Day 8: Yellowstone National Park

June 23

Early Wednesday we headed out to the park. Decided to take the Northern loop around. First stop was Norris Junction ato view the geysers.  It was so beautiful and the colors are amazing!

This was at the top and we had to walk town some trails to the boardwalk. You can already see from the top the bright aqua pools. 

So many little stops along the way to see little geysers, waterfalls, the view, lots of driving between the areas of the park, all two lane roads. Getting behind a truck or RV slows you down a bit. Next we went up to the park headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs for the kids to get their passports stamped. When we got into the area there were signs posted to not approach the elk. All of the sudden we see a herd of elk just sitting there in the middle of a grass area among cars. Then this buck just runs through. 

There were at least 20 of them laying in the shade with their babies. They all looked so out if place. 

Mammoth Hot Springs is where the U.S.Cavalry was stationed in the late 1880's and early 1900's. Most of the buildings that are still there were housing for officers but are now private residences. I assume that park rangers, post office workers, inn workers and others live in them.

As we left this area there was another herd if elk grazing. About 20 minutes later a buffalo ran into the middle of the road and trotted along three cars ahead of us before it ran up a hill. Just south before Canyon, tons of cars were pulled over to the roadside and we quickly realized we were in bear territory. There was a grizzly bear swimming in the river then walking around. We caught a glimpse of his head from very far away and kept driving to this beautiful pass below. It was right around the corner and we were hoping for the bear to move our way to see him better. But he didn't. 

It was 6:30 pm when headed back to camp. Quick easy dinner, showers, early day on the road headed South.

It was a very pleasant day.