for julie mckin non, her trip to yellowstone is an annual ritual.or her friend martha, it's her first time. >> when you hear the el ik bugl what do you think? >> it's like the spirit of the forest. it echoes through the trees. >> reporter: what does it mean to see these animals this close. >> it puts you back in touch with nature. it's just amazing. >> reporter: a visit to yellowstone affirms our belief in america as a special place. if the government shuts down, so will the park. and that's a shame. harry smith, nbc news, yellowstone national park. >>> let's look at one more beautiful thing. this is in a troubled place. our cameras picked up another gorgeous sunset tonight in washington. the question there is when we see the sun again tomorrow morning will it rise over a city paralyzed by a government shutdown? again, it will be a long night. that's our broadcast on a monday night. thank you for being here with us. i'm brian williams. we of ms >>> highway nightmare, the family in the suv surrounded by dozens of angry bikers. the chase, and the brut