Time to get going and explore some more of Yellowstone. Today we
decided to go to Hayden Valley in search of more buffalo and then to the
Canyon area. That's another good ride from West Yellowstone, but then,
just about anywhere is. It's 14 miles on Madison junction just to get
to the loops in Yellowstone. Doesn't seem far, until you're stuck in
traffic while idiots are stopped to look at an elk. At least they
didn't stop to look at the ducks.
Layla and Daddy at one of the stops along the way
Bright eyes!
Not even to Hayden and already being stopped by buffalo.
Traveling the 14 miles north from Madison Junction to to the Norris
junction where we turn right and go East towards the Canyon area.
Saw signs for Gibbon Falls along the road so we decided to check it
out. Found some really interesting wild flowers along the trail, too.
heading to the overlook
When I saw this patch of yellow, I knew I had to get there for a photo.
Time to get back to the car---checking out the flora along the way
I'm a little surprised how many wild flowers are growing this time of year.
We also decided to stop at the geyser right along side of the road near Norris Basin.
Monument Geyser Basin (Beryl Spring)
As we came upon fountain paint pots, we decided to stop there, too.
it was about a mile walk, but it was nice to be out of the car.
The paint pots weren't as interesting as the online pictures showed, but
we still enjoyed the walk. I even did the upper loop to the overlook
while Angie and Josh stayed below with Layla and the stroller.
View from above.
Part of the trail at the top
Angie and Josh way down below.
This bubbling mudpot was along the high trail.
It's a bit dry right now. Great for us visitors, not so great for the mud pots.
a bunch of people standing around looking at mud.
Heading back down through the wooded area of the walk.
More Fall foliage
Down near where Angie and Josh were earlier.
Back on the road and across to Hayden Valley. It's a nice drive along the Yellowstone River.
Into the Valley.
love the reflections of the clouds in the river.
Buffalo!!!
and more high plains
the herd was right up by the road today.
and all the way down to the river
At least no one was holding up traffic here! I guess all the idiots hang out by the West Entrance.
Daddy and Layla enjoying the views while Mom and Grandma shoot a million pictures.
what a life.
lots of family units here, too.
a big family
missed getting a picture of him rolling around in the dirt
more Fall flowers.
or weeds
Hey there~!
a fraction of the herd
Since we were close to the Mud Volcano area, we decided to check it out. First along the way was this Sulphur Caldron.
Quite a smelly area!
Lots of bubbling here.
wider view of the sulphur caldron.
Time to give Layla a break from driving.
Had to get a shot of her sporting her little boots. They didn't stay on long. She's not too fond of shoes.
She's not too fond of these long rides, either!
Time to get out and walk around some more.
One of the things I remembered from a previous visit (in 2002) was Black
Dragon Cauldron. Named for the hissing sound it makes as the steam
jets out of a little cave.
The Mud Cauldron is viewable from the pathway right in front of the parking area.
Time for a potty break. Can't say I've seen a toilet sign like this before.
Layla making hand signs---AOK?.
more wild flowers.
Mud Volcano
looking back towards the walkway we were on
Then we back tracked back through Hayden Valley
Didn't stop this time, though.
Following the Yellowstone River to the canyon area.
One more look at the buffalo as we drove by them
and some Canadian Geese
OK, a few more looks at the buffalo!
Even caught a glimpse of a couple swans!
Beautiful part of the river here.
When we got to the Canyon Area, we headed into the South drive to the
Lower Falls overlook. Another view I remember from 2002, although I
wasn't sure if it was on the South drive or the North Canyon drive. The
North Canyon drive looked really crowded, so we decided to check out
the South drive. Glad we did.
Wonder if this is some of the yellow stones that gives the Yellowstone River it's name---which in turn gave the park it's name?
The canyon is roughly 20 miles long and varies
from 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is so colorful.
Geologists believe it was formed as the
Yellowstone River eroded softer, less resistant rock that had been
weakened by hydrothermal gases and hot water. If it was in Georgia,
they would claim it was due to bad farming (as they do for Providence
Canyon in South Georgia)!
Looking over towards the North rim.
zoomed in of the lower falls from Artist Point.
one more picture of Lower falls as we were heading back to the parking lot.
I presume this is part of the North drive. Doesn't look too busy now,
but it was time to start heading back to the resort and get Layla to
bed.
some more of the Fall folliage along our walk back to the car.
Trees from the car along the way back to our resort.
a little geothermal fountain right along the road from Norris to Madison Junction. Love how it even makes the water look red.
Even got a little rain on our way back. This was all the rain we saw
the whole week. I know it rained at least 1 night in the middle of the
night, but we didn't see it.
back on the 14 mile road to the West Entrance and back in long delays.
Why people don't just take a picture and keep going is beyond
me---idiots!
We were able to pull off into one of the parking areas, so we did. One of the elk causing the delay.
Back at the condo it was nearing sunset. Pretty cloudy tonight, but
still pretty. I headed to the grocery store and picked up makings for
chili which Angie prepared for dinner.
sitting out on the balcony enjoying our dinner and watching the sun set.
Suddenly Angie yelled--there's a fox!
He was in our parking lot. Such a beautiful little guy.
Nice way to end another great day!
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