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"Winter in Yellowstone" |
February 9 - 16, 2008
February 16 - 23, 2008 |
Cost $1895 - Deposit $350 - Limited to 6 participants |
From Bozeman, Montana |
Winter
is a magical time in Yellowstone, the worlds first
national park. The boiling hot pools, steaming geysers,
dense concentrations of wildlife, a little fog to
add mood, and the lack of crowds make this, perhaps,
one of the most extraordinary times of year to visit.
Since
the wolf reintroduction in 1995 winter visits to
Yellowstone have taken on a new exciting dimension.
Yellowstone is now the premier location in the world
to view wolves and be able to witness natural behavior.
Wolves hunt the large herds of elk which winter
in the Lamar Valley, near Mammoth, and other areas
within the park often close enough to witness. Commonly
heard are the haunting sound of wolves howling from
2 or 3 different directions at the same time. To
be there to witness that is an experience that will
stay with you forever. We will work hard to try
to film these incredible predators.
We will also spend time photographing elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and perhaps even less seen inhabitants such as otters, pine marten, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans. We will be out each day from dawn to dusk in search of as many excellent nature and wildlife images as possible.
Private chartered snow coach trips will take us into the parks interior to visit locations such as the Norris Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Firehole Basin. Here frost covered wildlife in addition to the magical thermal features will provide us with extraordinary photographic possibilities.
As
with all wildlife photography there are never any
guarantees but in the past we have had very good
luck photographing the wolves at this time of year.
This is sure to be a photographic adventure you'll
never forget.
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Deposit
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Balance Payment
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Day 1 - Arrive in Bozeman, Montana. After a beautiful afternoon drive to Yellowstone we will meet for an orientation dinner and discussion or our upcoming photo adventure.
Days 2-3 - We spend 2 days exploring from Gardiner to Cooke City including the beautiful Lamar Valley which is the prime spot in the park for wolf watching. Our goal is for you to take home the very best photographs that conditions will allow.
Day 4-5 - We will spend 2 days exploring the interior of the park via snowcoach.
Day 6-7 - We will again focus our efforts on the Lamar Valley and other locations where wildlife activity is high.
Day 8 - We will make one last run into the Park this morning. We will return to our rooms in time to check out and make our journey back to Bozeman. You will want to schedule your departure for home anytime after arrival in Bozeman which will be at approximately 2:00 pm. |
What to Bring
Equipment: We recommend a minimum of 300mm telephoto lens for this tour in addition to a variety of wide angle lenses or zooms and a mid range zoom lens. If you are shooting film bring at least 5 rolls per day depending on your shooting habits. Digital shooters will want to bring along a couple of flash cards and a means to download images when cards get full. We always suggest you bring along 2 camera bodies if possible in case of equipment failure. A tripod and a good ballhead is strongly encouraged. Extra batteries for your camera are vital in these cold conditions
Clothing: Clothing should be comfortable and very warm. Below zero temperatures are possible so we recommend layering your clothing. Good warm boots and gloves are essential. Remember, since most of your body heat is lost through your head, warm headgear is a necessity. |
The cost of this tour includes 7 nights lodging (double occupancy), field transportation, orientation dinner, and lunch daily. Single supplement for this tour is $250.
GROUP MINIMUM: Occasionally, we are able to run a tour below our group minimum which is usually 4. In such instances it may be necessary to apply a small group supplement in which case you would be contacted regarding such a situation but you would not be obligated to accept the new terms.
RESERVATIONS: Your $350 deposit is required to secure your place on any tour, with the balance due 60 days prior to the departure date. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation is received at least 91 days prior to the departure date. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will mail you our acknowledgment and tour reservation form. Details of hotels, flight arrival recommendations, and other trip tips will be mailed when the tour is full.
MEALS: Some meals and refreshments are included depending on the trip details, but not alcoholic beverages.
ADMISSIONS: Access to public buildings and national parks etc. is not included in the land price.
CANCELLATIONS: All cancellations must be confirmed in writing, and due to costs incurred by Franzfoto Safari's in arranging a tour, the following penalties apply.
For written cancellation received 91 or more days prior to departure, your deposit is fully refundable.
For written cancellation received 61 to 90 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of $175 will be due.
For written cancellation received 31 to 60 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 25% of land cost will be due.
For written cancellation received 30 days or less prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 50% of land cost, plus non-recoverable deposits will be due.
If your place can be resold, Franzfoto Safari's will reduce the penalties, or give a 100% refund. Franzfoto Safari's strongly suggest that tour participants invest in trip cancellation insurance.
CANCELED EXPEDITIONS: In the event of insufficient tour sign-ups, Franzfoto Safari's reserves the right to cancel any given tour. In that event 100% of moneys received will be returned. However, Franzfoto Safari is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.
LUGGAGE: Franzfoto Safaris request that tour participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag, and tripod. We do not wish to be dictatorial in this matter, but asks that group members bear in mind space and comfort in our vehicles. All personal luggage is the responsibility of the owner.
SMOKERS: Smoking is not permitted at meals or in vehicles. It can be permitted at photo stops where local ordinances permit, photography and photographers are not affected.
RESPONSIBILITY: Franzfoto Safari's and its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, and as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause. Franzfoto Safari's reserves the right to substitute hotels, and other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience. Franzfoto Safari's reserves the right to pass on to tour members any additional and unplanned expenditures incurred during a tour, via events beyond Franzfoto Safari's control. The right is reserved to accept or decline any person as a member of any tour.
Payment of tour fees by trip participants constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein. |
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