Arrived at the Campground at 9:30 pm and was greeted by a delightful senior couple from Michigan who were manning the campground reservation area.
The Park hires contract service and many seniors journey with RVs to the National Parks staffing the various positions. For those without RVs, dormitory housing is available.
Received information and directions for the trip to Cody, Wyoming. Bunked down in the car and called it a day.
Upon rising at 5 a.m. deposited the yellow ticket in the check out box and was on my way to Cody. What a simple process for the federal government to have established.
After my delightful visit to Montana found the Tower – Roosevelt route was closed due to falling rock. Returned by way of the previous route crossing over at Norris to Canyon Village. Here the iconic, breath-taking views of Yellowstone and more geothermic activity was seen.
Norris Geyser Basin – Norris was the second superintendent of Yellowstone. He was instrumental in park road construction as well as documenting hydrothermal geyser features. The Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most acidic area of the Park.
The Vixen spews every 3 to 5 minutes.
Once completed all liquid and material around the spew are sucked in – similar to a toilet flush.
From Norris on to the iconic Yellowstone Views – be prepared for a bit of a hike, but well worth it.
More animal activity driving to Mud Volcano, here families of bison were grazing in a field at dusk.
Mud Volcano Area – this area reeks of sulphur smells, and scary activity. In 1870, explorers watched as Mud Volcano spewed mud throughout the landscape blowing itself apart.
Other active creatures in this area with their amazing colors. How vegetation can survive in the midst of these temperatures is beyond comprehension.
Since my 3rd grade state report on Montana I have always yearned to visit this state. With it 5 miles away I jumped at the chance. Little is in this small town but a fun visit. Let’s start..
The Roosevelt Arch – a tribute to President Theodore
Visitor Center – many helpful National Park Service staff here
Prior to the creation of the National Park Service the Army supervised the National Parks. At the Parks inception there were many unruly and challenging mountain men who roamed the area. Mammoth Hot Springs was an Army base developed to contain these situations. There are placards throughout this area explaining this history.
Park Superintendent’s Home
Army Barracks
Former rec area for soldiers, now a credit union.
While there are hotels and motels in this area as well as an array of shops and restaurants, this is what I found most interesting.
The Mail Carrier’s Home
In 1895, Alden Rosenborough began as the mail carrier for the area. His route was 100 miles long and he leased 2 cabins along the way to complete the route. This dwelling served as the mail carrier’s for over a century. His route:
Caveat: Elk walk freely throughout Mammoth Hot Springs closely monitored by National Park Service staff. What an amazing experience to walk down the street with an elk grazing next to you, but watch with only your eyes,
After Grant Village reservations were established started my trek in an effort to see Yellowstone in one day. At the West Thumb Geyser Basin intersection went northwest for more geyser viewing. Found Biscuit Basin very colorful, and less trafficked.
Then there are the shapes..
Walkways in these areas are slightly elevated above the geysers. No animals allowed. In most cases there is nothing between you and the geyser so if bringing children monitor them closely. Geysers and their steam are really hot!
On to another site, and look what was lying on the side of the road. A Kodak moment..
While this creature was resting and allowing many visitors to take snaps as close as 10 feet away, signage throughout the Park warns not to touch. “They” can charge up to 30 mph and have the ability to kill.
Roaring Mountain The signage for this area came up quickly and had to do a u-turn to visit the site. There is no speeding in the Park, and many on the roads have large RV’s so driving with their bulk in front of you is a challenge. When other cars tailgated I often pulled off and allowed them to pass. There are frequent pull off’s on the Park roads.
This living landscape emits steam and sulfur rich gases. Many microscopic organisms are hard at work wearing away the mountain.
Then not far from this area – a site of unimaginable beauty, The Golden Gate Canyon.
This was engineers biggest challenge when developing park roads.
After enjoying the waterfall checked my reservations for the evening. To my dismay realized I had none, an oversight. Yellowstone does not allow sleeping in parking lots, or on the roadside. Quickly attempted to access Expedia, however, Park internet is extremely limited so was unable to connect.
Elk foraging along the road.
Next attempted a Park hotel reservation, however, no vacancy.. Was told to check out the campground, and luckily the Grant Village agent told me she had an opening. The site was quickly booked, and here it is.
Locker for food which 2 sites share.
Garbage receptacles are also bear proofed.
