Monday, 22 September

Note that if you are only reading this in your email, you are missing the photos. You have to go to the website to see the pics. I apologize in advance for the many brief videos. Photos do not do justice to many of the sites.

Dolora and I were up early with the time change. It was dark and raining when we stopped for coffee. The entrance to Yellowstone was only two miles from our room. After just a few miles more, we entered Wyoming. Another new state for both of us.

Our first stop was Mammoth Hot Springs, a series of terraces created by the springs. There was still a light drizzle keeping things cool. We heard elk bugling in the distance. The bull elk bugle to attract cows for mating. There was a small herd of elk near the road. After walking much of the boardwalk through the springs and having the area pretty much to ourselves we did a short ride on Upper Terrace Drive and got a view from the top.

Off to Norris Basin, the oldest and hottest area of Yellowstone. The Back Basin Trail took us past many beautiful features. Our timing was perfect, plenty of parking when we arrived and traffic lined up past overflow parking when we left. I cannot believe it would be much of a vacation here in July or August with the traffic.

Next up was Artist Paint Pots. This was a one mile trail through mudpots, geysers and steam vents. The paint pots get their name for the different colors of the mud based on the temperature and minerals in the rock.

More paint pots, this time Fountain Paint Pot. This time we circled the parking lot three times before finding a spot. More incredible thermal features and on the way we spotted a bison close to the road. After elk and bison, I would like to see a bear, hopefully a grizzly.

Dolora and I planned to stop at Grand Prismatic Spring before arriving at the Old Faithful area for our lodging for the next two nights. Traffic was backed up even on the main road so we decided that would be an early morning trip since it is only a short backtrack.

We arrived at Snow Lodge and checked it. It was over to the Old Faithful Visitor Center and out to grab a bench for the 4:08 predicted eruption. Old Faithful was only two minutes late and put on a spectacular show. Dining options are limited and when we checked in we were told there is usually a wait. First stop was a cafeteria that did not look appealing. The other choices we looked at were kind of sad as well. So a burger for Dolora and a bowl of chili for me. I do not think you will be seeing food photos on this trip.

After dinner, we walked over to the Old Faithful Inn to check out the architecture. Incredible, it is one of the oldest buildings in Yellowstone. It was worth the visit.

Tomorrow will be a long walk through the Upper Geyser Basin. Other geysers and hot springs to see. Tomorrow is supposed to be much warmer than today. Today was mostly cloudy, windy and a high of 52. Hat and glove weather….