Yellowstone Adventure– Day 1

Having had a few days between meetings, we decided to take a vacation.  As Paul and I planned this, we realized that it would be the first time we have ever taken a family vacation.  Granted, we have taken time to do some museums and local sight-seeing when the opportunity arises, but these trips are always scheduled around our meetings for the week.  Usually our time off consists of staying at home, getting ready for the next trip.  The typical evangelist has no income when he is not in meetings, so vacations just aren’t in the budget.  Besides, with all the traveling we normally do, getting in the truck to drive somewhere is not on our list of things we really want to do.

However, Yellowstone was calling.  We were only a few hours away, and had nearly a week of time. We took the plunge.  Paul and I both wanted to see the park, and the kids were excited too.  We knew there were so many things to see, and beautiful vistas to enjoy, so I made sure to take the camera.  We were not disappointed.  I did not realize how HUGE Yellowstone National Park is!  We ended up taking two days just to see the main attractions at the park, and another day to visit the Grand Teton park that butts up to the southern side of Yellowstone.  Here are some of the things we saw.

Entrance to the park

Sylvan Lake

Josiah at the scenic overlook.  Many of the trees behind him were killed in the forest fires several years ago, hence the lack of foilage.

Overlooking Lake Yellowstone

Bison grazing in the meadow

Beautiful rolling hills

The Upper Falls – over 100 feet tall

Munchkins on the trail

A beautiful day, blue skies and puffy clouds

The Lower Falls, over 300 feet tall – notice the rainbow?

At the Lower falls

Did I mention the 344 steps we had to climb to see the Lower Falls?

Some of us almost didn’t make it back up to the trail!

Observation deck at the Upper Falls

Hot springs – the water is crystal blue, but the surrounding ground is covered in mineral deposits.  There was also a pervading aroma of sulphur.  Ick!

Geysers

Waiting for Old Faithful to erupt

There she blows!  We saw a great eruption of about 100 feet!  It was worth the wait… I think. :)

Ready to head home after a long day.  Guess who forgot to put on sunscreen?

Afternoon sun over Lake Yellowstone

When we finally got back to Wapiti (pronounced Woppity) where we were staying, we were exhausted.  All the hiking and driving had worn us out entirely!  We headed to bed, tired but satisfied with our first day at Yellowstone.

To be continued…

Magnificent Creatures

Well, while we have been stranded in Sheridan, WY, we have not been without things to do.  While the truck was being repaired, we hung out at a local RV park and took in a few sights.  The city park has an enclosed area that houses a great variety of the area wildlife.   We went over to view up close some of these animals.

Prairie Dogs – these cute little guys are actually considered a pest by most of the ranchers out west.  They dig holes and have underground colonies where they multiply rapidly.  They eat crops and their holes pose a serious threat to livestock walking around on the prairie.  But – they are so cute!

Ever so curious!

Bison – These wooly beasts are enormous!   I read that in spite of their huge size, they are capable of a six foot vertical leap!  Wow!  This bison family was composed of a papa, a mama, and a baby.  The kids all said, “Awww!” and I was inclined to agree with them.

Papa Bison – the average height of a bull is about 6.5 feet at the shoulder (top of the hump).  This is one seriously big dude.

He looks rather mild, but looks can be deceiving!

Here is Mama Bison and Baby.  They like to lie in the dust to keep cool.

Elk – these magnificent creatures populate the western part of the USA, and are a coveted game species.  Elk meat is one of the best game meats available, with a mild taste and plenty of it!

This bull elk is what hunters would say, “in velvet.”  That means that his antlers are still growing and are covered with skin that delivers blood and nutrients to the antlers.  This covering resembles velvet, hence the name. Later, he will scrape off that outer covering and expose the full-grown rack.

Paul already dreams of going on an elk hunt – I think it will be hard to hold him back now!

I really think this elk was taunting my husband – notice his tongue sticking out as we watched from behind the fence.  Sort of like a “Na-na-na-na-boo-boo!  You can’t shoot me!”,  don’t you think?  :)

It really is amazing to see these magnificent creatures that God has made!