
From Zion and Bryce to Yellowstone with an overnight in Layton, Utah. 326 miles on the first leg and another 336 the next day and we are here at Henry’s Lake State Park in Idaho about 15 miles from West Yellowstone, Montana where the west gate of Yellowstone National Park is located.
Yellowstone

On our first day in the park we had to see Old Faithful and she cooperated faithfully.

On the way we stopped to look at: “ojo caliente”, geyser pools, mud pots, and steam vents. The weather was perfect, the sky was blue, very light breezes, and temperature in the mid 70’s. Reading the signs taught me that some of the pools had a ph of 1-2. That is as strong as battery acid! Combine that with the fact that some of pool temperatures are as high as 210 degrees and you have one dangerous scenario. They are truly wonders of nature. I also overheard a park ranger explain that the pools appear blue because they are white inside and that water transmits light in the blue portion of the spectrum best.

I was also taken by the beauty of the scenery and especially the wild flowers.

On Day two we saw Mammoth Hot Springs.

The spectacular Gibbon Falls was on the way,

as were the Artists Paint Pots.

After seeing Mammoth Spring and the visitors center there we went on to Unidine Falls,

saw a petrified Redwood tree,

and Yellowstone Falls.

We also saw deer, chipmunks, squirrels, bison, tourists, fishermen and more wildflowers.
On the 20th we toured the surrounding area where we saw Hebgen Lake and the earthquake dam that created Quake lake. In 1959 an earthquake caused a landslide that dropped 80 million tons of rock into the Madison River completely blocking the stream and creating Quake Lake. We then went to 3 antique and craft sales followed by an art show where I met a very friendly artist who did wonderful marquetry. Today, 7/21 we simply relaxed and got ourselves ready to head to Montana and on to Spokane to see kids and grand-kids.
Happy and safe travels to all,
Gordon