New Year's Eve in Yellowstone was not much different than it is in a major city. There was a celebration at both the Snow Lodge and the employee pub - both involving spirits and hors d'oevres. Also, opening the auditory senses allowed one to hear the toots and shakes of various forms of noise makers. New Years was here in full force and there was no doubt about that!
I spent my evening in a bit of a calmer fashion. I was able to catch the last Old Faithful of 2000 and the first Old Faithful of 2001. I sat at the end of the Old Faithful boardwalk nearest to Geyser Hill and the Inn so I could look down the basin while I waited. The evening was surprisingly warm and I was comfortable without gloves or a hat. There was a nice thick cloud cover that caught the illumination from the Snow Lodge and gave Old Faithful a nice glow. At about 1047, Old Faithful gave its final performance of the year. At midnight, a crowd gathered (including a coyote) to bring in the New Year in front of one of America's treasures. At 1207 (on the dot) Old Faithful gave its first performance of 2001. It was an excellent thing to see and I am glad that I had a chance to be a part of it. For those of you who might have a chance to be in Yellowstone for the winter some time, come on New Year's Eve and experience it for yourself.
The first week of the New Year has not felt like winter in Yellowstone. While the entire Northeast and Midwest section of the country has been subjected to sub-zero temperatures and several inches (to feet) of snow, it has been almost tropical here. The past three to four days there have been blue skies and temperatures in the upper thirties. We haven't had a snowstorm with decent accumulation since at least the middle of December. The road and ski trail conditions are not the best and recently, when I go to work or around the basin, I walk. I hope for snow soon - if you have any extra, send it our way!
Besides the lack of snow things have been great. The blue skies have allowed me to take some great "sunny winter day" photos. The animals are providing photographers and watchers alike with plenty to do. There have been bison, elk, coyotes, bald eagles, and even a red fox in the basin. Also, it has been great to hang around in the Snow Lodge in the evenings and talk with the visitors. It is nice to meet people from all over the country and make some friends who I hope to see back in Yellowstone in the future.
I hope to get around the park a bit over the next month. If I do, you can be sure I will give the scoop in an upcoming article. For now, take care and have a Happy New Year!
