We found the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Artist Point. How magnificent and awe-inspiring WOW it is Grand! We got there a little before dusk and the colors of the canyons were changing with shadows, making for some interesting photography. The road to the lower falls is closed but the upper falls is just super. Jim says that noon sun is the time to photography the canyon, so we are going back. The walk up and down is showing on Jim, he was a smoker for 30 years but quit over 20 years ago. At 8000 + feet he has to move slower and has problem breathing.

We took the south loop of Yellowstone from Old Faithful to Artist Point. The Yellowstone Lake is huge. Jim is getting an itch to go fly-fishing so he hopes to get his fishing licenses today. To fly fish in Yellowstone you need a permit, a three-day permit is $15, $20 for seven days and $35 for an annual permit for all 16 and up. On the west entrance from West Yellowstone there is an American Eagle nest with one fledgling. Everyday we pass by the nest. Yesterday the fledgling was trying out his wings while Momma Eagle watched from a nearby tree. Last evening the fledgling was sitting in a nearby tree. Soon he will be gone. We were treated to an up close view of both Mr. and Mrs. Eagle.

We saw many buffalo and elk today, Jim complains, “They are always back lit”. But still no bears or close up moose. We did see napping moose! When they rest or sleep they lay down flat and are hard to see in the tall grass. But we did find a Mexican restaurant in West Yellowstone. The owner is from Salt Lake City and the prices, like everything else in Yellowstone, are a little pricey but the food was pretty good. There are two stuffed grizzly bears in the restaurant. That may be as close as we get to bears.

It was in the 60’s again getting down into the 30’s at night. We turned on our heaters and were very cozy. I haven’t been keeping you updated on “Squeek,” our cat. He does not want to go outside anymore (just looks outside) and he loves to be combed. At home he goes in and out all day. He is grey and white but being a little overweight and with short legs he has a hard time keeping that tummy clean. Now with all the combing and staying inside his tummy is a beautiful white. He entertains himself with his leash. I have it fastened to a clothes hook on the closet door. With the door open it dangles in the hallway. He has never been able to resist a string, shoelace or anything dangling. He spends each morning biting and swatting the leash. He is still a playful cat at age 5 going on 6. We love him! He owns the place!