This morning, we woke up to 40 degrees and clear skies. After crepes, sausages, granola and fruit for breakfast, students prepared for another great day in the field.

Each field group loaded into TSS vans, and set out to hike around the Snake River Bottom. The Snake River originates near the Continental Divide in Yellowstone, and flows south into Grand Teton National Park. The name "snake" is said to come from its winding shape as well as the hand sign that Indians used for swimming salmon.

Today, two groups started at Schwabacher Landing and the other two groups started at Blacktail Ponds. Students used their new naturalist skills to identify different plant, mammal, insect and bird life in the area. All groups saw many signs of animal life, such as remains, tracks, fur, and scat.

Tonight, after dinner we drove to the Oxbow Bend, which is a spot in the quiet backwater left by the Snake River near the Jackson Lake junction. The Oxbow reflects Mt. Moran, and is one of the most photographed spots in the park. This area was actually on the cover of National Geographic's 2008: Most Beautiful Places. It is one of the best places to see moose, river otters, bears, water fowl and birds of prey.

On the way, we saw elk, pronghorn and a moose. Once at the Oxbow, students were given a few minutes to walk around and look for wildlife.

On a quest to spot a bear, we drove north into Grand Teton National Park. We checked the spot where the most famous bear in the world, Grizzly 399, is often spotted. We then turned around and headed south along her favorite hang outs. We drove to Colter Bay, Pacific Rim and Pilgrim Creek Road. Unfortunately, we did not spot any bear activity.

Students are looking forward to hiking Blacktail Butte tomorrow!