The first thing we saw when we got into the park on Wednesday was a buffalo. It seems that we have seen a lot of buffalo as singles or pairs. There have been only a couple of groups that had a dozen or more.
Our first stop for the day was at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
There was a group of tourists from Great Britain that had a tour guide who was telling them that when they saw this there would be no need to see the “Grand Canyon”. Then later we overheard someone saying that this is no comparison to the “Grand Canyon”. Even though this is magnificent, it in no way compares to the grand and expansiveness of the “Grand Canyon”. They are both beautiful, but it’s like comparing apples and oranges.
This picture is of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River.
Some nice person took pity on us and took a picture of the both of us with the Falls in the back ground.
Another shot of the Falls with some of the canyon in the foreground.
There are many different colors in the canyon, but you can see how Yellowstone got it’s name.
On the road you see lots of personalized plates that relate to traveling. We thought this one was especially appropriate.
This was the only group of buffalo that we saw close to the road. If you look closely you'll see the calf was nursing.
We had never stopped at the West Thumb Geyser Basin before. We sure are glad we didn’t bypass it again. This geyser basin is unique because it is along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake.
These are two pictures of the Seismograph Springs.
In addition to the crystal clear springs there were a few mud pots in the area.
This is called the Fishing Cone. You could not see the geyser but you could hear it percolating.
When I saw this duck I thought it was a Bufflehead, but after looking it up in the book I think it’s a Lesser Scaup.
These next two pictures of the Black Pool Spring look almost like a coral reef.
The Abyss Pool was interesting because of all the different vibrant colors.
While driving today we crossed the Continental Divide twice.
Of course we had to stop at Old Faithful Geyser. While driving down a hill we could see Old Faithful erupting, so we had to wait an hour for the next event. It’s still amazes me how it can continue to erupt on a schedule. It was only 4 minutes late. The eruptions are decreasing in height as time goes by.
We watched a movie in the visitors center that explained the “plumbing” through which the thermal waters flow. Numerous small earthquakes happen in Yellowstone daily. Those small earthquakes disrupt the “plumbing” and flowage. One day Old Faithful will no longer erupt and other new geysers will form.
It’s starting to burp.
A little stronger.
A little Strooooonger.
Now it’s starting to show off.
Well, I guess it’s done for the next hour until it can build up its steam again.
Of course, what’s the last animal we see as we leave the park? It’s a lone Buffalo.
Until next time,
Dave and Sandy
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