told that I would have to stick around for another 90+ minutes before it would go off again. The third time I went, it went off as we were getting out of the car and I only saw it from a distance. If only I could see Old Faithful go off as often as I see warnings signs about buffalo goring's. *Sigh*
5 - My favorite time of day to go into the park is in the early morning - mainly because everything is just waking up (including people so it is less crowded). If you haven't had a chance to go to the park, I definitely suggest that you to find some time and take the drive. You never know, you might be surprised at who you end up following.
