Out Yonder in Yellowstone

You wanna know where Yellowstone is? I’ll tell you where – out yonder. As beautiful as America’s first and oldest National Park is, it is not close to much of anything and requires up to three days if you really want to see it all. In regards to seeing it all – we didn’t come close. Let me provide you with some background info on the park:

*For starters it is pretty far from almost anything. New York, Florida, Arizona, Mars – you name it! Yellowstone is indeed out Yonder. However, I mentioned that already so let metell you what you may not know.
*The majority of the park is located in Wyoming, but does extend into neighboring states Montana and Idaho.
*Yes, this is the same park Yogi and Boo Boo used to nab pic-a-nic baskets in Hanna Barbera’s famous Yogi Bear Show cartoon. No we did not see any bears wandering off with picnic baskets for there were no picnics and no baskets to be found.

*Yellowstone is the home of 2/3 of the worlds most spectacular geysers. The most popular being Old Faithful which can blast anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water into the air every 45 to 90 plus minutes.
*YELLOWSTONE IS AMAZING!

Now, I’ve been spending a number of my days on this excursion across the Midwest and Northwest in National Parks and when it comes down to choosing favorites it gets real tough, but Yellowstone has this magic about it that I can’t quite explain. At first I thought it might be all the snow since I haven’t been around snow in what feels like ages. Then I thought it was the wind, but the wind surely wasn’t what made it magical. Temperatures were at about 30 degrees, yet being a non-cold weather soul I think I’m going to give it to the snow. I tired imagining the park during the summer season, but I only managed to see roads filled with summer vacationers and then the magic of the quiet and undisturbed park vanished within moments. So I’ll take it in snow even if it means for slick roads often covered in Black Ice. If you have the time to spend there are numerous things to do and scenic points of interest to explore while in Yellowstone. Right now, we’re debating the long ride back into the park to see more of what we missed, but you’ll have to stay tuned for our decision, but first some photos from Yellowstone as I saw it with my own two and shared it with my buddy Richard.

You are now entering Yellowstone. Relax and enjoy the ride, but proceed with caution and remember to watch out for animals.

You will notice tons of pine covered in snow.

Why do I look like I’m touring the park on some AARP package? Geez, I look 52, not that anything is wrong with 52, but I’ve got several more years to go still….

But beware – at Lewis Falls, Richard falls… Seriously! Hehe…

The Lewis River runs through it and beside much of the road.

You’ll find the divide at many different points in the park. Remember the Continental Divide does not run in a straight line and is the point which the oceans’ waters will flow in exact opposite directions.

The main attraction and one of the lures to Yellowstone.

Old Faithful quietly puffing out smoke before…

…the world famous geyser explodes. Over 97% of the visitors that come see Old Faithful come during the summer. If you can’t stand the heat, come check out the geyser in winter when there is almost no one there.

Prior to reaching Yellowstone we had to drive through the Grand Tetons National Park. Snow-capped mountains, multi-colored brush, and awe-inspiring landscape is what makes the Grand Tetons. It was my hopes that we would have made it through during sunrise or out for sunset, but neither happened. Even with the clouds hanging over head and no real sunshine to be found in this particular park I found it breath-taking. Getting back to nature is something everyone should do if not eight times in their lifetime, then at least seven. Here’s what we encountered on the way up:

First there came vanity: “Hi, I’m Adrienne and I’ll be your guide through America’s Beau-ti-ful National Parks. Pay attention!”

Doesn’t Richard look so friendly (not to mention handsome) when he smiles? I told those people he doesn’t bite…

Isn’t snow on plants beautiful?

So legend has it – if you hit an animal in any National Park with your vehicle you will be haunted forever by the ghost of the road kill. One look in your mirrors from all angles will reveal the deceased animal chasing after your car and no matter how hard you hit the gas or far you go from the National Park, the moose, bear, or deer will haunt you till your untimely death.

Okay, I made that up and as you can probably tell my horror telling skills aren’t quite up to par, but one of these days I’ll spook ya! In the meantime just don’t hit the animals and pay attention.

Clouds and a little sunshine rests over the mountains.

The mountains are all washed out, but I think can still tell it is darn cold out there!!!

It always amazes me how they survive this kind of cool. I wish I had the strength of a tree sometimes.

Before any of this ever occurred Richard and I got off to late start this morning simply debating whether it was too cold or not to run near our hotel in Jackson. Not wanting to shell out any cash to use a gym for just four miles we covered up and hit the pavement. Jackson is marvelous, but my run was the opposite. I ended with a huge headache and was immediately instructed by my coach to guzzle some water. Always better days ahead, but in the end this one came to a rather pleasant finish.

Sorry for the backwards style post. Hope you enjoyed – if so leave a note.

Night,
Adrienne

P.S. Need a second take on the park? Read Richrad’s blog – he’s addicted now.