Wednesday we took it easy in the morning and decided to take a different way into Yellowstone going through Bozeman. It may have taken longer but it was nice to see an actual town with stores. The trip was really quiet and beautiful.
As we neared the North Entrance the views became more and more breathtaking.
This was the first time we came into Yellowstone without a traffic jam or feeling rushed...unless you count the need for a bathroom. As soon as we entered there were Deer Elk just hanging out in the middle of town and even next to the buildings which made it harder to find an available bathroom.
Once we found where the bathrooms were located we attempted to find a parking spot...but we found every single parking spot filled. We had to go just a bit past Mammoth Hot Springs to find parking and then it was back to figuring out where a bathroom might be. (Yes this was our mission with 8 of the 12 needing to go) As we approached the boardwalk our mission was pushed aside enough to enjoy the beauty. It truly is awe inspiring...
Especially when you think about how it was created and naturally continues to change. There are signs everywhere telling you to keep off the ground and then you look over and see hoof prints from bison. The kids were enthralled with all the information we were telling them.
The weather was amazing during the whole trip. It started out pretty cool on Wednesday morning but by the time you add in the hiking and the sun shining straight down on us and I was regretting having us all wear long sleeves. Although by the end of the day I was happy we did.
This is the one picture I really wish we could have taken without people standing there. It is a site that you just sit there taking it all in.
As we drove off we noticed this on the other side. Again just one of those places that will always be a fond memory but happy I was able to snap a few shots as we drove down the road.
We didn't make it far before a bison decided to take a sharp turn and cross the road in front of us. I didn't have the camera ready when he was directly in front of us but here managed to snap a photo as he moved towards the oncoming car before exiting the roadway.
The 2 younger boys occupied the back seat talking non-stop.
Not even 5 minutes after the above picture I snapped this one...
And can't forget big brother...
On our way to Old Faithful we came to a standstill when a herd of bison decided to cross the road. This became a very common theme and by Thursday bison just became like seeing a dog roaming the neighborhood.
Even if we felt like we saw them ALL of the time, they were still magnificent creatures.
This was not only the first time to see selfie sticks but also to see so many in use. People really need to use more common sense when it comes their safety. Many times we saw people standing on a cliffs edge or next to a bison.
We thought we only had about 20 minutes before Old Faithful was suppose to erupt but it had other plans. A cold sprinkle started...
Then it started to get more cloudy...
The boys grew impatient, it started to look like it was about to erupt and then fizzle out for the next 45 minutes...
Then we had to run for cover which wasn't bad until you add in the hundreds of other people who also decided to take cover pushing and shoving until the kids let alone myself couldn't see well. At least I got a photo with my brother.
We made it just in time for it to start pouring.
We may not have had an up close view but we ended up meeting a family from California which helped time pass by.
Once it started the kids stood open mouthed and excited. To see it through their eyes made it all the more special.
We stayed protected until it was over and we could put away the camera. After last year and me getting caught in the rain, ruining my phone, we are more leery about taking electronics out in rain.
Of course when we ran back to the car I found my window down. Luckily we have floormats with a lip that caught most of the water, seat was dry because I had it folded for the kids to exit the back and nothing was taken.
On the way out of the park we passed the same herd of Bison that had crossed in front of us on the way to Old Faithful. This time they were huddled down waiting for the rain to pass.
Sometimes it really takes getting away from it all to realize how special nature is. I hope to have Day 4 up next week, until then... keep smiling!
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