We left Montana early Tuesday morning to make our way back into Yellowstone through the North Gate--only to sit in a bit of a traffic jam due to a couple of wandering bison making their way on the road from the Hot Springs down to Lower Geyer Basin.
I had no idea that Yellowstone essentially sits on top of a very active volcanic systems that creates numerous hot springs, geyers and mud volcanos all throughout the park. At one point in the 1970s the underground network was so active, the ground soil temperature rose to over 200 degrees and killed most of the trees. New cedar growith was evident all over the park, as well as remnants of the boiled trees!
One of the most beautiful hikes we took that day was to see the Prismatic Hot Spring in Middle Geyer Basin. The colors were just incredible. It was one of our most favorite sights in the park and unfortunately the pictures don't do the experience justice!
Our last stop before heading out of Yellowstone and into the Grand Teton National Park was the obligatory visit to Old Faithful. A quick run into the gift shop and a stop for ice cream preceeded our walk out to the world famous geyer. We had 30 minutes until the next eruption, so we took a stroll around Old Faithful and watched the eruption from the much less crowded/less touristy side. And right on schedule, Old Faithful did not disappoint the Tolleys, although we did get a bit of spray on us that smelled a bit like sulphuric acid!
We left Yellowstone and entered the Grand Teton National Park on our way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The view to the right was of the Grand Teton Mountain range and to the left was of hundreds and hundreds of elk. Katherine began to plot her strategy on how to get the entire family to move to Wyoming.
Arriving in the town square of Jackson Hole, we immediately found a perfect parking spot right in the center of the square, and went off in search of a restaurant for dinner. We found the exquisite Snake River Grill tucked back a little off the square. This is not the type of place that has a kids menu, but the chef was more than happy to create a few pasta dishes especially for younger diners. I tried my very first dry-aged buffalo steak (Amazing!) and Michael had the Alaskan halibut. The girls utilized their very best manners while sipping multiple shirley temples. An incredible way to end our time in Wyoming.
Back in the car for a two hour drive to Idaho for the night. We set the alarm for an early wake up to drive to Salt Lake City for the Tolley family portion of our trip! What an experience the last week or so has been for our entire family!
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