Day 2
We packed our lunch and headed to the YNP entrance gate. It was late morning and we weren’t expecting such a long line at the entrance. It took us 30+ minutes to get through the gate!
For today’s exploration, we chose the route to Mammoth Hot springs. The Golden Gate Canyon runs between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Yellowstone Plateau. As we traveled through the canyon, a portion of the roadway hung out over the canyon. It looked a little scary! Also in this area was the Rustic Falls, a 47-foot waterfall located in Glen Creek. After passing over the brink, the water beautifully fans out as it tumbles down the terraced cliff creating a unique textured look to the falls.
As always, there was a large crowd in Mammoth. We were disappointed that we did not see the Elk Herd that usually wanders the Mammoth streets.
Leaving Mammoth we continued east to Tower Junction and into the Lamar Valley. Finally, we saw Bison. We were entertained by the Bison stopping traffic as they crossed the road. They continued walking down the road, alternating being in front of cars and beside the stopped traffic. I took lots of photos. How many Bison photos do I need?
On days 3 and 4 in YNP, Ken drove many miles across the park. We were searching for wildlife and looked in both the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. We found herds of Bison in both places, and also saw Elk and Pronghorn Sheep. Ken thinks he saw a bear run across the road and up the mountainside. (We were in traffic and by the time we got closer, we didn’t see anything.)
Day 3
Our Grizzly RV neighbor told us there was a bison carcass in the Hayden Valley and lots of animals were feeding on it. Of course, We had to go take a look. We saw a large bison herd but couldn’t spot the carcass. There were lots of cars and people but we didn’t see any wildlife except the Bison.
In the heart of YNP is the scenic Virginia Cascade Drive. This seemed like a good place to have our picnic lunch. The narrow, fully paved,road with sheer drops and hairpin turns, winds along a shaded mountain creek. On this road we had a great view of one of the lesser-seen waterfalls. After viewing the waterfalls, it began to rain just as we reached the picnic area. So, we had a picnic in the Jeep!
Day 4
The Firehole BBQ is our favorite place to ear in West Yellowstone. It is open from noon to 7 or whenever they sell out. We went for lunch and quickly found a table. It wasn’t long until the restaurant was filled. Ken and I both had the brisket sandwich and it was so delicious! We chose the Gold Rush Huckleberry Lemonade ….a favorite drink that can only found in select places in Montana. Firehole BBQ is such a good place to eat!
Later in the day, we decided to drive to the Hayden Valley, again. As we approached the area, the traffic was backed up. Cars, trucks, and RV’s were lining the roadway and people were out of their cars. People with cameras and tripods were perched in any available open space. What were they looking at? It became more congested, the further we drove. It was really odd, because there were no Bison in the valley. Where was the Bison herd from yesterday? Finally, Ken spotted the bison carcass. I snapped a few photos and zoomed in and could see that animals had obviously been feeding on the carcass. All those cameras were pointed directly at the carcass. So many cameras, It looked like there was going to be a news conference! We drove up and down the roadway, a few times, hoping to find a place to pull over. The crowd continued to grow. A few Bison did return and circle the carcass, but, then they walked away.
Since we couldn’t find a place to pull over and stop, we finally gave up. Before, leaving the area we stopped at the Sulphur Cauldron. It is notable for being one of the most acidic hot springs in Yellowstone, with a pH similar to battery acid. The water had a strong sulfurous smell (rotten egg).
Day 5
On our last day, we decided that we couldn’t leave Yellowstone without seeing The Old Faithful Geyser. It is not quite as predictable as it used to be, but it still is the most regular of all the geysers. We arrived at 1:30 PM just in time for the approximate 2:06 PM eruption. Great Timing! We walked to the viewing area and the crowds were already filling the benches surrounding the geyser area. We were lucky to find two seats on the third row of benches. While we waited, we chatted with a very nice couple from Texas. It was their first time at the park and were anxious to see Old Faithful. At 2:09 PM, Old Faithful began spurting and splashing, and the 130 foot waterspout erupted. Old Faithful did not disappoint us today!. There was even an applause at the end!
Yellowstone National Park is truly a special place full of oddities and curiosities. Good-bye Yellowstone!
Tomorrow – Pocatello, ID
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