Yellowstone NP, Day 5

Started the day with breakfast at the Lake Lodge, big portions; drove around Yellowstone Lake, saw elk in the fields.

Hiked: Storm Point Trail, 2.5 miles, saw marmots, sandy trail, nice views of the lake

West Thumb Geyser Trail, 0.6 miles, interesting geysers and hot pools.

Yellowstone NP, Day 4

Mostly photos with notes.

Checked out of Sage Cabin in Gardiner. This was a nice cabin right next to the main road, 5 mins to Gardiner and about 10 mins from the Yellowstone Hot Springs. Below are some photos of the cabin, the horses next door (at the owner's farm) like to come up to the fence because we gave them carrots every day. We will be camping at the Bridge Bay Campground for the next 3 days, no electric hook up, so it would be challenging with my coach not lasting the night. Both Debi and I will be sleeping in my RV, so it will be cozy. We found that we can take showers at the Fishing Bridge Campground for $5 per person.

This morning we "hiked" the boardwalk at Mammoth Hot Springs, then went to the Mud Volcano Area before heading to our campground. These are just a small selection of photos from these areas.

Yellowstone NP, Day 3

Mostly photos with notes.

Day 2: Started from Gardiner, Visited Norris Geyser Basin, went early and was able to find parking, but it was getting crowded. Did not want to take long hikes, opted for the short Porcelain Basin Loop. Visited Steamboat Geyser, then went to the Upper Falls. Saw a brown Black Bear close to the restrooms at Norris Geyser, amazing sight.

Yellowstone NP, Day 2

Mostly photos with notes.

Day 2: Started from Gardiner, drove around the northern loop of the park, following Guide-along audio guide for Yellowstone and Grand Teton, highly recommended. Hiked the Trout Lake Trail and Wraith Falls. Saw a black bear that was brown, visited Wraith Falls, passed by Soda Butte. Wildlife jam! Lucky to be right where a herd of bison with calves crossed in front of the RV! Prime photo spot.

Short day, had to go back to the cabin to make dinner. My son, who works for the EPA in Denver, is doing field visits in the area. He and his intern are stopping by for dinner tonight.