Howlers to Yellowstone Day 11 Monday 17th September

Written by Martin...

7.30 alarm. Went to see wolves again. Wolves greeted lyn and we walked around both pens. These pens are three and five acres. Every wolf followed us. Lyn concerned that they can dig their way out. Lovely to see them up close but can see that they are still wild....

breakfast was cheese croissant and fruit. All home cooked. Shared with a couple from Jacksonville. ( very rich and had property everywhere but friendly) and New Jersey couple. Packed and said goodbye to Charlene who called lyn a “ hugger” and sad goodbye to the magical wolves.

Left about 10.30 and I drove... short 15 mile to livingstone then right through paradise valley to N. Yellowstone . Paradise was a pleasant 50 mile valley with buffalo farms . Stopped at Gardiner at edge of park and filled up with food at general stores. Headed to Yellowstone stopping at Roosevelt Arch for pictures. Into park. 70 mile drive to old faithful. Took five hours as so much to see. Had not appreciated the sheer number of geothermal features. Each one unique to itself. Stops included

Gibbon falls

Prismatic basin and middle geyser.

Morris basin

Porcelain basin

Steamship geyser.

Mammoth hot spring terraces

It was a bright , clear, hit day with clear blue skies.

Highlight... beyond the hot springs, was a herd of bison. I counted 64!. While we watched two bison started “rutting” against a background of thermal steam.

Got to old faithful inn about 6 pm. Checked into our room. First impression was a large wooden crate. Wood everywhere. As a 100 year old working lodge we had shared bathrooms . Lyn on withdrawal as no wi fi, no tele no internet at all anywhere!,,

Sat on a terrace at inn and after a few minutes had front view seats for the eruption of old faithful geyser with a coffee and honey rye beer fir company. Very special. The geyser spouts steam than the pressure builds up and suddenly water shoots very high in the air. Fir this one it happens approx every two hours but being nature it can happen any time.

Ate in the lodge. Overpriced rubbish food so very disappointing apart from the bread pudding!,, slept until 6am alarm. .......