Daily Journal

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Our first impression of our Yellowstone adventure is: cold!

When we left Raleigh at 6 a.m. the temperature was 25°F. Flying over the Appalachians, we saw snow — the first for many of us this winter season. Upon our 2 p.m. (MST) arrival at Bozeman, Montana, our flight’s captain cheerfully let us know that the temperature outside the airport was 1°F. We were about to experience the coldness and wind chill that the inhabitants of Yellowstone feel every winter’s day.

As soon as we entered Yellowstone National Park, we saw bison, elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep foraging for food beneath the snow. It’s amazing how these animals are able to survive in such extreme conditions. (Extreme indeed! This evening, the temperature dropped to almost –10°F.)

Everyone in our group is excited to experience Yellowstone in winter and each person has a learning goal they hope to fulfill while here. Some are interested in the animals, some are interested in snowflakes and weather, and some are interested in the geology and thermal features which make Yellowstone unique. With the Park practically to ourselves, we are optimistic that all our goals will be met.

Q & A for January 11