Recent Trip to Yellowstone - some traveler advice

[DavidT]

It's tricky for sure. With my wife along, bathroom facilities are sort of important.

It's also tricky with the snow, if there is any. Not sure if or where they will be plowing. Probably safe rom Gardiner to Cook City, but who really knows? There are also construction areas and they might shut those areas of the road completely down since there's no one to man the single lane traffic (or monitor any temporary lights they put in). For us, it's tough because we drive from OH to YNP (about 3 days) and it's a big commitment to get shut out or not be able to get what we want.

A lot of variables in play. Still, I can leave at the drop of a hat once things are good to go

We pack a portable toilet with a pop up cover. It’s small and does the trick in the got to go moments . I’ve got a 2 full days to get there. Sadly I can’t just go at the drop of a dime so I’m going and hoping for the best.

 

[Steve]

We pack a portable toilet with a pop up cover. It’s small and does the trick in the got to go moments . I’ve got a 2 full days to get there. Sadly I can’t just go at the drop of a dime so I’m going and hoping for the best.

I hope it works out - we're fortunate that we're in a position where we can go when we like. Honesty though, the more I honk about it, I'm not 100% sure why she's worried about the bathrooms - we used to go backpacking together and they don't have outhouses in the woods! (Well, usually). Heck, she still goes behind LandCruisers in Africa! I'll have to point that out!

 

[Abinoone]

Have fun!

We had some stuff come up and, with a potential shutdown looming, we canceled our plans for now. I'm going to wait and see what happens - this time of year I can rebook in a hurry

The usual clown show in DC screws with people’s lives and livelihoods, but when they start messing with photo trips, then I get really PO’d!

 

[Abinoone]

Wow, we're all going to be there (Oct 1-14 for me). Black Outback Wilderness with a roof top carrier.

Too funny! It’s the Steve Perry groupies!

Don’t know what kind of rental car I’ll have but just look for the Keith Richards lookalike geezer with “dated” DSLR Nikon equipment.

 

[Abinoone]

Staying in Silver Gate 20-24th, they Jackson 25-28, then some combination of Gardiner or Canyon Village from the 29-oct 3. I'll post my rental SUV when I get it on Sunday.

Hey Dave, talk about small world! I’ll be in Silver Gate 9/23-9/28, Cabin 6. Maybe I’ll see you there?

 

[PeggyBaker]

.... Black Outback Wilderness with a roof top carrier.

How do you like the Wilderness? It's a rule in Asheville that we have to drive Subarus, but we got ours before the Wilderness. (In Asheville we also have to have dogs and preferably chain saws)

 

[Steve]

How do you like the Wilderness? It's a rule in Asheville that we have to drive Subarus, but we got ours before the Wilderness. (In Asheville we also have to have dogs and preferably chain saws)

LOL

It's OK - TBH it's a bit flaky. The head unit is laggy at times (and sometimes does weird things, like randomly switching the audio source) and the CVT transmission isn't great - it has a weird downshift pattern when breaking that makes the car feel a like it's surging a bit (not like warped rotors, these are basally poorly timed downshifts). Subaru says it's normal. Overall, I like the idea of the car, but the truth is I'll probably be driving the new Land Cruiser within a year or two.

 

[DavidT]

LOL

It's OK - TBH it's a bit flaky. The head unit is laggy at times (and sometimes does weird things, like randomly switching the audio source) and the CVT transmission isn't great - it has a weird downshift pattern when breaking that makes the car feel a like it's surging a bit (not like warped rotors, these are basally poorly timed downshifts). Subaru says it's normal. Overall, I like the idea of the car, but the truth is I'll probably be driving the new Land Cruiser within a year or two.

That will be a great vehicle for a photographer.

 

[PeggyBaker]

LOL

It's OK - TBH it's a bit flaky. The head unit is laggy at times (and sometimes does weird things, like randomly switching the audio source) and the CVT transmission isn't great - it has a weird downshift pattern when breaking that makes the car feel a like it's surging a bit (not like warped rotors, these are basally poorly timed downshifts). Subaru says it's normal. Overall, I like the idea of the car, but the truth is I'll probably be driving the new Land Cruiser within a year or two.

You can still come to Asheville, that's what the fancy newcomers in the upmarket houses are driving

 

[Steve]

You can still come to Asheville, that's what the fancy newcomers in the upmarket houses are driving

Whew
Although, the new LC isn't on the road yet. They got rid of the old, bulky expensive one and have redesigned it - and made it more affordable too. That might affect how the newcomers perceive them

 

[Steve]

You can still come to Asheville, that's what the fancy newcomers in the upmarket houses are driving

You know, I was eating lunch and thinking my initial response wasn't fair about the Outback - I was only concentrating on the downside (I just got the news about the CVT being "normal" from the dealer and I'm still not thrilled).

However, to be fair, the outback has some advantages too.

I can't thank of any at the moment, but there's gotta be some

J/K

Seriously though, it's fantastic on gas milage for a lifted vehicle - I get between 27 and 29 on the highway and was lucky to get 17 in my old LC 200 Land Cruiser. It has decent ground clearance at 9.5 inches, giving it an inch more than most standard-issue 1/4 ton (1500 series) pickups. (Although, wheel travel and size are lacking of course).

