We were in Yellowstone National Park July 1st-July 7th with Chris' parents & Erin. We had a blast! I could say so much about how beautiful it was, but I think some pictures will explain for themselves. I took about 550 pictures, so I tried to select some of our favorites to share.
We spent Friday night at Lake Lodge in a double cabin, Saturday & Sunday nights at Canyon Lodge in single cabins, Monday & Tuesday back at Lake Lodge in the premier cabins, and Wedensday night at the famous Old Faithful Inn.
There was nearly twice the typical amount of snow in Yellowstone this winter and there was still snow falling in May. Hence, there was still snow on the ground especially at some of the higher elevations (i.e. Mount Washburn).
The buffalo herding season was just beginning when we arrived, so on the first few days we were there we would see mostly solitary buffalo grazing. As the week went on, their numbers grew and especially in the mornings and evenings we would see huge herds of buffalo with calfs grazing in the Hayden Valley.
Our favorite wildlife encounter was definitely on Wednesday morning when on the way from Lake Lodge to Old Faithful a bear walked across the road 2 cars in front of us. We were able to jump out of the car & take some great pictures. We were much closer than the recommended 100 yards distance as you can see from the pictures. It was crazy in hindsight, but the bear did not seem at all disturbed by the tons of people gathering along the roadside to watch him.
The entire time we were gone, I felt like I was in another country just because of the vastness and natural beauty that surrounds you everywhere you are. There are certainly no gas stations, fast food restaurants, or banks on every corner; the animals roam free and graze on what they hunt/find themselves; there is a quietness that is beyond words. It almost made me want to pack my bags & move to Montana!
Jenny Lake & the Grand Tetons
Sign at the entrance coming from the Grand Tetons
Us at the Elephant Back trail summit overlooking Yellowstone Lake
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone & Upper/Lower Falls
The buffalo often walk right along the roadside & cross the road at their leisure!
The trail up to the Mt. Washburn summit was snow covered...hazard was perhaps an understatement!
The famous entrance to Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs
Debbie, Erin, & Roy on a trail we couldn't finish because we couldn't cross the abundance of water left behind when snow melted in the creek.
Views from the Pelican Valley (gorgeous!)
Wapiti Lake. Sadly, this is near the trail where a hiker from California was attacked & killed by a bear on Wednesday (about 12 hours after we were there).
Our super close bear sighting!
Grand Prismatic Hot Springs
Old Faithful which erupts about every 91 minutes.
Morning Glory Pool at Old Faithful's Geyser Basin & Hot springs
Old Faithful Inn with the yellow "Jammer" truck cruising by...
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