This guy was content to take up half the trail.

We began the day with a leisurely hike up Mt. Washburn.  The trail was wide and open, and lined with a variety of wildflowers.  About 2/3 of the way up the trail we found the herd of resident bighorn sheep.  They were happily sitting in the middle of the path; we eventually (gingerly) slalomed our way through them.  We also had some nice panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

View from the top of Mt Washburn

A fire watch tower sits at the top of Mt. Washburn.  The ranger stays there for several months during the summer, monitoring wildfires.  Their efficiency residence is small and glass-enclosed, and sits on top of a publicly-accessible resting and observation area.

This bear doesn't like bikers.

After hiking back down the mountain, we drove to Tower Falls.  Along the way, we found a rather large traffic jam.  Eventually, we realized that people were stopped to watch a black bear cub and mama.  However, three motorcyclists did not want to wait in line, and loudly zoomed around everyone.  Mama bear didn’t mind (fortunately!), but Baby bear jumped (I mean, levitated) about 3′ off the ground and grasped a tree trunk.

Flying mud at the volcano.

After the bear excitement, we continued on to Tower Falls and the Mud Volcano.  We were able to see the flying mud and get back to the car before the rain began.

Hanging out at the geysers.

That night we got pizza for dinner, and watched the sun set across the lake.  We also spotted a rainbow, got some crow personality shots, and saw Old Faithful.