Yellowstone, Day 2

[I cannot believe that it has been 20 days since I left us at Yellowstone. It’s been day after day of running out of time. Three of those days were particularly happy, as Kelli and I celebrated our 25th anniversary by retracing part of our honeymoon along the California coast. Now I’m in danger of the summer ending before our vacation does. We are very close to the end, and I will do my best to wrap it up before the end of the month.]

The famous attraction of Yellowstone is Old Faithful. We went there first and had the dubious distinction of being in the Visitor’s Center when it was closed down for a gas leak. According to rangers I overheard, such a closure is extremely rare. Fortunately Old Faithful was not closed down and she blew at just the right time.

Before the eruption

During the eruption

I’m not sure if we have enough photos of the eruption.

Then we wandered around and did some “junior ranger” activities with the two youngest. That took long enough that we were around when Old Faithful blew again. Just to make sure we got it, everyone took more photos.

Swearing in of the junior rangers

After this we headed out to visit some of the other thermal features. My memory has dimmed a bit on some details in the now two months that has passed, but my impression is just as strong as ever: it was impressive. I would that I enjoyed more the beautiful colors of these various hot springs, pools, and geysers than I did the expulsion of water high into the air. I have many photos, but I have selected three.

Selfie training with Bethany

A swimming hole?

I’d say these colors are not natural, but I guess they are…

I enjoyed this day very much.

On the way out we saw some deer grazing by the river. Unfortunately we never saw the famous bears of Yellowstone. Next time!

Mountains, river, trees, deer. Pretty much where I want to spend my entire summer.