Yellowstone

Sunday, July 15, 2012  Day 10

Got up early and prepared for departure.  On our way south to Yellowstone.  Took the route through the Madison River Valley as Sandra and John had recommended.  Stopped at Earthquake Lake.  Unbelievable what mother nature can do.  On August 17, 1959 at nearly midnight, an earthquake hit and a wall of rock fell, killing 28 campers who were sleeping in the campground.. The rock that slid would pave a road from there to New York 3 feet deep.  It also moved a 3 ton piece of granite across what is now the road, undisturbed and dammed the river to form the lake.  Pictures do not do it justice.

  Got gas and Subway in West Yellowstone and entered the park about 1:00.  Slightly stressed as the sign said most of the campgrounds including Norris were full.  We proceeded heading toward Norris and if that was unavailable we were going to head to Indian Creek or Mammoth.  Snagged a spot at Norris but barely.  Had to take a spot for a 30 foot trailer only but after much work, finally got permission from the camp host as long as we moved the next day.  We knew several people were leaving the next day right across where we were, so no problem. Set up camp and went over and walked around Norris Geyser Basin. Lots of people there but still interesting.  Saw Steamboat Geyser, when erupts sends a geyser higher than any other geyser in the world.  The last time it erupted was  in 2005 but sends out little shoots almost all the time.  I guess when it erupts it will wake up the entire Norris Campground. Had our standby chicken burrito for dinner.  Nummy and great for the next day lunch.  Went to ranger talk at 7:30.  He told of the story of Truman Evert who was an unemployed tax collector  (he and the president (Grant?)did not get along)   in Helena who went on an explorative trip into Yellowstone.  He was separated from his party of about 21 people and 39 horses packing supplies. His horse ran off and he had to survive in the wilderness about 37 days with no supplies.  He had to deal with a mountain lion, hunger, burns from falling into hot springs and his fire.  He survived on thistle root.  When he was discovered, the person who discovered him thought he was a bear and nearly shot him as he was crawling on his hands and knees and was down to about 50 pounds.  He almost died after he was found from the obstruction of the thistle root in his stomach.  A mountain man saved him by having him drink a pint of bear fat!  Very interesting story.  Love those ranger talks.

Monday, July 16   Day 11

Got up early, made our coffee and oatmeal which we have learned to take along with us and headed for Yellowstone Canyon.  Took 329 steps down Uncle Tom’s Trail to see a close up view of the Lower Falls and the beautiful Yellowstone Canyon.  It is easy to look around and see how Yellowstone Park got it’s name.  We then hiked along the south Rim Trail to Artist’s Point, the most photographed view in the whole park of the lower falls and the canyon. 

  Took off on the trail toward Lily Pad lake hoping to see a moose but no such luck.  Then to Ribbon Lake.  Lots of mosquitoes.  No place pleasant to eat lunch.  Not exactly the hike we had hoped for but still enjoyable.  Nearly lost each other but no harm done.  Walked back past some backcountry thermal features.  Saw a bull bison just as he was heading off into the woods at Clear Lake which is actually an acidic Lake.  No mosquitoes there were we ate our lunch.  Weather started changing toward the end of our walk, just made it to the car when it started dumping rain.  Drove toward Tower-Roosevelt in a downpour.  Jack had to drive over a pass, kind of a scary drive.  Water all over the road, windshield wipers going as fast as they could and could barely keep up with. Passed Mt Washburn, the most popular hike in the park.  Arrived at Tower-Roosevelt and turned toward Mammoth and drove into an area that had a petrified tree.  Tree was interesting (actually a redwood from when the climate was completely differen)t but not the star attraction, as there was actually a black bear down in the meadow below the parking lot.  Watched the bear for a long while and took some long distance not so good photos.  Drove to Mammoth, weather had improved and able to walk the thermal features with a  boardwalk.

.  There is a town at Mammoth with hotel, ranger headquarters, restaurants, medical clinic.  Enjoyed the thermal features, got back in the car and started dumping rain again. Questioned what we would do if rain did not stop, but luckily it did.  Got to the campground, rain stopped but discovered Jodi had left the rain flap up on the tent.  Oops!  What a mess, set up clothesline and started drying things. At first thought it wasn’t too bad, until Jodi lifted the thermarest matts and the tent floor was soaked.  As we are typing this on the 18^th a deer just ran into our campground. Had to use one of our bath towels to soak up the water.  Jodi will be sleeping on a partially wet surface tonight.  Had the smoked pork chops that we bought at the Farmer’s Market in Helena with corn on the cob with salad.  Too die for.  Best pork chops ever. Had our first campfire as we missed ranger talk due to the clean up.  Oh brother.  Sleep actually not so bad.