Moose Quest Begins Anew

Well, the moose quest I've been on for years has taken a slight change of course. My quest has been to find a moose with a full rack and be able to photograph it. Tonight there was a strange knock at the door while we were gone. Blanche called to tell us about it. We weren't too worried, thinking that she had perhaps heard the washing machine in the spin cycle.

When we arrived home we found the following sitting on the front porch.



Though it doesn't exactly complete my quest, it certainly adds a fun twist to the adventure. He has found a special place in our living room but meanwhile, the quest continues. We'll call in Stan for finger printing and his investigative services.

Thanks to the folks who surprised us with this new addition to the moose quest library of photos. Reveal yourself or you will be found!

Yellowstone Buffalo Fight

Here is the video I promised that documents some of the events that occurred just as we were leaving Yellowstone. Quite interesting to say the least. Go full screen and turn up the volume.

Sorry for the duplication for the Facebook folks. Several people interested are not on FaceBook.

Yellowstone Geyser Basin

As you probably know, a good portion of Yellowstone is in the cauldron of an old volcano. Just about every part of Yellowstone has something either steaming or spewing. The geyser basin is probably the most well know part of Yellowstone, primarily because of the geyser Old Faithful.

We hit the basin on a very good day. We saw 5 geyser eruptions in just 4 hours. I heard one of the faithful geyser watchers comment to his friend, "If folks here today knew that seeing more than 2 geysers in a day is unusual, they would appreciate what they're seeing even more." I didn't realize that but they were all a sight to behold.

Here are photos of the geysers. Each is unique.


Beehive geyser is named after the beehive shape of its spout. On a day with calm winds Beehive can spout to over 200 feet. A knowledgeable geyser watcher told us that beehive reached about 170 during the eruption we witnessed.



Grand Geyser doesn't shoot quite as high but its fountain is very wide. Occasionally it will spout more than once during an eruption. On our day we witnessed two back to back eruptions. That is really a treat. Kind of like an encore.





This is Old Faithful at sunset. We saw Old Faithful go off 3 times. Once just after we arrived, again after watching Beehive and Grand, and then another time at sunset (above) just after eating dinner.

It is interesting to met other visitors and hear their stories about Yellowstone. One lady, somewhat disabled, told us that she and her husband had been coming to Yellowstone for years. She has never visited in Winter and wants to do that some day. She likes watching Old Faithful (she would have some trouble getting to other geysers due to the walk) and says each time is a thrill. I agree.

Nan commented that it is so nice that much of Yellowstone can be enjoyed by people whose physical condition doesn't allow them to hike long distances. Much of the wildlife, hot springs, geysers, and just landscape beauty can be seen from the car or just a short distance down a level path.

If you have never been to Yellowstone, you ought to visit. Since the Tetons are close, be certain to see them as well.

Leaving Yellowstone - Grand Tetons

No moose on this trip. However, other wildlife was aboundant. We saw 5 grizzly bears, 1 black bear, 1 fox, 1 wolf, several deer and antelope. Other critters include squirrels, chipmonks, raccons, and various birds.

We left Yellowstone on Saturday morning. We had quite an adventure getting out of Yellowstone. We have video and I'll try to post it. Story at 11.

Leaving through the South Entrance you move into the area of the Grand Tetons. This is the second time I have passed through the Tetons in a day. I'm thinking that this area deserves more attention since the moose population seems to be greater here.

Here are some photos from the Teton region. There was a rain storm moving through the area as we arrived. It made for some interesting photography.

Here is a fence row at a stop we made next to the Tetons. The shot is black and white.



Here are the Teton Valley and the Tetons during the storm.





Finally, there is often a rainbow after the storm. We were treated to a double rainbow. The last one of these I recall seeing was years ago on a trip with mom and dad in the Smokies.


We are in Denver tonight. Our path home is a bit slow. We're somewhat car weary and trying not to make the days too long.

God has created a wonderful world for us to live in. The beauty we've seen makes it easy to get attached to our home here. We need to remember that a far more beautiful home awaits us in heaven. The wonders there have to be far greater. This world serves as a testament to how great the God is that we serve.

Psalm 19: 1-6 says:

"1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat."

Though we see God's great power in His creation, we cannot know His will or desire for us without spending time with His word. The Psalm goes on to say:

"7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."

Take time to view His creation and be reminded of just how great He is. Then take up your Bible and learn how loving He is. As we are moved by his greatness and goodness, we want to respond. His word teaches us how to respond to Him in the way that please him.

Sorry for the sermon...I have been deeply moved on this trip and wanted to share some thoughts.