Day 12: Grizzly and Wolf Center and the Ranch

Good morning Montana!   To me there is nothing more pure, natural, and beautiful than a sunrise in the mountains.  Every member of The Crew woke up early to a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and homemade fries.  They then loaded the bus to our adventure back to West Yellowstone.  The Grizzly and Wolf Center did not disappoint.  Going on a guided tour for the first 45 minutes, the Park employee explained the significance of wolf packs (calm down NC State Fans. . . you are not playing the mighty Tar Heels!) and the composition of both alphas and betas.  We saw a few birds, including an owl.  Yes this may be a rendition of a child's game of Where's Waldo but can you find the owl in the picture?  The Crew was amazed at how large the grizzle bears were and how they immediately look for food when they are released into their fenced area.

We drove back to 320 Guest Ranch for a hamburger and brat lunch.  The Crew was very excited after lunch because we were starting our annual volleyball tournament.  As you see by the pictures, each team decked out in their uniform and showed off their muscles for the camera.  Unfortunately we only completed 11 of the 15 scheduled games due to rain; however we plan on finishing the volleyball tournament today!  I will say the most clever team name was named after our bus driver:  Clarence Clearwater Revival.  Cabin time followed the postponed volleyball tournament due to the rainy conditions.  On a good note, we were able to dress up in our Grand Western Tour T-Shirts for our annual group picture before the rain started again.

After our picture, The Crew marched to the point for a cookout consisting of new york strip steaks, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans,  salad, and of course to cap off the meal. . . SMORES!!!  Last night concluded one of my favorite meals on the trip.  As the sun went down and the Ranch became less lit, we were reminded of natures natural beauty and how peaceful it can be.  Perhaps the hardest thing about the photos above is to not be jealous of what we are doing and seeing on a daily basis.  Until tomorrow. . . Signing off GWT!