This morning we started out a little earlier than we had been, in hopes of catching more wolves or bears in action. We drove around in the Lamar Valley for awhile, but it didn’t sound like there was any activity. After this we decided to try our luck in finding the elusive pika. We drove to a promising spot and within minutes of arriving, we saw our first pika. I decided to hang out and try to take pictures as he moved back and forth between his den and the grass. This paid off, as I got multiple shots. We hung around and observed/took pictures of the pikas. After we finished observing the pika, we were packing up to leave and found that we had lost two members of our group. We then spent the next 10 to 20 minutes looking for them, and thankfully found them.

Our afternoon started with a drive to the trailhead that would serve for our afternoon activity. We then sat out in the sun and enjoyed our lunch before starting our hike for the afternoon. We then hiked a trail that is originally just used during the winter time. As we hiked we asked questions and listened to stories and facts about different species. Our last spot for the day involved stopping at the hot springs in Mammoth Hot Springs. We spent an hour in the water, which is extremely bipolar and could range in temperature from scalding hot to freezing cold. As you sit in one spot, the water flows by and will constantly change temperature anywhere in the range. I’m sad to say this was our last day with Shauna, and hope to see her again in my future. I’m excited to see what my last day in Yellowstone will bring tomorrow.