Snow Arrives, but we Skirt Winter!

Ken was reminiscent about this stop in Idaho Falls as he spent time here training at The Idaho National Laboratory when he was in the Navy. Ken served on a nuclear submarine from 1978-1984. Believe it or not, nuclear sub training was in Idaho! Crazy! Was that some senator’s pet project? Job creation program? Or safe place to build a nuclear training facility? Interesting. 

Sure enough the snow manifested as predicted. It started lightly as we saw out of our hotel room window. There was a fantastic view for miles across farmland. The hotel we chose-this time from roadside advertisement, was built on the very far west side of Idaho Falls. And by far I mean in new territory. I am going to surmise that being right next to farmland meant someone was selling off land and there was a grand west-side development process beginning. 

As we packed up our belongings knowing we needed to head further west before the snow piled up, the showers got heavier. The angle of snowfall increased indicating a moving front, and as the snow flakes multiplied, they began to turn the ground white. I thought it had been too warm to stick, but never underestimate the persistence of nature. 

The interstate west out of Idaho Falls goes through Craters of the Moon territory. This is a vast ancient volcanic field of pumice, basalt, and ash. I had been to Idaho a couple times before, but only on the west side: Orofino, Coere D Alene, Lewiston, Homedale and Nyssa areas. I had always wanted to see the Craters area and now I finally see it and its covered in snow! That’s ok, the snow gave it an extra eery feel.

One of the main benefits in staying in a hotel instead of struggling to find a camp site, internet access. I checked my favorite website, NOAA, and saw that the front was narrow and we would be out of the precipitation by afternoon. If we left when we were confident enough to drive through it! 

Here we go, running away from the snow-until Alaska!

Yellowstone in November, one Great Reason for Leaving Late for Alaska

As we entered Yellowstone, we felt the temperature dropping. Light snow patches were still on the side of the road in the shade. All the roads were clear at this point, but there was a snow storm coming in from the west tonight so we would be quite lucky to make it through on this quiet Sunday. The road was not crowded at all so we felt at ease toddling along at our 40 mph gait. When we stopped at the entrance, the thermometer in the car read 30 degrees. A bit of a chill compared to days past. No matter, its Yellowstone! And a grand old National Park entrance it is.

Ken and I had purchased our National Parks Pass in Cheyenne at Sierra Trading Post. We forgot to get them earlier at an REI, thank goodness the other store had them too-of course they can be ordered on-line if you are in one place long enough to receive them http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm ). I highly recommend the pass as the cost will recoup about four entrance fees. Since we were making a long trip, expecting to see other national parks, and moving to the state with the largest national parks, we knew this pass was a must. 

The day could not have been more perfect. Except for our breakfast on the road, the weather was spectacular! It had been perfect for us thus far, we were so grateful. Our improper breakfast on the go was almonds, dried cherries, granola bars, and a fresh apple from my sister’s house. Not bad at all–an absolute must for long distance driving is quality road food. It can be supplemented with low quality junk food from time to time, but to keep alert and healthy, eat well! Also, always travel with one or more water bottles. 

When I say it could not have been more perfect, take note in every way: weather, time of day, and especially the LACK OF TRAFFIC! Anyone thinking of visiting Yellowstone has heard of the overcrowded conditions that have been developing for decades. I am sure many families dread the idea of going in summer and having to wade through lines of cars on the two lane roads. All of the moms, dads, students, anyone considering this National Park, give yourself permission to arrange your trip in the fall. I imagine, if you come just a bit sooner than we did (as my friend Christine’s website acknowledges http://www.ylwstone.com/) fall is gorgeous. On this November trip, we did not feel any of the pressure drivers could feel as part of a long snake line of cars-adding stress to driving and reducing the pleasure of the scenery. There are ample pulls-offs along the road and we took advantage of them in order to breathe in the clean air and document the wonder. 

Though the birch and aspen are probably radiant in their fall yellows and oranges, the light bark of the tall thin trees against the deep blue sky was just as lovely. There had been a forest fire recently adding deep black char to the contrasting colors. The chill air with no breeze allowed the Steamboat Point to do just that, adding an air of mystery to the lake side. In the low wetlands along the lake, frost still topped the rushes and prairie grass. The glowing tawny color of the fall grasses made a great complimentary background to a single buffalo. One of my perennially favorite subjects, clouds, were on display as well. Light clouds, Yellowstone Lake, the steam pots, mountains, what more could a nature lover want? What, a coyote just trotting along the road. Ok, stop now! Its nature overload! 

Our visit would only last one day, but the impression will be limitless. Also, we experienced a range of weather for just one day. As we neared our departure, the clouds were rolling in. With all the different environments to see, I am splitting the visit into three segments and will post more photos. 

This is Yellowstone Lake. Cool weather shows off the steam points wonderfully. We entered at the east entrance and traveled south and west on the loop road toward Old Faithful.