As the kids get older we realize the odds they will want to vacation with mom and dad may decrease, so Tones and I decided if we went to some really COOL places they'd still want to go with us. Kelsey and Nate both love the outdoors, hiking, and the mountains, so when I suggested Yellowstone, they answered with a resounding YES!
We decided to drive because 1) that's what we do, a la Chevy Chase Vacation style 2) it's way cheaper 3) surprisingly enough the kids prefer to drive over fly. We broke the trip a little by stopping at Uncle Mike's in Colorado for a quick visit with the fam... then off to Wyoming. We rented a VRBO "basement apartment" from a retired couple who has a beautiful lodge just east of the Yellowstone entrance. It came fully equipped with 2bd/2ba/kitchen/laundry, beautiful views, porch swings etc. Owners John and Verna Hamilton could not have been more gracious or adorable. We stocked up on groceries in the nearby town of Cody, WY, Buffalo Bill's namesake.
Day 1 We explored the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone" with a 4.5 mile hike around the south rim... beautiful waterfalls, overlooks, and scenery along the way. It was a chilly day-- stayed in the 50's most of the day, so we had fewer crowds than normal. On the way back we encountered Bison, Elk and a Grizzly off the road in the brush!
Day 2 We headed to Old Faithful and saw various geysers, steaming caverns, stinky mud pits and more! There is constant volcanic activity there-- amazing. After we tired of the tourists, we headed to Biscuit Basin and took a beautiful hike up to Mystic Falls. On the way, more steaming pools, bubbling pits, it was like a scene out of a movie! More Elk and Bison... lots of birds including the Trumpet Swan. We also saw a Mama Grizzly and her cub off the side of the road... amazing!
It's a HUGE park-- we had a full 2 hour drive back to our lodge so opted to stay closer to the east side on Day 3-- We heard from some other hikers that Avalanche Peak trail was a favorite, so we headed there. Small details-- a rise from 8,400 elevation to 10,500 elevation in a mere 2 miles. And we are clearly off the tourist loop, so bring your bear spray! It took us 2.5 hours to make it up, but WOW the views were amazing! We literally felt like we were on top of the world!
Yes, this is my hippie girl doing yoga on top of a mountain!
The way down was a lot less breathing and I was able to enjoy the scenery a bit more. Really beautiful country....
Day 4 we were TIRED and SORE from our previous day so decided some R&R sounded good. Tones and I headed into Cody for a few errands and to check email/make some calls (no internet/wifi/cell reception) and then all of us headed to an easy nature walk trail called Pelican Creek around the lake. Even this short walk to the lake was beautiful... the lake was peaceful and clear. We saw lots of pelicans and a Bald Eagle!
On the way home we stopped at Lake Butte for a gorgeous overlook of the lake and easily spotted the Grand Tetons off in the distance! Stunning, breathtaking, truly awesome views...It was hard to say goodbye. We truly enjoyed our time, although short-- taking in the beauty, history, and geologic finds of Yellowstone National Park.
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