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9/15/2021 We are heading to the North entracne of Yellowstone, but have approached from the South. This path has us heading into the Teton valley and Teton National Park before Yellowstone. Today, the smoke from California fires was obscuring the Tetons in a very unique and beautiful manner.
9/15/2021 We are heading to the North entracne of Yellowstone, but have approached from the South. This path has us heading into the Teton valley and Teton National Park before Yellowstone. Today, the smoke from California fires was obscuring the Tetons in a very unique and beautiful manner.
9/15/2021 We are staying near the north Entrance to Yellowstone, which means that we had to drive through the entire length of the park from the south to get there, but that's the only time we've ever been to Yellowstone! COVID canceled our first attempt at getting here, but we’re ready this time! Bring! It! On!
9/15/2021 We are staying near the north Entrance to Yellowstone, which means that we had to drive through the entire length of the park from the south to get there, but that's the only time we've ever been to Yellowstone! COVID canceled our first attempt at getting here, but we’re ready this time! Bring! It! On!
Grace's Joke made up on the fly: What is the gender of this bear? ..........it's a mail (male) bear!! HA!
Grace's Joke made up on the fly: What is the gender of this bear? ..........it's a mail (male) bear!! HA!
We are starting this adventure at the closest place to where we are camping; Mammoth Hot Springs
We are starting this adventure at the closest place to where we are camping; Mammoth Hot Springs
A lot of people think that it was Roosevelt that started the National Parks and Yellowstone was _his_ first park. In fact, it was Grant that signed the whole thing into existence.
A lot of people think that it was Roosevelt that started the National Parks and Yellowstone was _his_ first park. In fact, it was Grant that signed the whole thing into existence.
The words “other worldly” are just about the only thing that comes to mind here. It’s genuinely like some alien race sent this landscape to earth just to see what will happen. It’s just a giant alien science experiment, I am about 48% sure of that and I’ve only been here for a couple hours.
The words “other worldly” are just about the only thing that comes to mind here. It’s genuinely like some alien race sent this landscape to earth just to see what will happen. It’s just a giant alien science experiment, I am about 48% sure of that and I’ve only been here for a couple hours.
Cummins hat and "America" shirt! That's about as 'Merican as it gets!
Cummins hat and "America" shirt! That's about as 'Merican as it gets!
9/17/2021 We’re on our way deeper into the park, but this little roadside pullout featuring Beryl Spring is VERY active! Crank the steering wheel, smash the brakes, everybody out!!!
9/17/2021 We’re on our way deeper into the park, but this little roadside pullout featuring Beryl Spring is VERY active! Crank the steering wheel, smash the brakes, everybody out!!!
I hadn’t seen this on the walk in, but the warm moist air from the bowels of the Earth have allowed something to flourish in place where they never should have been, ferns.
I hadn’t seen this on the walk in, but the warm moist air from the bowels of the Earth have allowed something to flourish in place where they never should have been, ferns.
We are at Black Sand Basin and this was a treat. This stop doesn’t get all the “Hype” of the bigger more well known features of the park, but DANG was it beautiful!
We are at Black Sand Basin and this was a treat. This stop doesn’t get all the “Hype” of the bigger more well known features of the park, but DANG was it beautiful!
Oh yeah, it was a tad on the "steamy" side!
Oh yeah, it was a tad on the "steamy" side!
No clue what they've found here.
No clue what they've found here.
This is one of the “Star Attractions” at Yellowstone, The Grand Prismatic. You’ve probably seen it on some post card or National Geographic or SOMEWHERE.
This is one of the “Star Attractions” at Yellowstone, The Grand Prismatic. You’ve probably seen it on some post card or National Geographic or SOMEWHERE.
We’ve picked a semi-interesting day to see it from the boardwalk around it. First and foremost, the water is somewhere between “warm” and “hot” in temperature. Secondly, the ambient air today is on the cooler side of things. Third, it’s pretty windy today. What does this mean for us? The feature is, in general, pretty obscured and we are going to take a natural steam bath as we walk around it. It was really quite funny how much steam was forming off the top of it and then getting blown directly into us.
We’ve picked a semi-interesting day to see it from the boardwalk around it. First and foremost, the water is somewhere between “warm” and “hot” in temperature. Secondly, the ambient air today is on the cooler side of things. Third, it’s pretty windy today. What does this mean for us? The feature is, in general, pretty obscured and we are going to take a natural steam bath as we walk around it. It was really quite funny how much steam was forming off the top of it and then getting blown directly into us.
I cannot explain my fascination with this dead dragonfly that was captured in the water. It shouldn’t have, but somehow it just added to the interesting colors and shapes.
I cannot explain my fascination with this dead dragonfly that was captured in the water. It shouldn’t have, but somehow it just added to the interesting colors and shapes.
Clearly, this is someone’s attempt at Yellowstone humor.
Clearly, this is someone’s attempt at Yellowstone humor.
