Yellowstone treasures

On our way out we decided to swing through one of our favorite spots. The Fire Hole Lake Drive has never disappointed us. The first time we went through Grace saw her first geyser. The second time we went through, on a different trip, we saw about four geysers going off--two right by each other. And there is a geyser there that I would love to see go off. But so far the times posted have not been convenient. So we thought we'd check again.

But alas, we'd have to wait for "between 8pm and 12am." Still not convenient.

But it was getting on to lunch, so we parked and noticed a trail. We weren't quite hungry enough for lunch, so, we took it.

And look what we found!



Hot springs! Without a big boardwalk or even a fence or sign around them. Fun! And yes, those two are plugging their noses.

And look at this. There were bones in this one. Some sort of animal fell in.



Or, as Brent theorized, a bear was cooking a rabbit.

This whole little ravine was teeming with hot springs and other stuff. And there was this little creek flowing through it. I wondered if it was warm or cold. So they checked.



The verdict? You wouldn't want to fall in there. It was definitely warm. Warmer than a hot tub.

I wanted to see if we could walk farther in and find the source. We hadn't had lunch yet, but we were still okay.

But look what happened to our trail.



It was obvious that the trail was under there. But it certainly made things more interesting.



Oh, but thanks to babywearing, we were undaunted! And we pressed on.

But, alas, the source of the hot water creek was not to be discovered by us. But, someday, I intend to find it. I will. Baby on my back or not. Note to self: ask the guy at church if he knows what's up that trail. Everyone tells me he knows most everything about Yellowstone. All those years as a guide (I think) would do that.

So we headed back. Over the bridge, that coincidently is also babywearing friendly.



And through the woods.



To the truck for lunch and then headed towards home. And this time NOT through Jackson. That got us in trouble last time. And it took quite a bit longer.

Now, on the road we came upon some stopped cars. And the reason for stopping was big. See it in there?



A big bull elk was just standing in the middle of the road. Just standing there. Sometimes I think maybe they are getting a commission for standing there posing for the tourists--like us. People were flocking to get photos. I stayed in the truck.

Then he crossed the road and I realized why he was just standing there.



Seems there was a cow elk in the river. Just standing in the river. And it was a big waiting game.

She's waiting for him to go away. He's waiting for her to change her mind. It is that season.



And the whole thing just cracked me up.

"Honey, come on, please?"

"Um, no. Not in front of all these people. Are you crazy?"

"But do you see this rack I have?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"But I'm one of the treasures of Yellowstone."

"You obviously have an ego that's bigger than that stupid rack of yours."


Wildlife. It's what it's all about.


Okay. Not really, but Yellowstone sure is fun!