Road Trip... Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the first item on our "to do" list when we embarked on this road trip.  Of all the places to see between Washington and Wisconsin, Yellowstone National Park was going to be the place for this little family.  However, we decided to see the park on our journey back to Washington instead of to Wisconsin.  That way, we could take our time and enjoy ourselves.

We entered the park through the east gate and what greeted us was this waterfall.  The water was coming down with such force that anyone standing within 4-5 feet of it was going to get wet.  We got wet.

But it wouldn't be the last time we got wet during this trip.  While in Yellowstone, we experienced rain, sleet, hail, and snow.  Yep... Snow! I was thrilled! Mum wasn't.

One of the unfortunate sites was the devastation from fires.  It doesn't help that the rapid rise of the pine beetle is destroying much of the forest - creating ready-made kindling for the fires.  As we explored the park, we were constantly reminded of the fires.  Charred trees, standing like sticks, was all that was of a mighty forest.  However, we did see bits of life returning.

I loved this little guy.  Growing tall and proud on a little island in Yellowstone Lake, this evergreen tree seemed right at home in a space where nothing else seemed to be growing.

Mid-way through our trip, we hit the Yellowstone Lodge.  Of course we had to buy souvenirs, but I had to pee.  We also wanted to get a look at the geyser, Old Faithful.

So, like many of the tourists, we hung around and waited... and waited... and waited... Until I was bored and annoyed and decided it wasn't worth it.  Just as we got back into the truck and was driving through the parking lot to leave - Old Faithful showed itself.  Luckily, there was time to pull out the camera and snap a few.

As we left Old Faithful and headed toward the West Gate, we saw the hot springs.  Steam filled the cool air. 

 Then there were the sulfur pots.  The stench was significant, but there is no doubting the beauty.

And as we neared the West Gate, we decided to stop.  One last exploration, while Mum fixed lunch.  Dawn was thrilled with the trip (as you can see), and it was fun to climb about - snapping photos while we still had the chance.

Mum was just grateful I didn't throw Dawn in the Yellowstone River (or she didn't throw me in there).  All in all, it was a great trip through Yellowstone.  It wasn't the first time we had been to the National Park, nor will it be the last.  In fact, we have another trip planned in October.  Only this time, we're doing the North to South Gates.  I cannot wait!