9/18/21 The OTO Ranch (Trip #1) and here’s the back story: This is the first “Dude Ranch” in all of Montana and considered to be _the_ place that invented the name “Dude Ranch” in the first place. On top of that, where we are staying is right at the trailhead for the hike to get there. Grace and I had made an attempt at it prior to today, but didn’t make the whole trek. Today, Bear and I will give it our all!
9/18/21 The OTO Ranch (Trip #1) and here’s the back story: This is the first “Dude Ranch” in all of Montana and considered to be _the_ place that invented the name “Dude Ranch” in the first place. On top of that, where we are staying is right at the trailhead for the hike to get there. Grace and I had made an attempt at it prior to today, but didn’t make the whole trek. Today, Bear and I will give it our all!
…and here it is, in all its glory. Signage suggests that the US Forest Service has spent significant time restoring and preserving various structures on the ranch over years and it shows. The main ranch house was in much better shape than I would have imagined.
…and here it is, in all its glory. Signage suggests that the US Forest Service has spent significant time restoring and preserving various structures on the ranch over years and it shows. The main ranch house was in much better shape than I would have imagined.
Pretty sure the mail is going to be delayed from this Post Office.
Pretty sure the mail is going to be delayed from this Post Office.
Not entirely certain what was here, but beyond that door you see at the back is a room that is built into the hillside. I’m guessing cold storage of some sort.
Not entirely certain what was here, but beyond that door you see at the back is a room that is built into the hillside. I’m guessing cold storage of some sort.
9/18/2021 The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You can talk about The Grand Prismatic or Old Faithful all you want, to my eyes, this is the standout star of Yellowstone. They canyon with Lower Yellowstone Falls is genuinely a work of art.
9/18/2021 The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You can talk about The Grand Prismatic or Old Faithful all you want, to my eyes, this is the standout star of Yellowstone. They canyon with Lower Yellowstone Falls is genuinely a work of art.
From that previous view you just saw, we are driving around to see the view point at the falls, but the road to get you there takes you around the Upper Falls first, so we stop and take the short walk down to see that as well. It does not disappoint.
From that previous view you just saw, we are driving around to see the view point at the falls, but the road to get you there takes you around the Upper Falls first, so we stop and take the short walk down to see that as well. It does not disappoint.
The trek down to the viewing platform for the upper falls is pretty aggressive. It’s a steep, STEEP drop down with a TON of switchbacks. The entire journey down leaves you thinking about just how “interesting” the journey back up will be…..but 100% worth it!
The trek down to the viewing platform for the upper falls is pretty aggressive. It’s a steep, STEEP drop down with a TON of switchbacks. The entire journey down leaves you thinking about just how “interesting” the journey back up will be…..but 100% worth it!
Towards the end of the drive, there is another viewing area where you can see the Canyon without the Upper or Lower Falls. It is no less spectacular.
Towards the end of the drive, there is another viewing area where you can see the Canyon without the Upper or Lower Falls. It is no less spectacular.
….but it is WINDY! Windy = happy, right?
….but it is WINDY! Windy = happy, right?
9/21/2021 The property right behind our campsite has horses and in case you’re following us for the first time, Grace loves horses. On this day, for some unknown reason, this one has decided to come check us out.
9/21/2021 The property right behind our campsite has horses and in case you’re following us for the first time, Grace loves horses. On this day, for some unknown reason, this one has decided to come check us out.
9/21/2021 Norris Basin. Walking the entire basin is nice long hike, but it’s an easy one with lots of rewards. Don’t miss it!
9/21/2021 Norris Basin. Walking the entire basin is nice long hike, but it’s an easy one with lots of rewards. Don’t miss it!
This geyser started its activity after I walked past it and I was taking pictures back into the sun. The effect was illumination of the airborne water droplets.
This geyser started its activity after I walked past it and I was taking pictures back into the sun. The effect was illumination of the airborne water droplets.
Oh hey, by the way, Grace’s face should give you a decent idea as to how it smells.
Oh hey, by the way, Grace’s face should give you a decent idea as to how it smells.
Some serious deep thought going on here.
Some serious deep thought going on here.
Ummmm…..yes Grace, it smells bad....we got the message.
Ummmm…..yes Grace, it smells bad....we got the message.
<30 minutes later> Dear lord Grace, it doesn’t smell THAT bad! Sheeesh!
<30 minutes later> Dear lord Grace, it doesn’t smell THAT bad! Sheeesh!
Looking out across the landscape, the one subject we continue to talk about and think about is “What must the pioneers have thought?”. I mean today, we have scientific explanations as to what’s happening ANYWHERE in the park, but imagine you’re Lewis and Clark (or whoever) and nothing like this has been seen or documented and BAM, you’re staring it in the face. Just unimaginable.
