It was a beautiful day…..the sun was shining, the wind wasn’t blowing and the sound of snowplows could be heard for miles! I was able to see the start of the plowing of the east gate to Yellowstone.
On the drive up the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, I saw some bison lazily feeding and basking in the warm sunshine, as well as a female moose that I was able to get a couple of pictures of before she ran across the road and out of sight. I think the animals are just as ready for spring as I am!
When I arrived at Pahaska Tepee, I loaded into a Park service van with several others who were there to watch as well and was taken to the east gate. I don’t really know a lot about plowing snow, especially on such a large scale, but it was fascinating to watch!
First to pass was a bulldozer pushing the snow off the side and to the middle of the road. Next came a giant plow whose blades pulled the snow in and blew it an enormous spray down the side of the embankment of the 
North Fork of the Shoshone River. The WYDOT crew told us of the ice underneath the snow, approximately six to eight inches, and that it was going to be a challenge removing it and keeping it off.
I was told that plowing up Sylvan Pass had never been done before. When the Park plows, they plow down the pass, making this a unique effort. I learned of the hazard of avalanches that could happen while plowing and decided I was happy that I was just there to watch!
As I stood there, in the glorious beauty all around me, I couldn’t help but smile with pride as the plow passed bearing the sign “Yellowstone or Bust!”
Until next time, I’m “busting” with pride here in Buffalo Bill’s Cody/Yellowstone Country!
Corrie N. Cody