Animals seen in Yellowstone: Swans, otters, deer, geese, bison, chipmunks (Chip N Dale Bros, Tortilla- a cousin), mountain goats, horses, a hawk, bald eagle and numerous fish.
Day 1- August 27
We had a few stops on our way up. Thomas had family in the Idaho Falls area so we decided to pay a visit to his grandparents and lay some flowers on their graves. Then off to Yellowstone we go! We set up camp at the Yellowstone KOA, had dinner at the Wolfpack Brewery (drank the Red Lodge Amber beer), walked around West Yellowstone. *It was really windy that day.
Day 2- August 28
Made breakfast, then made our way to Bunsen Peak (Got caught in construction). We got just a little over half way up Bunsen peak and a thunderstorm started, we figured we should turn around as getting caught in a thunderstorm would be a terrible idea. Along the trail we did meet two cute and fairly friendly chipmunks- hence Chip N Dale. We ate our lunch in the car (exciting I know!). We went through "the pass"- it is kind of a scary place to drive in bad weather. We toured the new Canyon Visitors Center, it is really nice! We then proceeded to drive through a crazy storm with wind, hail, rain and lightning. Stopped at the lower falls lookout- always beautiful.
We headed back to West Yellowstone to find out that high winds or a possible tornado had happened just minutes before we got back. At least (5) hotels were damaged, the city park had some damage. We were so concerned we rushed back to camp and ours was just fine! I made sloppy joes for dinner. Before we went to bed Thomas found a big smashed spider on his pillow. (GROSS!)
Day 3- August 29
It was a very busy day for us so we decided to have breakfast at the KOA, was well worth it! We went back to our tent to make it bear proof and we found a HUGE spider in our tent. Not cool! *side note: when we woke up it was a balmy 37 degrees in our tent! the space heater was our friend.
We decided to visit the geyser basin while doing a hike out there. We saw a sweet old tour bus.
We hiked to Fairy Falls, a beautiful waterfall, 197 ft! The whole time I was soooo paranoid of bears coming to get us because it was very back country! We met another chipmunk and decided it was the cousin of Chip n Dale, her name was Tortilla (for tortilla chip). We went to Old Faithful, always a good show. We decided to go back to the Lower Falls area, on our way we saw some buffalo and after I took a picture of them, they didn't like it and were giving me deadly looks.
While in the Lower Falls area Thomas decided that he wanted to do the Uncle Tom's trail. I remember telling myself last time we were in Yellowstone that I would NEVER do it because its 328 VERY STEEP steps. Well we did it and it was AMAZING, and so worth it!
Going down!!
We did it!
I have a love affair with the Madison river area. It is probably one of the most beautiful areas in the world. While driving through, Thomas had a call from mother nature and we made a pit stop. He thought he had seen a hawk swoop down and grab a fish, so he ran to the car to get the camera. The hawk was gone, so we decide to drive a little further down the road and to our left...We see the hawk swoop down into the river and come up with a fish. It was a total National Geographic moment. We were in awe! Just when we thought it couldn't get better we saw a bird perched on a dead tree...a BALD EAGLE. It was amazing!
After all that excitement we went shopping in West Yellowstone and then ate dinner at the Three Bears Restaurant. We went back to camp, made a fire and I had a much needed shower (that equaled a very happy Lindsey).
Day 4- August 30
As much as we love Yellowstone, we didn't want to pack up in the snow so we decided to leave that morning. Our legs were super sore from our awesome hikes but it was worth it.
I made breakfast while Thomas packed, good teamwork! All while it was RAINING and COLD.
We checked out and got a refund for not staying our full stay. It rained most of the way back home, not a very fun drive. We stopped in Idaho Falls and bought some cereal, wine and beer. Also drove around St. Anthony looking for the sand dunes Thomas' family used to go to (couldn't find the right road to turn on), what a charming little place.
Back home and it was sunny and beautiful!
Here are some pics from the trip! Enjoy!
Camp for the trip!
Proof of me cooking outdoors!
Thomas sporting the famous point at Fairy Falls!
The beautiful Madison River
P.S. A special thanks to the staff at the KOA for keeping the bears away...apparently I have a big fear of them!! Also, a big thanks to Thomas for keeping me bear free and safe through the whole trip- my hero!
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