Made to Yellowstone National Park

We made it in to Yellowstone today. Not sure why, but Yellowstone (at least from the west entry) is full of dead trees – they lie everywhere…on the mountains, in the fields – entire groves dead. Another park visitor indicated it may have been caused by a beetle, but she didn’t know for sure. I am overwhelmed with sadness to see so many once beautiful trees gone. The landscape (at least here) is drastically changed by these tree graveyards. Update: Many of the dead trees are the result of fires many years ago.

As we walked toward our first geyser, I gave Ken an accusatory “I can’t believe you did that” look and then quickly realized we were walking through streams of sulfuric gas…and bubbling crud. The smell was quickly overcome by the unique sights smoldering before us. These pools must pull their gooey liquid straight from the devil’s kitchen…boiling, scalding, bubbling water and steam that could melt the coldest heart. The colors are varied, depending on the source, algae, and bacteria in the pool. Kodak moments everywhere.

Geysers seem to be warning you of their power…starting out with rolling steam, slowly bubbling up, showing off their force by erupting with a quick and mighty persuasive blast of boiling water. We just sat for 45 long minutes waiting for Old Faithful to erupt…it was late – so much for being faithful…but it did give us a brief show. I recall as a child watching a documentary on Yellowstone. At that time, rangers and visitors stood somewhat near the geyser and it seemed to be surrounded by miles of green pasture and mountains. No more…there are park buildings and seats all around Old Faithful and the closest you will get to the blast zone of the famous Yellowstone symbol is about 100 feet. Still, it is worth taking the time to view.

We just stopped at a Yellowstone lake as the sun was just setting – beautiful colors reflected from the sky to the water…yet another Kodak moment. Now we head to the RV Park and I’ll figure out something for us to eat (hell’s kitchen indeed).
Nite~ Carol and Ken