We took the route to the North gate of Yellowstone. It was a spectacular drive. We stopped at a couple scenic spots along the way. And before noon we had arrived at the park. After getting through the gate just down the road is a beautiful stone arch from the time the park was built. We stopped at the first visitor center by Mammoth hot springs. Grabbed a little info and then walked around the boardwalks. There is tons of underground thermal activity in Yellowstone. The boardwalk at Mammoth weaves around some springs.
From there we drove through the park admiring all of the scenery. We made it down to Canyon Village and stopped for lunch. We again went into the visitor center. There was many beautiful works of art there including some from Thomas Moran. A painter whose work helped to make Yellowstone a National park. Canyon Village sits atop one side of the grand canyon of Yellowstone. We went up to Inspiration point with a breathtaking view of the canyon.
After that we decided to begin the trek out to Big Sky. We were fortunate enough to stay at a friends cabin out there. We arrived in the early evening. The cabin was spectacular. A log cabin carved into the mountainside. It had everything we could possibly want. Except that the internet didn't work. Hence the large gap in our posts. But with that being the only problem we couldn't really complain.
The next morning we got somewhat of an early start and headed back to Yellowstone. Again we took our time driving and stopped at many sights along the way. We got to some boardwalks that weaved around a lot of geysers and hot springs. Mostly clear water and beautiful colored minerals.
One of the turnouts we went by had a larger geyser by it. And we happened to get there just before it erupted. So we found a seat and watched it gush.
We continued along the path eventually winding up at Old Faithful. It had just erupted when we got there so everyone was clearing out. But it worked well for us because we got some front row seats. We ate lunch and hung out until it erupted again.
As we finished our drive out we stopped at Canyon Village again. We went up to Artist point. It's on the other side of the canyon and allows a great view of the falls.
After that we headed back to the cabin. With a stop in West Yellowstone for some pizza.
Sunday we stayed around the cabin. Liz and I walked up the road a little bit to a trailhead. It headed up to the old asbestos mine. We didn't make it all the way to the mine but it was a beautiful hike and many spots for great views.
We got back just before the rain hit. It was a nice relaxing day. The next morning we cleaned up and headed back home to Wilsall. We got back before dinner and kicked off our shoes. Sara's parents had come out to the farm for dinner and we did it up right.
It was a wonderful weekend. We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. for coming out to see us and for everything while they were here. And a thank you to the O'keefe/Sanson family for letting us stay at their cabin. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation.
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