Mammoth Hot Springs

Before heading south to Norris, we stopped in the northwest corner of the park and visited Mammoth Hot Springs - with some short walks along the boardwalks and the distinct landscape of Mammoth.  We also took the scenic one-way car tour along some thermal areas that are above the town and the hot springs. 

Hellroaring Creek Trail

On the way back across the northern loop, the Quockerts and Woodwards stopped for a beautiful hike down the canyon to one of the few bridges across the Yellowstone River - we stopped at the suspension bridge and enjoyed the view down into the river.  The suspension bridge was quite the construction - a bit precarious and though incredibly safe, a bit of a challenge for those faint of heart.

It was a nice hike back up to the trailhead with the chance to enjoy the flowers along the hillside.

Tower Falls

When the shuttle hike didn't work, we decided to do some of the northern loop, with a stop at Tower Falls. 

We hiked down a little trail to the river. . .with a nice spot at the base of the canyon - certainly one of the more accessible areas where you can get to the bottom of the canyon.  It was a chance for skipping some rocks, taking some pictures and enjoying ourselves before the hike back up to the parking lot.

Yellowstone River

We had high ambitions of doing a shuttle hike along the South Rim of the canyon.  Little did we know, that the trail was closed. . . .so somehow Uncle Jason was able to rescue Uncle Scot (who was going to the other end to have the vehicles ready).  We were surprised at the huge amount of traffic and the backup to get into Artists Point. 

So we decided that we'd save that viewpoint for another day while doing a shorter hike to the edge of the Upper Falls, and do a very short hike along the north side of the canyon.  Truly, an amazing river and such beauty.

At Camp

Enjoying dinner, cooking and staying warm (hooray for the fire!).  The bear box is a definite necessity. . .and a bit of a challenge taking everything in and out.

Norris Geyser Basin

One of the big advantages of staying in Norris Campground is getting to enjoy the nearby Geyser basin when the crowds have dissipated.  With so many people coming into the park each day, and the huge distances, getting to be right there and enjoy the early morning - or more common for us - the late evening enjoyment of the Norris Geyser Basin is a big benefit.

On the way back, we stopped for a late afternoon, prior to dinner chance to see this incredible geyser basin. 

The Mud Pots

So eerily mesmerizing. . .the nonstop bubble of the mud pots in Yellowstone.

Fountain Paint Pots

On the way back to Norris, we stopped at Fountain Paint Pots, had a bit of lunch before doing the short loop around this thermal area.  The mud pots were absolutely fascinating . . .and bizarre.

Monument Geyser Basin

For our first hike, we went a mile up the trail to Monument Geyser Basin.  It was a fair bit of a climb - and what was stunning is that as soon as you are off the highway and off the road, it is so easy to get to the "back country."  We saw almost no one on the entire hike (all of 1 mile in and another mile out or so) and highly recommend it.  It was bizarre to come out of the forest and end up in this bizarre smoldering moonscape of a view with all this thermal activity. 

Also, great views over the valley below. 

Norris Campground

Thanks to Uncle Scot and Aunt Carrie getting there early, they were able to get the last of the camp sites for the day!  We were very pleased and happy to be able to have a place. . .and with no cell phone coverage in the park, there was a fair bit of uncertainty, as we drove in and finally arrived.  Glad to have such an amazing location. . .and wow, brace for the cold!

Casper, Thermopolis and en Route

After staying in Casper, we made the journey to Yellowstone.  With a couple of stops, especially a longer stop getting all our groceries in Cody, we were ready to enter the goal of the trip:  Yellowstone!

Chimney Rock

Driving toward Yellowstone, we passed lots of historical markers for the Oregon Trail and the westward journey.  Of course, Chimney Rock is a huge marker, mentioned more frequently than anything else in the journals of those on the Oregon Trail.  we briefly stopped and had a chance to see the unique formation.

Cordova, NE

We managed to get a hold of Laurie Larsen and made a drive off I-80 to get to visit Laurie in Cordova and all of its streets named after Odysseus and characters and locations from the Odyssey.  What a beautiful house that she has across the street from her brother - and filled with such an impressive collection of antiques. 

Lincoln

After Iowa, our visit with cousins continued, with a stop in Lincoln.  Of course, Aunt Elaine and Uncle Jim were the ultimate hosts, with such wonderful food and gracious hospitality.  It was also a big treat to get to see Mike and Michelle's beautiful, stunning home which they built.  Amazing landscaping as well as some really impressive interior designs.  What skill (and dedication) to design and contract the building of their own house. . . in a perfect location. Shockingly, we somehow left Lincoln without a picture of Aunt Elaine and Uncle Jim.

Cousins

Here are some shots with family.  So fun - and great to relax, rewind and enjoy the beauty of the lake. 

Enjoying Lake Panorama (and Cousins!)

Daniel arrived in Des Moines, joining us for the Mountain West Trip.  It was so wonderful of Aunt Martha and her family to host us at her lake house.  We greatly enjoyed getting to play on the trampoline, work the zip line, and have fun on the dock, water slide (set up from a play structure) and doing some paddle boating and paddle boarding.

So great, also to get to see Craig and Emily and their family, as well as Anne and Brian and for our kids to reconnect with cousins.