Into Yellowstone

We made our way through eastern Idaho, traveling through the Snake River valley and the Targhee National Forest.  We were amazed by how beautiful the landscape was.  There seemed to be no end to the beautiful sights like this river crossing, just off the highway.

[As you can see, Woody had gotten a spec of dirt inside her camera.  She has been too lazy to edit the spots off of all her photos.  You will also see that she got more specs of dirt as the trip continued.  She really should take better care of her equipment.]

Scenes like these were just a taste of things to come!

This first of many times crossing the continental divide!

Haha!  Funny bears!

Headed into Yellowstone!!!

A few miles into the park, we spotted our first bison.  We were giddy with excitement!

After only a few miles, we spotted our first thermal feature - Terrace Spring.  We loved watching the water boil out of the ground.

Gibbon Falls was the next roadside treat.  One of these days, Woody and Vol Fan will learn how to take a selfie....hopefully...

We stopped for the short hike around the Artists' Paintpots area.  It was such a fun place!  It is hard to beat bubbling mud!  But dang, it sure is hard to photograph it!

After a picnic lunch, we hiked around the Norris Geyser Basin - home to Steamboat Geyser, the largest active geyser in the world.  Its eruptions can reach heights of 300'.  It has erupted twice in the last two years....and we missed an eruption by 10 days.  10 days!!!

Norris Geyser Basin is full of thermal features - hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, mud pots.  Each feature is so different.  The temperature and acid level of the water determine what type of bacteria grows.  Each bacteria is a different color - ranging from brilliant lime greens to bright oranges to vivid blues and every color in between.

Since it was heading toward sundown, we decided to go to the Lamar Valley for some wildlife viewing.  We had no idea the adventure that awaited us...