Its size is perfect for our use, and it's easy to sneak into spots along the side of the road where a larger vehicle won't fit. We also added a carrier to the top which is nice for extra "stuff" - coats, tripods, supplies, etc. Plus, the carrier is easy to access thanks to the lower height of the vehicle and the fact that the rear doors open wider than most - like 90 degrees. Makes a good step.

The window is also lower than most SUVs and pickups, so you're closer to eye level when shooting from the vehicle.

Oh, and the seats are the most comfortable I've ever had in any car - and I've had BMWs, Mercedes, Lexus, and of Cours a couple of LC 200s. You can drive all day in this and it's absolutely fine. We've put on 17K miles since late March.

So, it's not all bad, the car has it's good points as well

 

[Davet188]

Heading to Silver Gate today, driving a white Grand Cherokee, Idaho plates.

Dave T

 

[RikWriter]

Heading to Silver Gate today, driving a white Grand Cherokee, Idaho plates.

Dave T

I'm still here. Red GMC Sierra with Wyoming plates.

 

[Abinoone]

Heading to Silver Gate today, driving a white Grand Cherokee, Idaho plates.

Dave T

FYI, apparently the Log Cabin Cafe is closed for the season.

 

[Abinoone]

We pack a portable toilet with a pop up cover. It’s small and does the trick in the got to go moments . I’ve got a 2 full days to get there. Sadly I can’t just go at the drop of a dime so I’m going and hoping for the best.

My Luggable Loo works great, and doesn’t ever stop up!

 

[jlh]

Starting to gear up for 9/28 departure. Can't cancel motel reservations at this point, so will trek west from central Illinois and make the best of whatever the situation is with YNP. Frankly not optimistic about that, however. But having been unable to travel for a couple years and getting old enough that I can't afford to miss any opportunities, I'll just go for it.

 

[jlh]

FYI, apparently the Log Cabin Cafe is closed for the season.

Argh. But thanks for info.

 

[jlh]

You know, I was eating lunch and thinking my initial response wasn't fair about the Outback - I was only concentrating on the downside (I just got the news about the CVT being "normal" from the dealer and I'm still not thrilled).

However, to be fair, the outback has some advantages too.

I can't thank of any at the moment, but there's gotta be some

J/K
. . . So, it's not all bad, the car has it's good points as well

Dunno, Steve . . . I took delivery of my '22 Wilderness in late June '21 and haven't looked back. Gets me lots of places I've not been able to reach before b/c of its lift and gear ratio, plus X-Mode. Was able to navigate quite a few moderate trails in the Moab area plus mountain snow. Not a rock crawler by any means, but sure does the trick for an aging outdoor photographer. And yes, those seats are really comfortable.
(Had to stick up for my buggy . . . .)

 

[Steve]

Dunno, Steve . . . I took delivery of my '22 Wilderness in late June '21 and haven't looked back. Gets me lots of places I've not been able to reach before b/c of its lift and gear ratio, plus X-Mode. Was able to navigate quite a few moderate trails in the Moab area plus mountain snow. Not a rock crawler by any means, but sure does the trick for an aging outdoor photographer. And yes, those seats are really comfortable.
(Had to stick up for my buggy . . . .)

LOL, we're traveling at the moment and a plastic thing just fell off my wife's seat an hour ago

I agree though - it gets the job done. While it can't get into the stuff other 4X4s I've owned can, for wildlife work that's seldom necessary. For the wildlife I shoot, I tend to find animals that are at least somewhat habituated - and they tend to live around relatively accessible areas

 

[gnpToday]

Have fun!

We had some stuff come up and, with a potential shutdown looming, we canceled our plans for now. I'm going to wait and see what happens - this time of year I can rebook in a hurry

Our guest that is coming to Glacier National Park next week was concerned about the possibility of government shutdown. I contacted my neighbor who is a Park ranger and he said Glacier will not close (services may be limited though). He said that in 2011 they shut the park down and that there was so much blow-back that they will not do that again. Hopefully this applies to Yellowstone!

I would suggest calling the Park Service, they would be able to confirm their plans.

 

[Davet188]

Hey Dave, talk about small world! I’ll be in Silver Gate 9/23-9/28, Cabin 6. Maybe I’ll see you there?

With limited wifi, I missed you. In west Yellowstone now. Front desk said they were informed that the park gates will be closes on Oct 1 if Govt shuts down. Apparently thus came from the local business group.

 

[DavidT]

With limited wifi, I missed you. In west Yellowstone now. Front desk said they were informed that the park gates will be closes on Oct 1 if Govt shuts down. Apparently thus came from the local business group.

Really?!? I’m leaving Gardner in the morning for West Yellowstone for a few days.

 

[Davet188]

I'm at the Stage Coach Inn. White Jeep Cherokee. I'll try to keep checking the forum. Let me know if you want to meet up. I'll be heading to Gardiner Saturday. Friday morning around sunrise Ill be in a pull out on the west entrance road/Madison river tracking a bull elk and his harem. Trying to get a video of him bugling.

 

[DavidT]

I'm at the Stage Coach Inn. White Jeep Cherokee. I'll try to keep checking the forum. Let me know if you want to meet up. I'll be heading to Gardiner Saturday. Friday morning around sunrise Ill be in a pull out on the west entrance road/Madison river tracking a bull elk and his harem. Trying to get a video of him bugling.

Been in gardner since Monday and between gardner and mammoth there are all the elk you could imagine!
We are at the Kelly Inn white Ford Tremor from
TX.

 

[Davet188]

I think all the elk moved into that area.