So for a couple of days we’d been wondering, Why is it called “Yellowstone?”
Oh. Got it.
Naturally, my phone camera didn’t come close to capturing it, but take my word for it – those canyon walls are very, very yellow.
Current status:
Stupidly grateful for excellent wi-fi and the return of phone service, the latter especially. To repeat for those in the back clucking about disconnecting: I have a kid in college during a time when normal college life is either non-existent or tumbling like so many dominoes, every day, so yeah, I appreciate being able to hear, “Uh, Mom…I have to come home” as soon as the words might be uttered.
(Not that that has happened. Fingers crossed.)
Current view:
Quite beautiful. Although, as I keep reminding my son, Winter. Don’t forget winter.
And yes, there are those who consider that beautiful too, and it is. For a week or two. Not nine months or whatever.
So this is Monday’s report:
Packed up and rolled out of the Old Faithful area about 8 am. The geysers in this area are always steaming of course, but it’s all the more noticeable in the morning, as that hot steam hits the cool area. A view back:
We made our way up to the Norris Geyser area, which was spectacular. Again, advice from the non-advice-giver. If you are in the area, don’t skip it. It’s really just as interesting as the Old Faithful area. Although I will say, go early – or late in the afternoon. When we arrived around 9:30, we had no issues with parking, but by the time we left two hours later, the smallish lot was full, and the overflow parking was filling up – and the overflow parking is probably at least half a mile away, on the road.
You can read about the Norris area here.In short, it’s the area in which the magma is closest to the surface – about 2 miles (gulp). My photos can’t capture the beauty of the colors, and of course, still photos can’t capture the sound of bubbling, steaming and hissing. And I think that’s the image I’m going to take from this trip – the sound. That, more than anything else, has given me notice of the intense activity happening right under my feet.
(For video, go to Instagram, especially stories.)
A few photos:
Then it was off to the Grand! Canyon! of the Yellowstone!
A stop first in “Canyon Village” – the visitor’s area near the Canyon. And I confess, I find this almost as fascinating as the natural wonders. Some history here. Basically – in 1966, the NPS did a big campaign to upgrade facilities(things had suffered, of course, because of the Depression and then World War II). Canyon Village – a major visitor hub since the beginning – was a focus, and in the rebuilding, they decided to go a different way from the usual – and quite fitting and beautiful – “Parkitecture” of stones and beams and go full Mid-Century Modern. This photo of the Lodge gives you a glimpse, but for more go here. I found it delightful that the interiors of the gift shop and such at Canyon Lodge continue that MCM feel.
I love the NPS, full stop, and this is just one more reason why. It acknowledges a living history, and doesn’t get stuck in one iconic era. During the late 50’s and 60’s Americans with gradually rising income and greater security and their cars hit the road. This is a wonderful reminder of that important period.
Anyway…on to the Canyon. There are great ways to hike around the rim, but driving is quicker, and gives you access to the same wonderful views. Again: It was pretty busy, and a time or two we had to wait a minute for a parking spot, but I can imagine that in the highest of the high season it would be insane. Go early, go off high season to avoid frustration.
It’s all spectacular. Gorgeous, soaring, yellow stone walls, rushing river. And being there with folks of all types, from all walks of life, all taking it in, delighted and awed together.
One can view it all from above at various viewpoints, but do, if you’re able and have the time, descend to the spot at the top of the Lower Falls. There’s nothing like it – it’s twice as tall as Niagara, and you’re right there at the brink.
We headed a bit south, towards the lake, to take in a few more thermal features and hopefully see some animals. Which we did. I swear, it’s as if the Park Scenic Director said, Hey, you guys – you bison, Team 47 – we need you to be across the river for an iconic shot on Monday afternoon . Be there.
We did see some of the fascinating thermal features down there – it’s well worth it – but eventually, the sulfur got to us. After a few days of feeling as if the scent was permeating us, it just got overwhelming and we said, yeah, we’re done.
I mean, when the main attraction is called “Sulphur Cauldron,” you get the idea.
Made our way up to a new state – Montana! Gorgeous, expansive, a place to return to. I see why the movie stars and other rich people build their estates up here. Amazing country and fairly isolated. Makes sense.
We stopped briefly at the Mammoth area where a ranger said, “Oh, you’re staying in Gardiner? Watch out for the elk at night if you walk downtown. They can be aggressive.”
Errr.
Advice taken.
Anyway, an excellent pizza dinner at the Yellowstone Pizza Company,a walk back to our place,
then out to the grocery in the car, a stop for a gambol on a hill
and then a look at the gorgeous and iconic Roosevelt Arch, the entrance to Yellowstone National park, the inscription on which reads, “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”
I mean. Murica.
Charlotte was Both 