Rafting on the Upper Yellowstone River 7/16/09

Where we picked up our kayak.



Deer drinking (and watching us!) in right photo.

Osprey landing in tree, middle photo.

Our weather forecast for Thursday was sunny and 88F, so we reserved a tandem inflatable kayak to zip down the snaky Yellowstone. That morning we packed the deflated kayak & gear into Smartie (surprise!), and put in at Emigrant. Didn't have to do much paddling as the current was still running a fast 5 mph. Three blissful hours later we pulled the kayak out at Mallard's Rest (approx 15 river miles). We had a shuttle service move Smartie for us, quite handy. We enjoyed watching the young buck drinking and osprey's fishing. Didn't see anyone swimming in the chilly 58F water! Wouldn't it be grand to own property on/near the water? You betcha!