Yellowstone - Day 3 and the trout incident

Spent the day driving the northern half of Yellowstone. We also decided to take the route out to the northeast exit which passes through the Lamar Valley as we had never been there before. It was well worth it. It is fantastic and such a different area than the rest of Yellowstone. We saw huge herds of bison in the valley as well as some antelope.

We came across an area where a bison had died. A gray wolf was on the corpse when we pulled into the area. But, it retreated into the sage brush before I got set for a picture. The wolf in this area is quite a find. Though the wolf pack, known as the Druids, that occupied the Lamar Valley was the largest pack in the park a couple of years ago, followers feared that it had been wiped out by a combination of disease and pack members leaving and forming new packs. This pack was very popular among visitors because they were so easily spotted.

This was a very unique area as it was a swollen river with several small islands. On one of the small islands, there was a female moose. It was sitting for most of the time. When it did stand, we were driving away. We did get lucky though and found a second moose down the road which we did get pictures of. The internet here is a bit tempermental so I won't upload photos tonight but will try at the next hotel.

We had a mild accident in the afternoon. I accidentally backed into a lady's rental car. She was parked by us at a scenic turnout and pulled out first. I thought they left. But, for some reason they pulled behind our van and stopped. No severe damage - just a little ding above the rear tire on their rental care.

Decided to try a new restaurant in West Yellowstone called the Montana Cattle Company. My brother and I went. We both ordered trout. I noticed on the menu that it stated that it was served with the head still on. So, I mentioned this to my brother so it didnt shock him. No issue there. We were served and began eating. He cut his head off first. After a few minutes, the waitress came back and asked how everything was. My brothers response....he took the fish head, held it up facing her, used his hands to make its mouth open and said "nom nom nom". I nearly died.

We continue to eat. I continue to pray that nothing else happens (I took the fish head away at that point). After the bus boy takes his plate, my brother noticed a black thing on this place mat. He says "what is this" and picks it up. He turns it over and then shouts "It's an eye!" and throws it down. The poor lady next to us couldnt contain her laughter. Everytime she looked over, she laughed.

My brother did pay for the meal though....least he could do.

Off to Whitefish, Montana tomorrow.