Prime Time for the Famous Falls - Designed for Those New to the Park (+ Others)

I apologize to all for the delay in getting this announcement published. I actually had a different version of it ready to go on Wednesday night, but a glitch in the Meetup infrastructure "ate my homework". Actually, the vagaries of the NOAA weather forecast is more to blame than anything. Long story!

Now we have a much more refined Meetup planned. I would compare it to fine dining. It takes longer to produce exceptional quality.

The promotional photo for this event was taken on June 9th, 2021. Spring runoff was peaking. The volume of water coming over the Lower Falls was so great that it produced a column of spray almost as high as the 308 foot brink of the falls. The 109 foot Upper Falls had such a high volume of water coming over it that it more closely resembled a cascade than a waterfall. For those who appreciate statistics, the average flow over both Falls in autumn averages 680 cu. ft. per second, while during the peak of spring runoff flows up to 8,400 cu. ft per second have been measured. Yes, that is a study in contrast! Given the abundance of snow we received this past winter and the relatively warm temperatures we have seen throughout May (and we are on the threshold of another warm spell), we expect peak runoff might just be a bit early this year. Our plan is to "sneak up" on those Falls on Memorial Day with the ideal morning light at our backs, and cut loose with our cameras, shooting both stills and videos. (There is nothing as dramatic as these waterfalls in full motion with the added excitement of the characteristic large waterfall ROAR.) It's guaranteed to startle and awaken any assemblage of family sleeping off the tryptophan in the Thanksgiving Dinner when you show them the video you captured in Yellowstone!

We will be using binoculars and spotting scopes mounted on tripods to survey the canyon for osprey nests, check the ones we find for evidence of nesting, and locate the more photogenic hydrothermal features that adorn the canyon walls, some above the river, some right alongside it. Did you know there are several geysers that erupt from vents in the canyon walls, dumping water at or near the boiling point into the Yellowstone River?

The plan is to meet in Canyon Village, get organized, and car caravan to the Upper Falls view point at the Uncle Tom's trailhead. From there, we will continue east on the South Rim to Artist Point, where we will break out the binoculars and spotting scopes. On our way back north, we will stop at the Brink of the Upper Falls Overlook and visit the old Canyon Bridge. Depending on the time of day and mood of the group, we might break for lunch at one of the premier informal picnic spots along the Yellowstone River before we head downriver to Brink of the Upper Falls.

Eventually, we will leave the Grand Loop road once again, this time on the North Rim Drive, and proceed to Lookout Point for one of the best perspectives on the 308 feet tall Lower Falls. This is another primo spot for still photos, videos, and checking for osprey nests and thermal springs in the canyon. When we continue on, we will likely visit Inspiration Point for one last stop on the North Rim Drive. After that, those interested are invited to join us for a relatively flat 1.5 mile walk along the North Rim to the area where we obtain stunning views and photo opps of Silver Cord Cascade plunging over 1,200 vertical feet down the Canyon's South Wall. For you urbanites, while the Lower Falls is a few feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, Silver Cord Cascade rivals the Empire State Building if you don't count the antennas and mast.

Anyone participating in the hike on the North Rim is advised to bring bear spray, and wear it in such a way that it is immediately accessible if needed. It is tick season, so you should spray your hiking pants from just below the knees down to your boots with tick spray or insect repellent at the trailhead. As always in Yellowstone on the higher elevation East Side, dress in layers. If the wind comes up, or a cloud obscures the sun temporarily, you might want a sweater or windbreaker. The forecast for Monday at Canyon is calling for Mostly sunny skies with a High of 64, but also a 30% chance of showers. The wind should be light and variable. Sun protection is mandatory. You need to wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hiking poles are useful if you opt to hoof it out to the Silver Cord Cascade viewpoint.

This activity, while focused largely on sight and sound extravaganzas, will also be educational. We will cover some geology, glaciology, human history, hydrothermal features, including the thermophyllic bacteria that thrive in them, and wildlife biology/ecology.

For anyone new to Yellowstone, this will be a great way to jump start your compendium of knowledge. Be careful. It's addictive!

Ballpark