Kim (skyking4ar2) Bertram
Moderator Emeritus
Well, for those who have been hibernating, the YNP Rally is just a little over 90 days away, and we'll use this post to keep folks up with things they need to know, which should be especially helpful for the new folks (and there's a bunch!) who are coming.
If you need a refresher, here's the rally announcement, and here are the expected attendees and some other important info.
Starting down the list of things to be mindful of:
Binoculars, cameras, stuff to see stuff with - the sights are many and often, but at a distance - the longest lenses, biggest binoc's, etc. will help you cover the vastness and the animals in their natural cover
Layered clothing and good footgear - weather in May is very changeable, and you need to prepare for temps in the 30's to 60's. If you plan to hike some, and there are many opportunities, think some boots, not tennies....
Stocked pantry - West Yellowstone, while it has several grocery stores, may not have the selection of things you are used to, so hit the Walmart or whatever on the way in for most of your goodies and fill in. You may not enjoy premium prices in the area and going elsewhere may cost you a half a day.
Bottle water and things to eat in the park - while several of the venues will be open in the park, we have found it important to carry drinks and sammies or whatever, because those stops are a LONG way between each other. If you are sugar sensitive, as I am, you'll learn the trick about carrying something interesting to eat as a backup.
Fuel - while there is fuel in the park, it is expensive, and again, far apart. Think keeping your tank full on the way into the park and you won't be disappointed. It's only 2.9 million acres...
A GPS mapping program on your personal device - cell signals are almost non-existent except at Old Faithful and it wasn't great. I have had good luck with CoPilot which is based off the GPS on your phone, not your cell signal. There are others.
Others who have been in the park will be sharing their info here as well, and I encourage that.
It's going to be a great time with plenty of diversity for all! Get crackin' and start packin' !!
See ya soon!
If you need a refresher, here's the rally announcement, and here are the expected attendees and some other important info.
Starting down the list of things to be mindful of:
Binoculars, cameras, stuff to see stuff with - the sights are many and often, but at a distance - the longest lenses, biggest binoc's, etc. will help you cover the vastness and the animals in their natural cover
Layered clothing and good footgear - weather in May is very changeable, and you need to prepare for temps in the 30's to 60's. If you plan to hike some, and there are many opportunities, think some boots, not tennies....
Stocked pantry - West Yellowstone, while it has several grocery stores, may not have the selection of things you are used to, so hit the Walmart or whatever on the way in for most of your goodies and fill in. You may not enjoy premium prices in the area and going elsewhere may cost you a half a day.
Bottle water and things to eat in the park - while several of the venues will be open in the park, we have found it important to carry drinks and sammies or whatever, because those stops are a LONG way between each other. If you are sugar sensitive, as I am, you'll learn the trick about carrying something interesting to eat as a backup.
Fuel - while there is fuel in the park, it is expensive, and again, far apart. Think keeping your tank full on the way into the park and you won't be disappointed. It's only 2.9 million acres...
A GPS mapping program on your personal device - cell signals are almost non-existent except at Old Faithful and it wasn't great. I have had good luck with CoPilot which is based off the GPS on your phone, not your cell signal. There are others.
Others who have been in the park will be sharing their info here as well, and I encourage that.
It's going to be a great time with plenty of diversity for all! Get crackin' and start packin' !!
See ya soon!