Wednesday, 24 September
Another 23 degree morning but no fog, at least at the lodge. That was soon to change when we got on the road. After Dolora and I had our coffee and yogurt for breakfast, we packed up. Our next two nights are at Lake Lodge Cabins. We backtracked to Grand Prismatic Spring hitting spots of fog on the short drive. No problem finding a spot in the parking lot at 7:30. The boardwalk was icy when it was not adjacent to a hot spring. The view was nice but since it was so cold, steam was just coming off the spring limiting visibility. It would probably be a couple hours before it warmed up enough to get a really good view, so it was down the road to our next stop. There was a small traffic jam a folks stopped to take photos of a bison who decided to mosey across the road.
Black Sand Basin was only five miles down the road. The features were smaller but very visible since the fog had lifted here. A park ranger was measuring the temperature of some of the springs. A little two foot pool right next to the boardwalk measured 130 degrees, most homes have their hot water set at 120! Cliff Geyser next to Iron Spring Creek was erupting about ten feet in the air almost continuously.
West Thumb was our next stop on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Some of the geysers are underwater when the lake is high in the spring. Dolora and I saw two mule deer near the end of the self guided tour, a doe with her fawn. There were geysers, springs and paint pots but no eruptions while we were there. It is interesting to listen to the information on the tour. Springs have turned to geysers, geysers to springs, geysers have erupted frequently and then only once in a decade. Many of the names do not really fit the features. Spring’s colors change as their temperature changes but the name does not change Black Pool used to be black but now is mostly orange and yellow…
Since we would be arriving early at the lodge, we took a short hike to Natural Bridge. In the early summer the trail is closed while the bears feed on spawning trout in Bridge Creek. Bridge Creek was dried up when we got there. Dolora spotted an owl on our way back.
Dolora and I stopped at Lake Hotel to check it out. It was built the same time as the rustic Old Faithful in by the same architect but it is just a big, ugly, yellow, rectangular building with no style. They did have some nice rocking chairs on the porch.
Five minutes away to our accommodations at Lake Lodge Cabins. We lucked out and were able to check in early. A walk down to the lake shore to enjoy the incredible view and sunshine. It is nice and warm in the sun but feels cool in the shade. That is what happens with low humidity something we do not see much of in the DC area. More rocking chairs on the porch and then inside in front of the fireplace to enjoy some relaxation. The cabins were built in the 1930s. It is a little small but in good condition.
Dinner was burgers in the main building. Pretty good for in the park. No other real option though. Not sure if I am ready for burgers the next three nights? It looks like sunrise will be over the lake. Depending on the morning temperature, Dolora and I may walk down to get some photos.
Not sure of tomorrow’s plan yet. We would like to see some more elk and bison and from a distance a bear.