Ya Gotta Love Yellowstone!

In '07 we entered Yellowstone from the East and exited thru the Roosevelt Arch to the North. This year we entered from the Tetons -South and will exit thru the West.

This will be a one day fly-by so we are limited on what we can see. While we would love to focus on animals we are here mid-day which is not prime animal watch time, however, we will be watching carefully to see all we can.

First stop is always a visitors center to speak with the ranger about where animals are located today, and also to help us find the mud pots - a favorite from last year. There we found out that Artists' Paint Pots, one of our favorites, is closed indefinitely.

Last year the three of us hiked there in the evening. I remember feeling strange that we were the only ones out there at dusk, but it was beautiful and a great hike. While hiking along the designated path the earth suddenly became warm under our feet. We all stopped and felt the ground and it was strangely and extremely warm. That was kinda eerie because you know what's below you - closer than you think??

Apparently this spring a woman was walking along that path and and her foot went down into a mud pot. She was burned badly according to the ranger and the paths are being reconfigured by geologists. Yikes!

Our first stop was the west Thumb Geyser Basin Trail. First thing we noticed is how high the water is in Yellowstone Lake compared to what is was last July.

There is something called the Fishing Cone just off shore. Mountain men tell of catching a fish in the lake, dipping it right on the line into the boiling water of Fishing Cone and their fish was cooked without even taking it off the line.

Last year the cone was very visibly protruding from the water. This year it is completely submerged and not quite as spectacular of a sight.

One funny incident was a Japanese man was standing next to us looking at the sign that said "Fishing Cone". In broken English he asked us "What this means "cone", so we explained the shape, and then Gary told him the fishing story. He smiled and nodded.

We walked on and pretty soon a small group was gathered around him and in Japanese he was telling them all about the fishing story and they seemed quite impressed - laughing and making fishing motions with their hands. How cute was that?

Next month Gary's sister Kathy will be traveling thru Yellowstone so we are trying to see Yellowstone thru her eyes -taking notes and gathering info here that will be helpful for her maneuvering thru here.

Next stop was Fishing Bridge where we heard you could see fish spawning. Again, the water was just too high and running too fast. Later we stopped at a pullout and walked over to some rapids. There we could see fish everywhere resting and then attempting to move upstream. Really something to watch!

Other stops:

Mud Volcano Trail: Here, next to the Mud Geyser, lay a very large Mr. buffalo. This must be a favorite spot for them - we see "evidence" everywhere. Last year a big male was also here but farther uphill. At this stop you can see it all - from mud pots, cauldron springs, fumaroles. Yes, it really stinks but the sights and sounds are unforgettable.

Canyon Village:

One of the best shopping and eating locations. Don't miss the diner in the gift store. There's just nothing like sitting on a round stool next to the counter (your only option) Great burgers, but most importantly they serve Coke!

Fountain Paint Pots:

Silex Springs is one of the most beautiful hot spring pools to see up close. Great paint pots. Best sound from a fumaroles. Red Spouter a must see. Best viewing of geysers - you can literally sit right next to them. We happened to be there while Fountain Geyser was erupting which was a wonderful experience. Since it only happens every 6 hrs we were very fortunate to be able to enjoy it.

Midway Geyser Basin:

This was closed last year so we really enjoyed seeing it. Here the boiling water flows right down into the river below. Amazing. Grand Prismatic Spring is a must see.

Old Faithful Area:

We saved the best for last. This is the best place for ice cream...and Honcoop's know their ice cream! Head straight for the Old Faithful Inn, grab a cone then go to the second floor balcony to watch the next eruption of Old Faithful.

There is an extensive hiking area here with tons of pools and geysers to see. Since we did all of this last year we stuck with the ice cream option.

One sight to see here is Morning Glory Pool. While it is a long walk I made Gary & Taryn do it with me last year because this is such a memory for me from a childhood visit I made here with my family.

As a child this pool looked like it went right down to the center of the whole earth. There was just a boardwalk back then with no railings around it and I was scared to death but completely fascinated by it's beauty. Sadly it is no longer as beautiful due to vandalism. It has cooled and looks to be dying.

After dinner at Old Faithful Lodge we headed out of the park. We did see several buffalo, many elk, and a coyote. Fly fishing was also a big event happening. They were in every stream.

We found a "resort" in West Yellowstone and spent the nite there. Busy place even late at nite.