GAR Day 7, Part 2: Fishing Bridge and extras

A few more magnificent waterfalls and we were on our way back. On the way we hit rain, hail, and a few lightning strikes. We were also privileged to see a wolf (at a great distance) and a bald eagle flying. The end of the each day has included a dip in the hotel pool, which has probably been enjoyed the most by Meg as she has shot down the slide.

GAR Day 7, Part 1: Fishing Bridge and extras

After beautiful weather all week, we got a bit of rain today, though not enough to stop us from venturing into the park. We hit a few more spouting holes in the ground, including the "Dragon's Mouth Spring", which J-Man is pointing to. Then we ventured to the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel and stopped at some rushing rapids, though Meg was not be interrupted in her reading. Included is a picture of our daily lunch ritual, which was virtually the same each day.

GAR Day 6, Part 2: Old Faithful

After seeing Old Faithful erupt again, we took a tour of pools, rivers, springs, and geysers of various shapes, colors, and sizes. On our way back we said hello to a deer and baby as they crossed the road right in front of us. Then, we ended the day by taking a dip in one of the two approved swimming spots in Yellowstone. This should be a shock to no one but J-Man lost one of his Crocs in the mud at the bottom of the stream.

GAR Day 6, Part 1: Old Faithful

Up until now we had seen one or two bison but today we came across HERDS of bison. Just a few are pictured here, including one that decided to wander across the road in front of us. Then, it was off to Old Faithful, which blew 10 minutes after we arrived. After the eruption, we explored the Old Faithful Inn and it's very interesting wooden architecture.

GAR Day 5, Part 3: More Canyon

We finished off the day with a rather strenuous but scenic four mile hike. We saw some spectacular waterfalls, deer tracks (and bison), a loud bubbling mud pot, and two pretty lakes (Clear Lake is pictured...Lilypad was covered with, well, lilypads). A nice lady took our picture towards the end of our hike.

GAR Day 5, Part 2: Canyon

Our day continued with another beautiful waterfall (complete with rainbow), a short and very steep hike, a GRIZZLY bear far up on the hill, Jonathan participating in the Junior Ranger Olympics, Emma and Jonathan completing their Junior Ranger certification, and yet another bison. This particular fella decided to slowly cross the road, after staring at us with a rather bored look.

GAR Day 5, Part 1: Northeast Yellowstone

Some of our shots today were a bit distant and blurry, but still very exciting. There is a bald eagle nest just inside the park, and there are signs everywhere warning us that we can't stop. We encountered another bison, this time even closer to the road. In addition, we saw a black bear, which drew quite a crowd and several Rangers. This was all on our way to the Roosevelt Tower and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Finally, we discovered this picture of too many squirrels in one hole. There's a joke there somewhere.

GAR Day 4, Part 2: North Yellowstone

We hiked to or stopped at various steam vents, terraced pools, and bubbling springs. Some even had a bit of a scent, as you can tell. We also encountered some magnificently horned deer (or are they elk...we had trouble distinguishing at times). Finally, we ran into a bison (buffalo) who was just strolling alongside the road.

GAR Day 4, Part 1: North Yellowstone

We headed north to Mammoth Hot Springs, where the kids enjoyed scaling the mighty Sheepeaters Cliff. Our lunch was spent surrounded by deer and we took a picture at the first of many spectacular waterfalls. We also encountered the fierce but lovable marmot.

GAR Day 3, Part 2: South Yellowstone

Our first glimpse of thermal activity came along Lake Yellowstone at the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Although late in the day, the kids were enthusiastic about the colors and steam, but not necessarily about the smells! We bypassed the rest of the sights in favor of our waiting hotel room and waterslide/pool.