Home On The Range

So sorry Manitoba and Saskatchewan! Our original plans were to leave South Dakota and head north to drive across the prairies but the lure of Yellowstone

National Park was just too great after chatting with fellow RVers who insisted that we just must go there. When we looked it all up on the map, it became our next destination and boy are we glad we made it there!!!

What can we say about Yellowstone???  Certainly another gem in the crown of America! We camped out in Cody, Wyoming about an hour outside the East entrance of the park. The scenery, mountains and rolling hills on the way to the park were absolutely amazing and breathtaking to say the least. As we entered the park we could see plumes of smoke billowing from the ground. A peculiar smell of sulphur

One of many geysers in the area

permeated the air. We came to realize that Yellowstone is a geological wonder containing over half of the world’s geysers! From Old Faithful which erupts “faithfully” every 91 minutes to the Grand Prismatic Spring, a football field-sized geyser of magnificent beauty, these springs reached temperatures of over 200 degrees Fahrenheit and could certainly be fatal to those who come into contact with them. In many parts of the park, such as West Thumb Geyser basin, the land was very fragile and we were repeatedly reminded to stay on the boardwalk. Stepping off the boardwalk could literally land you in some pretty hot water!! Nature is amazing!

The Grand Prismatic Spring
People on the boardwalk in the background

                                    Old Faithful did not disappoint!

Yellowstone is also famous for its wildlife! Along with deer, elk and coyotes which we saw quite frequently we were always reminded of the presence of Grizzly bears in the park. We didn’t get a chance to see a bear but we did see the hundreds and hundreds of bison grazing in the Lamar Valley.

It was amazing to sit, watch and listen to these gigantic animals in their natural environment during their mating season, male bison vying for the females attention. Of course, a scattered fuss would ensue. They may be big but boy, can they move!

Bison roaming everywhere!

Feeling like cowboys, we mounted our iron horse each day and had the most amazing rides through Yellowstone. The Beartooth Highway, voted as one of America’s most scenic highways, is a must-do for any vacationer in the Wyoming area! As we corkscrewed to the summit of Bear Tooth, the cliff faces and vertical drops to the valleys below were both jaw dropping and exhilarating. It truly was a feat of engineering excellence that simply cannot be captured in pictures! The Chief Joseph Pass was also another exceptionally scenic byway with great historical significance. While travelling this highway we were reminded once again of how Mother Nature can pack a mean punch when she wants. The sky grew quickly dark and before we knew it we were in the middle of a thunder and lightening storm. Though it might have been dangerous, we DID stop for just a second to listen to the thunder rumble through the mountains but before we knew it we were driving into sunshine again. 

                         Thank-you, Yellowstone, for an unforgettable 3 days!