June 12, 2006
 This morning, Park Ranger Ellen Petrick led us on a trail not generally open to the public. We used our laser thermometer to measure the temperature of one of the hot springs — it was 121°F! Being able to experience these springs up-close has given us all a great understanding and appreciation for their beauty. We were privileged to meet with Dr. Bruce Fouke from the University of Illinois, who studies geology, microbiology and genomics of coral reefs, Mammoth Hot Springs and the search for life on Mars! It was inspirational to hear from a scientist who so well expresses the importance of studying the big picture and linking things together. We hope to be able to inspire our students in the same way that Bruce inspired us this morning.
 On our way to Roosevelt we met an old friend of the workshop leaders — a coyote that they photographed last year, recognizable by is ear tags and radio collar. From his scraggly coat and slight limp, it looked as though he’d had a bad year.
 Although we learned about bear behavior yesterday from Park Ranger George Heinz, we were not prepared for what we saw at the end of the day. We observed an adolescent grizzly testing elk, bison and pronghorn antelope by walking amongst and running at them. We were electrified when he swam across the river and came up the hill between us and another group of bear watchers. It was obvious he had sensed us and was alarmed because the grizzly was running at full speed up the slope. Watching this bear and being so close to nature in this place has been a life-changing experience for many of us.
Q & A for June 12
More Pictures
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