First off, just let me say, Yellowstone is no place to see in one day. It’s ridiculous, really. But when on a cross-country drive, having Yellowstone fall in between Point A and Point B works out okay. Our day in Yellowstone left me feeling a little dirty, like the worst kind of tourist. But when I step back and think about how the kids got to see some cool animals, Old Faithful, and play in the snow, it all evens out.
So according to the news last night in Deadwood (where we were two nights back) they had the earliest snowfall since 1888. I’m not sure just how early this was for Yellowstone, but it came as no big surprise that we’d be here to witness it. The east pass into Yellowstone was closed in the morning, but opened up just in time for us to cruise through at nine.
I hate winter, but I was still happy with this light snowfall that dressed everything up nicely. And, well, kids sort of love this crap.
I was calling for a time-out.
Give this boy rocks, and some water to throw them into, and he’ll be content for days.
Here’s what happens in Yellowstone when an elk is spotted near the road. Ali and I both shuddered at the thought of being here in high season.
If they had named this Geyser #82, instead of Old Faithful, Yellowstone would have a lot less tourists.
“So, that’s it, then?”
It’d been a long day at this point, we were all hungry and tired. So of course the buffalo decided to stand in the middle of the road for an hour.
This particular traffic jam was caused by a single bull elk walking along the river next to the road. Again, I was having high-season nightmares.
At this point Lowe was wiped out. He asked in all sincerity, “When are we gonna be on the real highway, with no buffalo?”
So we’re through Yellowstone in a day. It’s not ideal by any means, but with hotel prices where they are around here, and with at least a few more days on the road ahead of us, we did what we had to do. And in the end, we all had a good day.
6 Comments on “Yellowstone”
Enjoying my vicarious ride with the Bums across country. Remember a light dusting of snow in Yellowstone in August around the 25th-26th. Happened during a family visit in the mid 60’s.
BAH-HUMBUG..AMERICON-O TOURISTA. But you are forgiven..good PICS!!!<-;)
I went through there once before I even realized the falls area was worth seeing.
We went through Yellowstone on the Gold Wing about 10 years ago much like you, one day, in and out. Near the north end of the road we came across a traffic jam, like you did. Cars off the road on both sides and crowds against the fence. We got closer and looked out at …. Wait for it. A horse! Nothing spectacular, just a normal looking brown gelding. I’m guessing everyone on that road was from NYC.
Great pictures by the way. You’ve almost followed our bike trip. We turned north and went to Banff.
Did you stop in Gardiner on the way out? I spent a week there a few years ago, cool little town.
Last summer we had the privilege of volunteering at Bridge Bay CG from June – September. Truly the only way to really see Yellowstone. Traveled through most of the NP’s and Yellowstone is still the most magical! Alive right under your feet.
Been following your travels since sailing daze. Life is good!