Looking out across the landscape, the one subject we continue to talk about and think about is “What must the pioneers have thought?”. I mean today, we have scientific explanations as to what’s happening ANYWHERE in the park, but imagine you’re Lewis and Clark (or whoever) and nothing like this has been seen or documented and BAM, you’re staring it in the face. Just unimaginable.
This was an amazing moment in time. I was lagging behind everyone else taking pictures (as I often do) and the steam just started enveloping the boardwalk and actually, the entire forest ahead (where the family is waiting for me).
This was an amazing moment in time. I was lagging behind everyone else taking pictures (as I often do) and the steam just started enveloping the boardwalk and actually, the entire forest ahead (where the family is waiting for me).
I’m walking to catch up and managed to capture this one picture before the breeze carried the steam off. Easily my favorite one of the trip thus far. I’m not “proud” of it, I just love it.
I’m walking to catch up and managed to capture this one picture before the breeze carried the steam off. Easily my favorite one of the trip thus far. I’m not “proud” of it, I just love it.
Yes, he’s getting HUGE!
Yes, he’s getting HUGE!
Here it is! The quintessential Yellowstone tourist picture that everyone hopes for, but you’re not supposed to take because it blocks traffic. Please believe me when I tell you that I wasn’t blocking traffic!
Here it is! The quintessential Yellowstone tourist picture that everyone hopes for, but you’re not supposed to take because it blocks traffic. Please believe me when I tell you that I wasn’t blocking traffic!
9/23/2021 Back to the OTO Ranch! This time with 2 kids in tow and we’re determined to make it. It had rained in the days prior and we found these tracks along the trail to the ranch. These were NOT made by a small bear! I have instantly become VERY vigilant at this point.
9/23/2021 Back to the OTO Ranch! This time with 2 kids in tow and we’re determined to make it. It had rained in the days prior and we found these tracks along the trail to the ranch. These were NOT made by a small bear! I have instantly become VERY vigilant at this point.
We have found this “device” along the way and we are trying to figure out what the heck it is. It would take a little Google-Fu after getting home to figure it out. SPOILER ALERT!......it’s a cream separator.
We have found this “device” along the way and we are trying to figure out what the heck it is. It would take a little Google-Fu after getting home to figure it out. SPOILER ALERT!......it’s a cream separator.
Quick stop to water the dog and it’s a beautiful fall day.
Quick stop to water the dog and it’s a beautiful fall day.
These cast-iron lions on the side porch seems out place in the Montana mountains, but they are very cool none-the-less.
These cast-iron lions on the side porch seems out place in the Montana mountains, but they are very cool none-the-less.
Earlier you saw us walking around the Grand Prismatic on the boardwalk. As beautiful as it was, the REAL view of this stunning feature comes from the overlook that is behind it.
Earlier you saw us walking around the Grand Prismatic on the boardwalk. As beautiful as it was, the REAL view of this stunning feature comes from the overlook that is behind it.
Here’s a pro tip from me to you, continue the path beyond the Grand Prismatic overlook to Fairy Falls. It’s NOT a short hike, but the waterfall is great and it’s not crowded at all.
Here’s a pro tip from me to you, continue the path beyond the Grand Prismatic overlook to Fairy Falls. It’s NOT a short hike, but the waterfall is great and it’s not crowded at all.
Here comes another "story" for you: To get to the side of the waterfall we are standing on here….
Here comes another "story" for you: To get to the side of the waterfall we are standing on here….
….you have to cross this log (or have some waterproof shoes)…
….you have to cross this log (or have some waterproof shoes)…
At this point in the story, Grant is insistent on getting over there and he does NOT have any waterproof shoes!
At this point in the story, Grant is insistent on getting over there and he does NOT have any waterproof shoes!
Attempt #1....
Attempt #1....
In a crazy turn of events, we got him up onto the log and helped him walk across it! He does have his moments!
In a crazy turn of events, we got him up onto the log and helped him walk across it! He does have his moments!
Then we managed to get a family photo! All of us in it AND looking at the camera! WOO HOO!
Then we managed to get a family photo! All of us in it AND looking at the camera! WOO HOO!
Wildlife along the trail!
Wildlife along the trail!
…..and I caught this guy! Laugh all you want, they are quick little suckers! That do NOT like to be photographed.
…..and I caught this guy! Laugh all you want, they are quick little suckers! That do NOT like to be photographed.
Grand Prismatic from the ground level and the back side.
Grand Prismatic from the ground level and the back side.
…and when we see wildlife like this, all hiking stops or we lose Grant.
…and when we see wildlife like this, all hiking stops or we lose Grant.
Back at the parking lot for the trailhead, I get an opportunity to play with the sun and the steam again. I’ll never tire of it.
Back at the parking lot for the trailhead, I get an opportunity to play with the sun and the steam again. I’ll never tire of it.
9/24/2021 It's been a great visit to one of our nation's crowning jewels in the National Park system, but we're on the move again!
9/24/2021 It's been a great visit to one of our nation's crowning jewels in the National Park system, but we're on the move again!
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