We awoke this morning to sunshine for the first time since arriving in Yellowstone. It was perfect because our plan for today was to see as much of the Park’s storied wildlife as possible. We got to the Park’s West Gate at 7:30 am and headed to the Hayden Valley, one of the best places in Yellowstone to view wildlife. We were full of hope and optimism.
Unfortunately, the animals didn’t get the memo. There was no wildlife in sight even though Hayden Valley is supposed to be an excellent place to see bison, coyotes, grizzly bear and wolves. We met a man who told us he saw tons of grizzly bears yesterday at Lamar Valley. So we set off for Lamar, more than an hour’s drive to the north. But it was not to be. The heavy rain we had over the past two days was snow in the northern part of Yellowstone. So the road to Lamar was closed. What a bummer.
So we turned south. Our first stop was the Mud Volcano Area, a place early explorers described as a “most repulsive and terrifying site.” That sounded good to me! The area includes the Dragon’s Mouth Spring, a seething acidic hot spring and the Mud Volcano itself, a bubbling cone that erupts with mud made from rock broken down by sulfuric acid. The whole place smells like rotten eggs. It was so stinky Cousin Marj didn’t even want to get out of the truck. She’s a trooper who never stopped gagging yet managed not to throw up her breakfast as she walked through the area. Thanks to Parkinson’s I smelled nothing at all and enjoyed every minute of our repulsive and terrifying time at Mud Volcano.
We continued south in search of fresh air and natural beauty. We found both at Yellowstone Lake.
At 20 miles long and 14 miles wide, Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake at high elevation (above 7,000ft) in North America. It was a stunning place to end our visit to Yellowstone. I stood on the shore and reflected back on this extraordinary and spiritual place that was the world’s first National Park. Generations of people from around the world have come to Yellowstone seeking inspiration from the natural wonders that can only be found here. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Yellowstone and I was actually here with Jamie and Marj. It was better than I ever imagined it could be.
In a fitting end to our trip, we had dinner at West Yellowstone’s Buffalo Bar, where we shared a glimpse of a nearly full moon.
Good night from Yellowstone. We’re heading home tomorrow On The Rhoda.
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