We're home, after 1600 miles of driving with 20 little toes hanging out the window.
Our trip started out with a night spent with Christine and Scott, cousins I haven't seen in years except through the pictures on the world wide web. The kids had a wonderful time meeting there cousins and playing. Thanks so much guys for letting us stay and feeding us! It was great to catch up.
Yellowstone is amazing to say the least. I new I would enjoy myself but I didn't really think I would love it as much as I did. We spent 3 nights and 4 days camped in the park and were not able to see even close to everything. Guess we'll have to go back someday (maybe take along Tob). The diversity in scenery was my favorite. Every corner turned there was something different to look at whether it was animals, lakes, meadows, geysers, mudpots, rivers, volcanic rock, etc, etc.
We saw LOTS of geysers, mudpots, fumeroles, pools, etc. The kids loved them especially at first and by the end of it, Nojah still wanted to see everything and Lex did not. On the last day I recall pulling over and Lex looked at me and said "All we ever do is WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK......" At least she didn't say Drive, Drive, Drive, Drive, then I might have felt bad.
One of the kids favorite's was the bear and wolf discovery center in West Yellowstong, both learning more about these animals as well as watching them. Nojah is about to be trapped in a bear trap.
The kids as well as myself were very intrigued with the wolves.
On a boardwalk in front of one of the hot sulfuric pools.
Alexyss and Nojah embracing the grand prismatic geyser's warm steam.
We climbed down over 300 steep steps to get this close up view of the falls. Our camp neighbors were kind enough to take our photo.
Buffalo. I was told I would get sick of them and I didn't. It still amazes me how BIG they are and how stupid people are to walk up near them trying to get a photo. This one happened to be resting on the side of the road so we were IN the car. We saw lots of other animals while we were there as well, elk, pelican's, a beaver, but no moose, bears, or wolves in the actual park, which was a little bit of a surprise.
These signs were at all the geysers. My kids looked at the picture laughed and walked off. Obviously they weren't concerned with what could truly happen to them if they were to step on one.
Our last night on the road we stayed in Bozeman and had breakfast with Kiley which was great. The kids were a little crazy, so I thought it would be a long trip home, but they were excellent once we got on the road for most of the whole 14 hours getting home. On the way I decided to take the back hwy over Lolo pass which was beautiful. I will never travel to Montana another way. Along the way we stopped for an hour or so to swim in the river. It was quite inviting in the almost 100 degree weather. I am glad to be home although it was a great trip. Guess it's time to start unpacking!
7 comments:
Dawn: Beautiful pictures. It makes me want to visit Yellowstone again and realize how much you would have enjoyed it as a child. However, I do have to say, that I appreciated it so much more as an adult. It would be fun to go with you sometime. Nojah and Lex will appreciate it even more in a few years. Even the walking! Glad you are home safely. I guess you found your way out of Clarkston. Love, Mom
Did you take your kiddos by yourself? Wow, wonder mom! That's great.
That looks like so much fun!!!! My parents just went to Yellowstone and surrounding areas just last month. They had a Great time as well. The boys and I are going to my sisters in Coeur d'Alene in the morning and that's our vacation. Then it's back to school. Woo Hoo! We miss you!
Glad you made it home safe and sound. It was great seeing you, even if it was only for an hour. I cant believe you saw a beaver...thats cool. I've never seen one before.
Glad you had a great trip! We loved having you stay with us. Your kids are so much fun! Hopefully we can get together again soon.
I'm so happy you guys stayed with us!! it was great to talk to you for a while. And no worries - my bed finally dried out. sorry about the trampoline too, btw haha. Glad you made it home safe.
Wow. How did I miss this post! Beautiful pictures--what a beautiful place. I've never been there. Note to self: GO! I love the picture of Nojah and Alexyss standing by the Dangerous Ground sign. Uh yeah. They look really impressed with the potential danger. ;) And you might talk to Emily about being close to Buffalo. When I was about 16 or 17 we drove through Glacier in Montana/Canada (I don't really know where it is--that's just where our trip was) and I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been...until I went to the Wallowas! You still live in my favorite Oregon location.
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