Montana Bound

Celeste plants one of our sunflower seeds along this beautiful basin area as we bid our final farewell. We can't imagine a more perfect finish.







Yet, as we head out the west entrance of this grand park toward Montana, one more magic moment is bestowed. A bald eagle sitting on her nest bids us well as we literally are just a few miles from the exit. We are no longer surprised at the gifts we're receiving, just incredibly grateful.




















Signs welcoming us to Montana blaze and the beauty that is looming amazing. How can it keep getting just so much more beautiful?!










We find what we consider to be the perfect lunch spot at Bear Claws Bar and Grill, a random sighting and it delivers just as we imagine it should. The lone server is adorable and efficiently runs her busy dining area with a constant smile, presenting huge portions of delicious fare.





Our long drive today is being rewarded with vistas around every curve such that we can't even miss magnificent Yellowstone.






We are indeed really liking Montana!

Old Faithful Farewell

Our final evening in Yellowstone finds us a little tired, dinner at the Inn's famous dining room is rather late and we pause for a brief moment in front of one of the fires before retiring. Morning brings more sunny skies and a walk around the boardwalk for a final farewell to Old Faithful seems appropriate. She rewards with one more eruption for our photo pleasure.




















One last stop after leaving the lodge and before exiting the park. Osprey hunting for breakfast invite us in at the Midway Basin, home of the largest hot springs (and certainly most colorful), Grand Prismatic Spring. Though we are just a bit tired, this beautiful area immediately awakens our senses and our finale is all it should be.










Again, another boardwalk allows us to venture ever so close to these amazing earth wonders and, as it is still relatively early this morning, we are able to enjoy with relative peace. This is a bit of a trick in Yellowstone and we pride ourselves on timing many events so just such pleasure has been allowed.















As has been the case for virtually every highlight of this full excursion, this spot is absolutely gorgeous. It is hard to conceive how so much diverse beauty can be maintained in one place. But, oh, it can!!!

Morning Bliss at the Terraces and Old Faithful Looms

A restful sleep enhanced by very comfortable beds at the Mammoth Hotel sets the tone for another busy day and yet one more move to another area of the park. Packing early to get on the road, we start with the early morning hike through the lower terraces as we had planned late yesterday. A great way to start the day. Both a good morning workout and incredible scenery, we enjoy the beginning of our third day in Yellowstone with relish.











These may be the prettiest hot springs in the park, a pretty bold claim, no doubt. It may be the backdrop, the early morning fog burn, the beautiful boardwalk allowing such incredible access, or it could be they just are the prettiest yet. Regardless, we enjoy immensely.







We have allowed several hours for this endeavor and finally move on to find a nice picnic spot while heading south toward our evening stay arrangements at the Old Faithful Inn. A spot is found that is just south of the west entrance, great picnic facilities and a real bathroom. Perfect! (And novel!)













Heading along our drive, Celeste spots a firepot from a distance and we find the necessary road to get closer. While exploring and posing for pics, the geyser erupts to our immense surprise and just makes the photo op more exciting.











One of many buffalo sightings occurs once again as we enter the Old Faithful area. A nice welcome as they are quite prevalent in this region.






As we've had an early morning departure, the late afternoon hour finds us tiring and luckily our room is ready at the Inn. We settle and find a quiet outside spot to relax, enjoy the scenery and a little reading time. As it turns out, we have amazingly found a private viewing point for the grand dame, Old Faithful herself, and while enjoying the breeze and peace, find it erupting with what seems like a private show just for us.


It doesn't get much better, folks!

Basin Geysers

After our incredible morning in the canyon, we continue north to Mammoth. A stop at Norris Basin provides yet another amazing spectacle of various hot springs and geysers. Each with unique colors and depth, each unique sizes and activity. It is quite a sight.





There is a beautiful boardwalk providing a lovely walk touring the different creations. We meander here a good bit. As the day continues to be warm and clear, the views gorgeous.

The tour continues north again, passing grazing elk who pose generously for us. A brief stop at Roaring Mountain does indeed roar with hissing spouts all the way up its base. Quite an interesting place as it looks more like a volcano sight actually. We are lone visitors here so it's a very nice respite from the busy spots earlier.




Suddenly, we find ourselves climbing yet another mountain range and the views now even more beautiful - how can that be possible? This place is unbelievable.


Just short of our evening accommodations Mammoth Spring Terraces gleam. We take the drive through the upper terraces, stopping occasionally and decide to save the hike along the lower for the morning. The afternoon is fairly warm and the trails are busy. It has been a full day already and a check in at the hotel and rest before dinner wins as our end of day option.

























Mammoth Springs Hotel is quite charming. The lobby is quiet and our room much larger than our place at Grant. We are very pleased.








The dining room is casual and boasts a great little menu which is further enhanced by our darling waiter from New York. He guides us with good options and we enjoy immensely our evening meal here.


As sun sets, Celeste finds a few more pictures that must be taken before dark and one more little elk bids her good night on her walk about. The busyness of the area subsides greatly as the light disappears and a remarkable quiet permeates.

Another full rewarding day in Yellowstone closes and we couldn't be happier!