ONTARIO to YELLOWSTONE : Snakes, bears and wolves - - -
Today is an early start – good for some – definitely not good for others! Our wake up call for 5.30am frightens the tripe out of all of us and we open our eyes, blink a few times and think where the bloody hell are we? Getting out of bed and bumbling around slowly realising ‘ah yes, the holiday’ we manage to pack our bags, take them to the car and then discover the joys of breakfast. A continental breakfast is included – for me - juice, coffee, toast and fruit jelly. Everyone has enough to get us going and we set off for our first little adventure – a cruise down the Snake River. We have to be there to set sail at 10am – hence the early start to the day. I keep on telling K & T how relaxing it will be cruising down the river – but they glare at me with their ‘yeah right’ eyes!!
We need to get petrol so we stop at a place called ‘Stinker Fuel Stop’. The place has a picture of a skunk – only in America. Was not too sure whether the actual place was called Stinker or it was just the service station. Another great mystery of life and more photos through the laughter. Two hours later the scenery has changed again from open fields to rocky landscapes and high rocky cliffs. After a couple of adventurous detours admiring the scenery (read getting lost – refer AAA Trip Tik) we arrive at our destination. A nice, quiet scenic spot right on the Snake River. This is the destination of our 1000 Springs Tour. We are the only ones there on the wharf and we begin to think ‘are we in the right place?’ Finally about 20 people turn up – some with children (oh no) and we all get on the boat and set off. The river is not sparkling because it is a rural area but the surface is as smooth as glass. It is very relaxing just choofing along listening to the water lap the sides of the boat and everyone is well-behaved. Lots of photo opportunities – but we seem to be on the wrong side of the boat for Kodak moments so we just relax and enjoy because we will get lots of chances to take our photos when we turn around and come back. We see some blue heron and osprey and the water springs are very picturesque. Some of the original 1000 Springs have been replaced however by an electricity plant – what a shame – although there are still a few springs left, it would have been majestic in earlier days. My relax time is over and I now have the DVD and my other camera going 100 kmh.
We cruise up the Snake River and see where the spring water comes into the river. Where this happens the water is warm and full of fish. It is crystal clear and we see some divers – maybe they are learners? Take photos of course. It is a 2 hour cruise and did I mention it was very relaxing? It puts our minds and bodies back into a state of calm which is just as well because we have a 4 and half hour drive to Yellowstone ahead of us. The gentleman who operates the cruise tells us some of the local history about those who settled here and then passed their farms to their children whose families are still here. Either on top of the ground or underneath it! He hands around photos of the ‘olden’ days including photos of giant sturgeon who used to inhabit this river. This has been a wonderful time but back at the dock we have to get off the boat and on the road again. Thanking our captain and crew for a most relaxing and interesting time we head to the car and I bet that it is thinking ‘not them again!’ Driving through Idaho we see the town signs of Pocatello (remember Judy Garland in A Star is Born singing ‘I was born in a trunk in the Princess Theatre’) and Desmoines. A little musical interlude follows but my noble tones are not appreciated and I am threatened with physical violence!! Where are the police when you need them!
The scenery continues to change - rocky outcrops and fossil beds (not enough time to explore) – then open farmland with towering mountains in the distance – back to rocks and open land then as we get closer to Montana the gigantic green trees return. What a wonderful place. We arrive at our hotel – Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, West Yellowstone. Doesn’t that sound impressive? A nice comfortable room and out the window is a Kodak moment - the Stars and Stripes waving welcome in the breeze. I am easily pleased but unfortunately I was too busy taking movies and forgot to take a still photo! Klutz!!! After unpacking and settling in we decide to visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre which is just a short walking distance away. 
What an amazing place. It is for orphaned and injured bears and wolves that would not have survived in the wild. 
We even get to have our very own Teddy Bear moment – see right - There are about 6 wolves and around 6 to 8 bears and 2 or 3 are let out together to romp around.
The park rangers hide food for them so that they have to forage and find it – just like in the wild. One bear, Sam, is huge and he puts on a show for us having a bit of a tussle with another bear – his sister Illie. They look so cuddly but they could rip your head off with a single swipe of their huge claws! I start to sing ‘The Teddy Bears Picnic’ – alas more threats. The wolves are not as active as the bears, they have a little wander around, have a drink, have another wander around and give us all the once over and then go back to sleep until they hear the wild wolves in Yellowstone calling when they spring into action full steam ahead and we get a lovely serenade. 
When it is time for us to leave we look up and see the most magnificent sunset, not the brilliant reds and oranges of Oz – this one is very calming and is saying ‘come and see this big, beautiful country.’
The exit is through the Gift Shop (of course) where we get more fridge magnets and souvenirs. Something will have to be done about the spending – there will not be any room left in the car! Dinner tonight is an easy choice - the Golden Arches of course where we take our provisions back to the hotel room and gladly munch away. We all look forward to a good night’s sleep and dreams of cuddly teddy bears! Another early start tomorrow – 7am – which is really better than the 5.30am start today.
Highlight of the day : being so close to those incredible bears!
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