Return to Lamar Valley

We have been told by the Park Rangers that we are lucky to be experiencing weather patterns that are unseasonably warm, 70s and 30s. This is 10-20 degrees warmer than normal and they had snow here this time last year. We wanted to return to the Lamar Valley on Tuesday, and while there, travel on further to the Northeast Entrance gate to Cooke City. This retraces an area where we exited the park when we brought Ben here. I cannot adequately explain nor can pictures depict the pure natural beauty of this area and the feeling of awe when you are in this area. My serious fishing time was curtailed somewhat due to the moving herds of buffalo that chose my favorite fishing area as their thoroughfare, even swimming thru my fishing hole - Charlcie took a video but it wouldn't upload). With the flare-up of the "Antelope Fire" blocking the sun and casting a bronze haze across the valley, Charlcie and I retreated to our chairs and just observed as dusk was setting in - herds of buffalo moving briskly across the valley to their nighttime destinations, two antelope chasing each other at full speed and darting among the buffalo, and other wildlife getting positioned for the most opportune time for predators and the most dangerous period for their prey. Don't mean to sound too corny, but it really is a moving experience. Also had the pleasure of meeting another professional photographer today. Frank Hildebrand focuses on wildlife and his fantastic images can be viewed on his website, www.hildebrandphotography.com Retired fire truck in Cooke City. Past its prime but retaining a lot of character from years of experiences - kinda like Charlcie and me We had breakfast here 18 years ago Northeast Entrance to the Park Baronette Peak; the white spot in the middle is a baby mountain goat - the mother was resting. We saw them thru a friendly person's spotting scope Bison herd loitering around my favored fishing spots - I retreated Smoke from the fire over the mountain blocks the sun - creating an otherworldly feel Smoke filtering the sun - the sun appeared as a bright red ball What a scene! Miles of the most beautiful valley I did catch a couple more cutthroat and missed several more A little friend that I encountered several times