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!!!

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!

Hot Springs and Bucks

After an amazing dinner with a view at the Grant Lodge Dining Room, we rest well and are quite ready for a full day in this wonderful national gem. The snow is no more and only sun beckons this morning. A short route to the West Thumb Basin presents us with a stunning variety of hot springs and geysers. Yellowstone Lake the perfect backdrop.















From the main boardwalk here, we attempt a hike. Far from the maddening crowd, it's a little too deserted for our cautious selves, so we abandon and head for more occupied territory. I never thought I would be looking for people! But, hiking alone here just doesn't feel quite safe. We listen to our instincts - that's our number one rule!




We are rewarded greatly by our detour as we find
two large elk bucks just down the road on yet another geyser locale. They pose admirably for us as we continue to marvel at our surroundings.
















Some beautiful place we're experiencing here!













A still obvious burn section is far prettier than we expect - and just one more contrasting scene of beauty. The snow capped mountains towering above the vast lake a vague reminder of yesterday's weather - such a far cry from the sunny high 60's of today. Amazing!!!