From Lewis & Clark State Park, we curiously take a road leading straight to the top. The views are magnificent. On Hwy287S through Harrison, we mutually admire the Tobacco Root Mountains in the background.
Stop in Ennis for a bakery (getting to be a routine) treat. Passing Earthquake Lake, trees remain standing from the 7.5 quake in 1959.
191S to the West Entrance into Yellowstone National Part--HOORAY! Mule deer, bison ... wildlife all over the place. Reservations for 2 nights at Canyon Village and 1 night at Fishing Bridge.
Settled in Canyon Village campground, Tim has time to adjust the striker plate to avoid slamming the door 3-4 times before it will close. Our site in the pines is serene.
They say that Yellowstone definitely must be seen to be believed. Looking forward to the next 3 days in the park.
Sunday, 6/20/10.
HELLO from Yellowstone & HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to Eric and Rob and all the other special Dad's out there. Have a wonderful day with family and friends!
In 1872, Yellowstone became the world's first national park. Of the 2.2 million acres, 80% = forests, 15% = water, and 5% = water. The park is one of the world's foremost wildlife sanctuaries. There are 950+ miles of backcountry trails. Roads and facilities take up less than 3% of the park; the rest is wilderness.
There are 5 distinct regions or "countries": Mammoth, Geyser, Lake, Roosevelt and Canyon. The last huge volcanic eruption occurred here about 640,000 years ago, spewing out 240 cubic miles of debris. A 30- by 45-mile caldera (basin) was formed. Volcanic magmatic heat still powers the park's geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mudpots. The geology time line and human history is astounding.
Today we drive north towards Mammoth Country. In the heart of Caldera (rim of volcano) is Washburn Hot Springs where superheated water boils up along caldera fracture lines. The scenery and wildlife along the way is amazing! Cute little critters.
A special breakfast overlooking spectacular views.
In August, bison (buffalo) males charge each other, banging heads in competition for mates. Stay well out of a bison's way, especially during this time. Did you know that bison can sprint 37 mph?
Ospreys feed almost entirely on fish and usually mate for life. This one has 3 young ones in the nest.
Grizzly and black bears can be seen just about everywhere in the park. Stay far away from them.
The Tower Falls are beautiful. A volcanic zone edge displays grey and yellow colors where thermal venting has bleached out the cliff. An intense 1988 fire succumbed many Douglas Firs. Yellowstone River is grand!
Arrive at Mammoth Hot Springs! Limestone is the underlying rock. Max water temp is 165 degrees F.
This ridge is Elephant Back. Visitors can get closer by hiking to its base. Tim, of course, wants to see what is bubbling inside the rim. So, off we go and disappear around the travertine, climb up and up and up...and behold!... true beauty!
Heading back around the northern loop is Norris Geyser Basin where each year new hot springs and geysers appear and others become dormant.
A full, and exciting day.. and a special Father's Day meal of ribeye, shrimp, hash browns with onions and bacon, and spinach. Dessert?...the campfire is ready and so is everyone else for S'MORES!
Monday, 6/21/10. Coffee, breakfast, laundry--then drive the loop south through Canyon Country to view the upper and lower falls along canyon rim.
Down the road is the Mud Volcano area where a rotten egg odor reeks from hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas + steam + carbon dioxide explodes through the mud. Amazing!
Yellowstone Lake (Lake Country) is the largest high elevation lake in North America with the shoreline 141 miles and surface 132 square miles.
Tim checks out the abundance of fish. I check out the abundance of wildlife.
What's this in the wilderness? A footprint... some fur....big poop???
No..it's not Zack! It's a bison!!
Set up for the night at Fishing Village RV Park. Tim sews together a hole in his pants (yes, he can do that too!) and tinkers with tools and his chair before a dinner of shrimp with peas & carrots over bowtie pasta.
We certainly cannot leave Yellowstone without seeing the most famous geyser of all. Tomorrow....
2 comments:
Hey, you guys, where's the next installment??? We watch your travels with great envy - wish we were there. Hope all is going well. Stay safe and keep away from the bison poo!
Great pics. Wish I could have gotten you the up the mountain tour of Rushmore, but my contact flaked out. Have fun, y'all
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