Summer Vacation Trip - Day 7

We woke up at 0730 and ate breakfast (Clif Bars).  We then packed up car and took a walk from our cabin to the North Rim of the Canyon.  It was a bit foggy and brisk.  We enjoyed vistas from Grand View and Lookout Point.  At 0845, we stopped at the Gift Shop and bought souvenirs and supplies.  We then checked out of the hotel and drove to Hayden Valley, where we stopped to watch a large bison herd.  We also saw elk and mule deer during our drive to the south.  We made several stops as the weather improved and we hadn't (yet) seen many people.  We took a walk near Sulphur Cauldron and Mud Volcano and later explored the trails near LeHardy Rapids.  When we reached the north end of Yellowstone Lake (Fishing Bridge), we stopped at the Visitors Center and learned that a grizzly bear had been sighted to the east.  We drove to Steamboat Point (1200) and ate a picnic lunch (turkey sandwiches, apples and chips) where the rangers were watching for the bear.  We skipped rocks and enjoyed the sun and (relative) solitude.  After giving up on seeing the bear(s), we drove west again, stopping for short hikes on trails in the early afternoon (Pelican Creek, Pumice Point).  We considered going on a boat ride at Bridge Bay but they were sold out.  Undeterred, we continued to West Thumb and took a walk on the Geyser Boardwalk.  Unfortunately, like it had on the previous days in the park, it started to rain at around 1500.  We watched a movie at the Grant Village Visitors Center and then checked into the Coyote Lodge.  We rested and relaxed for over an hour - Mollie made us tea!  At 1715, we went to eat dinner (hummus, salad, bratwurst, kraut, mashed potatoes, carrots) at the Lake House.  We also took a walk along the lakeside afterwards.  Before the evening was over (1900), we attended a ranger program about nocturnal animals (cats, bats, owls).  We spent the rest of the evening reading and talking in our room (bed at 2200).