A day off from driving…

Author: Alicia

This is part of our moving adventure! To start at the beginning, go here.

…just kidding! Yellowstone is a massive park. Just to drive one of the two main loops is over 80 miles. That being said, we did as much as we could (with a late start due to Jason having contracted some kind of sinus infection). We drove in through the west entrance to Madison Junction, and started south towards Old Faithful. We saw some wild geothermal features, and got to Old Faithful within minutes of the next eruption.

Along the Madison River
Along the Madison River
We might be in a volcano.
We might be in a volcano.
Yep, that's boiling mud.
Yep, that's boiling mud.
Old Faithful!
Old Faithful!

We continued around the loop and headed towards West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake, and hiked in to see the Natural Bridge.

West Thumb thermal area and the lake
West Thumb thermal area and the lake
Mike's bridge: #1
Mike's bridge: #1

With the sun lowering in the sky, we made our way to the Fishing Bridge for a quick look, then saw Mud Volcano (warning: overpowering stench cannot be conveyed over internet), and finished off our daylight at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

In the '60s, people stood literally shoulder to shoulder here, fishing for trout. Mike's bridge #2
In the '60s, people stood literally shoulder to shoulder here, fishing for trout. Mike's bridge #2
The Churning Caldron at Mud Volcano.
The Churning Caldron at Mud Volcano.
Dear Dad: 20x optical zoom IS good for spying - on bison!
Dear Dad: 20x optical zoom IS good for spying - on bison!
Upper Falls of the canyon, and Mike's Bridge #3
Upper Falls of the canyon, and Mike's Bridge #3
Lower Falls into the canyon.
Lower Falls into the canyon.

We finished off the loop, and drove past the Norris Geyser area in the dark. The steam vents were blowing over the road as we drove through, which was pretty eerie. We grabbed some food in West Yellowstone, did some spectacular star-gazing (complete with the Milky Way and some meteors), and drove back to the hotel. The kitties were very happy to see us.