Yellowstone in a Day

Is, as I learned, impossible!  So in addition to my stay on a dude ranch, I will return and spend some time hiking and camping in Yellowstone.  Who's wants to join me?

In my short time at Yellowstone, I was however able to take in many sights.  This included watching Old Faithful erupt!

As I was sitting there I learned about a webcam in a tree.  So I made some phone calls and Sam, Kramer, my parents and John were all able to see me online after the crowd had dispursed.  (Sorry Nikki, I called you before learning of the webcam!)

Here I am walking away.....I'm a web celebrity!

Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States.  Elevations range from 5,314 to 11,358 feet.  I crossed over the Continental Divide at almost 8,400 feet.

The park is full of hot springs, geyers and wildlife.  There is a section near the south entrance that was destroyed by fire in the 1980's.  Some of the geyers burst fountains of scalding water high into the air while others bubble and spit murky deposits.  The hot springs have beautiful shades of green and blue.  Algae and bacteria withstand the boiling temperatures to create these vivid colors.  

I saw the famous Fountain Paint Pots (hot springs that bubble up through the mud!)  Look closely and you can see some small bubbling.

As I drove through the park there were places where the waters were the bluest of blues and fields that were a bright golden yellow.  The contrast between the colors were absolutely amazing.  I also drove up to what is referred to as the "grand canyon" of Yellowstone.  Stunning.  I will have to compare to the real Grand Canyon next week!

The one mistake I made was driving out of the park via its east entrance at night!  I had plans to stay in Cody, Wyoming.  As I drove out of the park I was trying to take in the last bit of scenery when holy crap there were five huge bisons in front of me, standing in the roadway.  I had to slam on my brakes and everything in the front seat beside me came flying off and onto the floor (including my camera).  They did not seem like particularly friendly animals, so I opted to stay in the car!  Not knowing how the heck I was going to get by, I just sat there and watched them watch me as if we were in some sort of stand off in a western.

Luckily a park ranger came by, flashed its lights and moved the bison out of the way.

The remaining part of the drive was lit only by moonlight.  Although beautiful, it was also a little creepy when you are out in the middle of nowhere, by yourself, with no cell service, driving down tight twists and turns when all you can see are the tops of the trees to your right and great big mountains to your left.

Needless to say I was pretty tired when I arrived in Cody!

Some of you have asked where I am staying every night.  I have been making that decision day to day.  I will be staying at the Villa Mirage in Scottsdale, AZ for one week beginning Saturday.  Should you be interested in sending me music for my rental car, food, or a donation towards the beer list....feel free to send it along.  In return I will give you a shout out in the blog.

For example....my lodging last night was courtesy of John, who made a reservation for me at an inn with a hot tub!