Yellowstone National Park !

I knew that I would have only one day to try and see as much of Yellowstone National Park as I could.  So, I made reservations at a KOA about five miles outside of the West Gate Entrance for the night before.  Up at 5:30 am, I was on my way into the park as the sun was making its way over the horizon.  Another $30 saved with my National Parks pass, and I was off.  I pulled over to check out the park map, and chart a course that would ensure I capitalized on my allotted time, taking into consideration that there is often about 15 and 20 miles between the places I wanted to see.  Alas, as the saying goes, “the best laid plans…” yeah, so my careful and methodical planning fell apart pretty much right away.  The last time I was at Yellowstone, I was 5 years old, my Dad was driving a 28′ Coachman motorhome, and I basically got out and back in when I was told to.  With that being said, I’m sure that if I had been able to stop when ever I saw something interesting in 1973, my family would still be driving aimlessly around the park.  There is just way too much to see and do than a body can actually do in 6 hours.  I suggest you plan a 3-4 day minimum stay, and even then you will not see all the park has to offer.  The geysers are abundant on the west side and it is fascinating to watch as some of them rumble and bubble as if they were motorized.  One of my first stops was Grand Prismatic Springs, a hot springs that displays an array of beautiful colors in its water.  In my rush to get to the park first thing in the morning, I did not take into account that the autumn mornings are about 40 degrees, causing massive amounts of steam to form at the surface of the hot springs and geysers.  I did see Grand Prismatic Springs, and I am almost certain that if it hadn’t been so chilly, I would have been in awe of its beauty.

Oh well, on to Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.  I parked and walked a short distance to the viewing area wondering how long I would have to wait until it erupted again, since it’s about 90 minutes between eruptions.  Score….. I waited about 2 minutes !!  Awesome…. Old Faithful – Check….

Quick stop at the nearest gift shop and I was back on schedule.  Next stop, Mud Volcano, ok, so one wrong turn in 3,468 square miles is allowed, luckily I noticed before I had gone too far.  Yep, Mud Volcano is basically a bunch of mud hot springs that gurgle and bubble with mud, and reek of sulfur.  Pretty cool, even if they are stinky.

Finally made it to Hayden Valley.  The clerk at the gift shop had told me that a bison had died last week and grizzly bears and wolves had been seen eating on the carcass.  No grizzlies or wolves, but lots of bison.

Since I had just been to the actual Grand Canyon last month, I had to stop and see how Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon measured up.  The road going into the parking lot was bumper to bumper so I figured it had to be something special.  I landed a parking spot in the first row (patience actually does pay off sometimes), and headed down the path.  As it turns out, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon is quite impressive.  There were way to many people there so I grabbed some pictures and then got the heck out of there.

Of all the wonderful things to see it is very difficult to pinpoint just one favorite.  Although my time there was short, I had an amazing time, and will for sure and certain be back.  My next trip to Yellowstone National Park will be much longer, and I can hardly wait ! !