26 Jun 2023
Bison, bears, and pronghorns, oh my! Nolan, our tour guide, arrived promptly at 5:30 am. He provided binoculars, drinks, snacks, and lunch with items my diabetic husband could eat.
We headed toward Lamar Valley and before long, viewed a few bison grazing. Nolan had been raised in Gardiner and he and his wife had started their own business a few years ago. His work experience previously with tours and recently, demonstrated his knowledge, awareness and appreciation for wildlife and nature. He knew the history of Yellowstone and answered any questions we had without reservation. I had told him that I especially wanted to see wolves and bears. Other tour guides were in different areas and when they spotted animals, they would send out a message communicating what they were viewing. At times Nolan would turn the vehicle around and head to the spot where there was a sighting. I enjoyed watching him set up his camera and equipment for us to view the animal-s. On one occasion, a female grizzly bear was spotted with her two cubs. How rewarding to see mom leisurely in the meadow, while the cubs scampered about amusing all present. Not done yet. It was lunchtime, and we viewed the two cubs suckling Mom. Amazing!
We also saw herds of bison and other bears. Nolan would be driving and spot a bull elk and on a couple of occasions, pronghorns with their young. He would stop for us to view or just pull off the road. There were also bathroom breaks.
To view and inhale the nature surrounding us of trees, growth and streams, as well as wildlife, how could we forget this adventure. I would highly recommend Nolan and Yellowstone Journeys for tours.