Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was a much anticipated visit for us. We were shy of an hour away from it so while in Ennis we made this our first trip. We had visited the website multiple times to make sure we had all necessary details before heading out. We actually went 2 days to try and see it all. Day 2 was quite an experience!

Day 1. There was road construction within the park, it was very busy for the end of September, per one of the rangers, and very,  warm.  Most of you have probably been there before so you may, or may not, understand what I am going to say. I was disappointed in Yellowstone. I can’t tell you why exactly, except I think my expectations were influenced due to all the things we had heard about it. We have  been to so many beautiful and fascinating places in this country, I believe my expectations were unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful, with lots of scenic drives and wildlife everywhere. There were also lots and lots of stupid, inconsiderate people. In fact, there is a Facebook page dedicated to Yellowstone National Park idiots.  Check it out.

 Since parking was a definite challenge, to say the least, we chose to see other, not so popular, attractions. 

One of many Bison seen while there.

 

                                                                      Fountain Paint Pots

                                                                        More Paint Pot springs

                                                                                 Mud  Pots

                                                                    the Mud Pots erupting

                                                                             Bacteria Mats

                                                                Sulfur springs from a distance

                              The only bear we saw, unfortunately, was a dead one on the roadside

Day 2 would be prove to be frustrating but on the bright side,  the alternate drive to the Park  was worth it. The terrain was  beautiful and roads were good and not busy. The road took jus through some country we may not have seen otherwise.  The route traversed by Quake lake. https://www.yellowstonepark.com/park/history/yellowstone-earthquake-of-1959/ . Check out the link, it explains what happened one tragic night. Just before we neared the lake we quickly came to a halt as 4-5 mountain goats decided they wanted to cross in front of us. No problem...after all, its the wildlife we really want to see. Since we did the west entrance the day before, we chose to drive up to the north entrance and take the loop around to see the southern part. It’s a long drive to the northern entrance from the west but it was a pretty drive with lots of wildlife. We took the route to the the south to experience the rest of Yellowstone. Or so we thought! To our surprise the road was closed for construction. Grrrr!! That was probably the one thing on the website I didn’t check. But we thought there would have been other postings about it throughout the park.  It is now late afternoon and we have 2 choices and a decision to make. 1. drive about 1 1/2 hours back to the northern exit and another 2 hours back to our site, or drive 2 1/2 hours to the western exit and an hour home. So we took the northern exit and made it home just before dark. It was a day disappointing but we can now say we were there and don’t need to go again. All in all, Yellowstone was a good experience but a tiring one.

                                                                        Quake lake

      

                                                                   Safely across the street

                                                                         Gibbon  Falls

                                                                He stopped to pose for me

                                                               One of the many beautiful views

                                                             Roaring Mountain - Fumaroles

                                                                One of many herds we saw

                                                   A bull calling his harem at the exit.

                                                               

I have come to realize that our perception of things is very personal and  probably the opposite of others. Guess that’s what makes us so unique. As you travel and explore, regardless of how far you travel, or where it might be, remember to look for those precious moments to relive over again.  And while you are out there remember to be thankful for that opportunity and look up, it’s amazing out there.