Vacation

Our next stop was right on Lake Yellowstone, with less hot springs, no geysers, but stunning lake and mountain views and an Elk (and a very nice hotel, though still no internet in the park!) …

We knew that the north rim drive of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone gets busy so got there early and were once again treated to amazing views; a steep walk takes us right down to one of the impressive falls, and later viewpoints allow looking back to the falls through the canyon:

It’s hard not to be impressed in Yellowstone; we drove and soon stopped again for more geothermal views including a “dragon cave” (where the heat rises inside the cave and we just see steam pouring out!); the energy pouring constantly from some of these features is simple baffling!

Also an easy drive from the north entrance of Yellowstone is Lamar Valley where we headed next. On the way we stopped at Petrified Tree and were treated with our first views of Black Bears! On our way up rangers kept us away from the Bear by having us walk the other side of the path (as if that extra six feet would save us!); on the way down there were now two Bears …

Driving further into Lamar Valley we spotted many Bison, including a couple right against the roadside … and amazing rock formations from volcanic events too!

Then, another traffic jam and another Black Bear, this time really close to the road for great photos (also a family of American Badgers), and more stunning vistas!