Old Faithful

What is the one destination everyone has to see when visiting Yellowstone Park? There could be a few answers out there, but in the top three would be Old Faithful. That would be our fist destination. After a leisurely morning drive in, we arrived at the brand new Old Faithful Visitor’s center at about 11:30 am. Right in the middle of the rotunda is the sign that posts the next estimated eruption time: 11:55! How perfect could that be. I made a beeline for the viewing area. The layout of the visitor center includes a huge picture window on an axis looking straight out to the geyser. No question of where to go. 

Ken and I walked briskly to the seating area. A long, wide boardwalk makes a semi-circle around the geyser. There were a few other visitors today, but not a crowd, again, think about a fall visit! There was plenty of seating if anyone required it, and plenty of shoulder space. As the boiling action started, everyone stood still and watched. Shutters clicking, oohs and ahhs, cheering as if the geyser could respond! It was really amazing to stand there and think, we are on top of a giant old volcano! There is still some tremendous activity underground. We humans should never forget that we cannot totally control nature. 

Old Faithful spews up water and steam up to a height of 184 feet.

Once this eruption died down, Ken and I refocused on our lack of coffee this morning. I felt for sure there would be a snack bar of some sort available. We had stopped at the old visitor center and snack bar, yet it was shuttered for the season. We inquired at the visitor center desk about refreshments and they directed us to a new catered facility across the parking lot. Now I know the parks need to make money however they can, and I know they contract out most hospitality products, but they really need to require these places to match the quality of product to price. We went in for lunch: a cold sandwich, cup of chili, two coffees, and hot dog with chili. It was over $25!!!! The food was barely cafeteria quality. As such, we filled our coffee cups twice. I complained because I had food in the car that would have been better-namely a peanut butter and black cherry jelly sandwich would have been better. So, just a tip for you future travelers. 

After lunch we went back to the trails that wind around Old Faithful, through the forest, and across many other smaller geysers, mud pots, mineral pools, and streams. There are a good many photos from this walk so move along to the next post. 

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. 

Cody to Yellowstone in a Hurry–Before they Close!

We woke before sunrise in order to make our one day super trip through Yellowstone. Before we left Texas, we were warned that the roads would close for the winter. There was not a set time, it was usually weather based. It was evident that the north road would close first being the highest elevation entryway. Our friend Christine and her boyfriend go to Yellowstone at least once a year to photograph, relax, and look for wolves. She maintains a great website on the natural wonders of Yellowstone, excellent writing and photos http://www.ylwstone.com/ . Christine had given us lots of tips on places to go and where and when. She also went to the park for a second time this year in October and we had hoped to meet her there. However, our timing did not work out that way.

By time we left Denver, we found out by observing the Yellowstone website that the paved roads would close on November 8. Here we are again, just making a destination in the nick-of-time! Ken and I were determined to make it to the park as neither of us had been there and dag-nabit, it was on the way to Alaska! I had been all around the park on various other trips, and Ken had been to Jackson Hole. The entire region up in the Wyoming, Montana, Idaho border area is full of a good many destinations. 

As expected, our ‘campsite’ host was open and we could go in and freshen up before we left. We were in too much of a hurry to get anything to eat, we just wanted to get on the road. And yet again, not utilizing our new camp stove or coffee pot. Yellowstone is close, but we had many a rubbernecking stops planned in the park. The sunrise was gorgeous when we left, much like the pink and blue we saw entering Denver.

Not only was the sunrise lovely, but the entire drive west into Yellowstone was as well to us flat landers. We still had not been on any tough mountain drives–not that we needed any more reason to go slow with our heavy load. The road west out of Cody follows the Shoshone River and it forms a little canyon leading to the Buffalo Bill Reservoir (top photo below). The morning sun on the hills and mountains was very painterly!