Within the National Park II

Friday 13^th, 2016

Usually we view Friday the 13^th as an unlucky day.  However, in this case, it turned out to be a fantastic day for us during our visit to the park.

First, it was the day that many previously closed roads were open to the public.  This allowed us to access roads that took us to new areas of the park.  The Canyon Village (7918 ft.) road provided some spectacular views.  Views such as “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”.  This is a part of the park that sometimes gets overshadowed when thinking about Yellowstone National Park.  One of the prominent features is waterfalls from the Yellowstone River. 

 

Another interesting finding is the size of Yellowstone Lake.  This road that was newly opened also takes you through a drive by the lake providing views that pictures do not do it justice.  On this day, although the warmest to date (60sF), also had winds causing white caps on the water surface.  As much as we wanted to kayak this lake, it appears to be impossible this time of year due to temperatures and winds.

 

On the way we stopped at "Artists Paintpots".  There we saw the Blood Geyser and bubbling pools of mud.

 

All this exploring and walking, makes one hungry.  Lunch at a picnic area next to the Yellowstone River:  

Continuing to West Thumb and the West Thumb Geyser Basin (7770 ft.) also at the edge of the lake.  This appears to be a popular stopping area.  The parking lot was very busy with many people picnicking in the allotted area and long lines for the restrooms.  Surprising numbers for this time of year.  We cannot imagine what this is like in June and July.  As we started the walk towards the geyser, in the distance I noticed the rear end of what appeared to be a bear in the woods.  A few seconds later it was confirmed; and it was heading towards the picnic area. After snapping a couple of good pictures, what must have been my previous background experience kicked in.   I ran to alert those in the picnic area that there was a bear heading their way.  Confirmed to be a Grizzly.

The surprising part of all this was the peoples’ reactions.  Yes, they retreated from the picnic area, but as more and more became aware of the bear’s presence, they began to chase the grizzly, to take pictures.  Once again confirming my belief and like the song goes, “God is great, beer is good,and people are crazy!”

We made it to Fishing Bridge and Lake Village (7735 ft.).  These are approximately 25 miles from the East Gate to the park.  Made a U-turn and continued to descend towards Old Faithful (7365 ft.) completing the loop this newly opened road provided.