We entered the Park this morning and started seeing wildlife almost immediately. We were all so thrilled to finally be here. The beauty instantly impressed us. We head straight to pick out a campsite and get set up. The weather was cold and turning colder. Snow showers were in the forecast, but we didn't see any.
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| Our first bison. There lots of bison. And lots of bison babies. They were all a little scraggly after the winter. |
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| Koty watching uncertainly as we set up our campsite |
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| Justin pounding in the tent stakes |
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| Grandma Jeanette from home sent along Justin's birthday present. It's a little early still, but perfect for our camping adventure so we let him open it: his own set of binoculars, compass, flashlight, and backpack! Perfect. |
As soon as we set up camp, we headed out to see some geysers. Justin has been watching documentaries and has been fascinated with geysers for years, so the excitement was building. Our campsite was very near the Norris Geyser Basin, so it was a quick drive over. When we got to the geysers, Justin said, "I can't believe I'm finally seeing my first geyser!"
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| We learned that the different colors streaming out from the hot springs and geysers are actually concentrations of thermophiles (heat-loving micro-organisms). Each color represents a varying temperature. Fascinating, beautiful, and alien! |
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| All that red run-off is made up of red thermophiles who thrive in this particular acidity and temperature. |
Then we headed to the junior ranger station to get Justin started off on earning his Junior Park Ranger badge. We learned that Yellowstone is sitting on top of a Super Volcano. A little disturbing, since the experts expect it to erupt again at some point. Hmmmm...makes you a little uneasy when you think about it!
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| Justin outside the Junior Ranger Station |
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| In a welcome change from bison, we saw some elk! |
Continue on to Mammoth Hot Springs and Beyond
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