The Bathrooms
In Yellowstone campgrounds there are no shower facilities. Luckily, or well planned, most campgrounds are near water. There was no electric in the campground so charged the phone in the bathroom outlet. A dumping station for trailers and RV’s is available in the Park. Daily site prices are reasonable. Lights out at 10 pm.
Caveat: Arrive before dark as it is difficult to navigate otherwise. Bring flashlights, layer, and as always enjoy..
Left Moran by 6:30, gaining entrance to the Grand Teton National Park by 7. Stopped at the first pull off and noted this group of happy campers on a 4 hour water journey. Arrangements for these outings can be made at the lodges throughout the Parks and there are many options available.
Looks like a fun option..
After this stopped in the Jackson Lake Lodge area. In all lodge areas gas stations with full service are available, as well as other services for car, health, and hygiene.
Jackson Lake, an enormous body of water with smoky mountains providing a mysterious view.
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, is an integral part of this Park. Rockefeller visited Jackson Hole in the 1920s and was concerned how development was being conducted. He purchased and donated 32,000 acres to the Park. Much of the trees along this Parkway were dying and unsure why.
The South Entrance to Yellowstone awaits at the end of the Rockefeller Parkway. Stopped at the first waterfall past the entrance. Had a short walk in, but worth it, Crawford Creek.
You never know what Expedia has to offer so when this option appeared on their web site verses paying double for a hotel room I jumped at the chance. For $79. a night I slept in a tepee and believe the same rate would be for a family of four.
Inside Teepee
There are also covered wagon accommodations – unsure of price and area inside.
Arrived at 9:45 pm, and big mistake as it was dark, and too late to appreciate the area, which is beautiful. All pictures taken in this blog were at 6 a.m.
There are horses to ride at the ranch,
as well as waterfront areas to enjoy.
A full service restaurant is on site.
This family experience will be one you’ll talk about for years..
Buffalo Valley Ranch is a short ride from Grand Teton National Park in Moran, Wyoming. For more information check out the Expedia web site, or contact the ranch directly at 307-543-2477.
No financial remuneration is received from this blog, only want to share a fun time with others.
This sign was welcomed after driving through the Grand Teton Park. Here I received a map to assist with my journey to Old Faithful. Since signage is limited at the Parks, as well as lighting, (and it gets very dark here), recommend asking for two maps or bringing tape to keep the map intact as it will be folded again and again… Also, whatever paper information the ranger offers – take.
Old Faithful Area
The area around the geyser is developed with many accommodations – hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. Lodging on the Park sites begin at over $300 per night and must be booked at least a year in advance. Those seen were lovely, but reasonable lodgings are few in this area – next blog.
There is ample parking in this area and it is a short walk to Old Faithful from the parking lot. Old Faithful rises every 30 to 45 minutes. There is an AP which gives approximate times of spewing. Around Old Faithful are many benches and the area is comfortable with visitors sharing insights so it is a pleasant experience as you wait. And there she blows..
What an impressive site and she spews much taller than this last picture, however, unable to capture the height.
Around Old Faithful is a walkway where a series of small geysers are active. Park rangers walk these areas, answer questions, and give insights. Yellowstone Park is actually one large volcano and 48% of the world’s geothermic activity is concentrated here. Many steamy geothermic spots are next to the roads as you drive. Stay clear as they are HOT.
Fascinating, but, need to depart as lodgings beckoned. Some parting shots.
Forgot to mention this.. Wasn’t up for a hike but can you imagine the views?
The greenery co-exists with the heated areas, one wonders, how??
Arrived at the entrance to the Grand Teton National Park at 3 p.m. after starting the journey at 5 a.m. Excited to have arrived decided to bypass the Park and head for Old Faithful. While another 2 1/2 hour journey beautiful weather was with me and clear air contributed to the scenery.
Stopping to stretch my legs after entering the Park came across this mobile unit warning visitors of bears. Those who hike at the Parks are told to carry bear spray. While I saw no bears during my visit there is much wildlife and they are in close proximity so do not be foolish should you visit. Visitors have been killed. Keep food secured so as not to attract these creatures and while they accept pictures from a distance do not attempt to touch as they are wild.
A path near this mobile unit was closed and security was monitoring the site to ensure no hikers took the trail.
And while on Park roads more friendly human visitors on horse back may be seen. As they have the right of way enjoy the driving break as they cross..
Young Retiree Needs a Life 