Yellowstone Park old faithful Day 12 Tuesday 18th September

Written by Martin

So 6 am alarm became a 7.15 departure for exploring for the day. Plan to get to other side of the “ loop” and park to see wildlife in Hayden valley then onto canyon village.

Early morning was gorgeous. The temp outside was coldest we’ve had at 30 f or zero centigrade. The springs were highlighted by the thermal steam arising in the cold. The lodge is totally surrounded by hundreds!,, scrapped ice off the car and drove 60 milesto haydon valley. Lovely drive, very peaceful and quiet. No Japanese tourists. Saw bison and deer on the way. Stopped at the continental divide and along Yellowstone lake. This is enormous lake and more like a sea. Very still with steam rising on the edges with mountains in the distance. Very beaurptiful.

Arrived at haydon, a wide glacier with Yellowstone river running through it. No elk or grizzles ( bears). At higher ground apparently. Saw a bald eagle sat on tree by the river, herons and trumpeter swans ( Apoarently rare we were told.

Headed for canyon village. Stopping to see what other cars were looking at. Bison and birds mainly.

Went to artist point and overlooking Yellowstone Grand Canyon. This has the view that was painted and led to Yellowstone being made into a national park.

At canyon found a decent USA grill, horseshoe bar. Breakfast was stack of pancakes, egg, bacon, has brown and toast. Lyn had pancakes and fruit. Endless coffee. Very American and delicious.

Retracing our route back went to the north rim of the canyon. Impressive views of waterfalls, canyon and rock shapes. . Heading south went to sulphur springs( water erupting in the river). And the rather wonderful mud volcanos. This was a series of 20 plus features producing spouting caves, bubbling mud pools, a mud volcano and a mud crater. All linked by a one mile boardwalk.

Headed back to old faithful and a stop at lake lodge overlooking Yellowstone lake. Sat on rocking chairs eating ice cream.

Arrived back at old faithful about 3.30. Found a grill in the general store. Two cheeseburgers later and with coffee and caramel ice cream. Hugh portions. Headed fir the geyser as it erupted. Crowds left us to sit in peace, looking at the geysers and hot springs.

Yellowstone is very different to what we expected. The volcanic activity far greater and numerous in a lot of the park. Earthquakes happen here and affect the geography and springs. We could only marvel at nature at its most powerful.

To bed.