We have a forest fire burning not too far from here...No....not headed this way, but it really got riled up today with strong gusty winds. It started the 26th of July with lightning, and they decided that it wasn't threatening any structure, so they would use it to clear some of the dead trees up there and help kill off the pine beetles that are wrecking the forest, and killing trees. There's about 170 fire fighters at  base camp staging area. They work in shifts and sleep in tents. Most are mutual aid from other states. They've been running a couple of helicopters with a big bucket that they drop in the reservoir below is and then take it up and dump it on hot spots. Tonight  is the first time you can see the flames and the smoke was really moving. The wind is really blowing. DH talked to one of the firefighters tonight and they said if it keeps goin, they'll call in more help. At one time they had 5 helicopters goin. I've been tryin to get a picture of one every time they come by, but they're too high, I finally got one today that you can kinda see.

We went into Cody today and bought enough stuff to last for the whole weekend. There's a Motorcycle Rally starting tomorrow through the weekend in Cody and I don't think that's any place I want to be!!!! They have a poker run through Yellowstone on Saturday so won't be up there either. Probably go check out some towns across the border in Montana. We had a bite of lunch and then went up to Yellowstone for our first tour! Got an Annual Pass for $50.00 that covers both Yellowstone and Teton National Park. The fire and pine beetle damage there was really bad on this side. We stopped for a bit at Sylvan lake, Then stopped on the beach of Yellowstone Lake, but didn't get out....there were 4 ft. waves coming in!! There's bear warnings everywhere....we had to stop on the road because there were a ton on people stopped taking pictures of a big old buffalo standing right along the road. You'll see how close we got! Some of the people were walking right up to it....STUPID!!! DH saw a big buck standing in some trees but we couldn't stop. We have a lot more trips in to make. Hope to see more wildlife. DH just came in from a potty walk with the dogs and it's dark now, he said it's all a red glow directly North of here now. We stopped to check on taking some planned tours from Yellowstone Hotel, but they all start way too early! I guess I'm elected to be chief trip planner and tour guide, and oh yes...head chauffeur...Am trying to plan trip west to Jackson Hole and West Yellowstone. Don't think we can do all that in a day and we will probably have to spend the night and finish the next day. We checked out a kennel for the dogs for daycare. It's called Cody Country Bed and Biscuit. Think I'll make dates for Tuesday and Thursday next week so will have a little freedom! Love em but need a break once in a while.