Fifteen weeks ago we departed Georgia to tour the West. Yellowstone National Park reigned as the top “must do” attraction. Though we were within spitting distance of Yellowstone’s iconic north gate when we passed through Montana in July, we resisted the urge to enter the park, planning to return after Labor Day in hopes of avoiding Yellowstone’s infamous summer crowds.
For two months, I’ve worried about that decision. What if something happened that prevented us from seeing Yellowstone? As is often the case, that was a worthless worry. We rolled into West Yellowstone the day after Labor Day. Adding to our excitement, Grammy and Pops pulled into Grizzly RV Park just minutes behind us after completing a Lindbergh-like, cross-country sprint.
What a blessing to be able to share part of our trip with family. We have enjoyed hanging out, dining, watching the first weekend of College Football on a makeshift outdoor entertainment center, and fishing on the Madison River.
All of that alone would make for a great vacation. Add to that all Yellowstone offers and you have 12 days of life-long memories.
I have struggled with how best to convey the wonders of Yellowstone. I could show you pictures of surreal geological features.
I could show you copious pictures of wildlife, including bison, coyotes, and elk.
I could show you pictures of beautiful scenery and sunsets.
That these things exist all in one park explains Yellowstone’s allure. But those pictures fail to capture Yellowstone’s essence. I believe the true magic of Yellowstone lies in its dynamicism (that’s in the dictionary before stategery). While everyone enters Yellowstone with high expectations, you never really know what to expect around the next bend. Something always seems to top what you have already seen. Moreover, wildlife roams freely, weather changes rapidly, and even geological features behave differently based on the atmosphere and amount of rainfall.
Just when seeing bison becomes old hat, a herd swarms the road for miles on end.
Just when the many hot springs become as familiar as a steaming cup of coffee, you stumble across a pool so deep and blue your jaw drops.
Just when you have become accustomed to the mild weather, the temperature falls and it snows…in September…prompting the obligatory snowball fight.
Just when you have seen about all the elk you care to see, you come across a bull elk and his harem engaged in a mating ritual.
Just when you think you have seen it all, a grizzly bear appears behind a stand of lodge pole pines. You look around and see a few people who appear slower than you, so you maintain your position and attempt to snap a few pics, cursing the uselessness of auto-focus.
As you bask in the glow of a grizzly sighting, you pass by another trudging through a meadow digging for dinner.
Expecting the unexpected and having the experience be greater than you had imagined–that is what makes Yellowstone great. That is what makes this trip a grand adventure.
Grand adventure, indeed! Thank you for all the wonderful pictures and stories.
Thank you, Debbie. Wishing you guys well!
I am so jealous! What an experience!
Come on out, there is more to see!
Now put snowmobiling into old faithful in the winter on the to do list.
They had stacks of snow machines lined up in West Yellowstone. That would be a great experience.
This is such an amazing experience! I love hearing about it!
Thank you, Suzanne.
WOW! What an amazing stop! You all are making me want to start planning trips to the national parks!!! Loving all the great updates and pictures!!
You should do it. I know you would have a great time.
M1 quote “worry is a dividend paid for tragedy before it has occurd!”
Good to see you guys having a great time🇺🇸
That’s the truth!
What’s POPs using as a fishing pole on the Madison, a spinning rod? Where is the fly rod?
Also I want to see pictures of Yellowstone Cutties. You guys are having a life time of fun and education. Keep it going.
The fly rod was back in the shop with a high price tag attached to it. If you would like to see pictures of Cutties, I suggest you Google “Cutties” and select the “images” tab. That’s what we would have to do 😉
If I had seen those bears up close – I would have put yellow on the stone indeed.
I can always count on you for a chuckle…
Brings back good memories. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Tell the folks at the table with you I said Hello from home and looking forward to seeing them later this year.
Will do, thanks for reading.
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing. Nice to see Mom and Pops join you! Hopefully we can make the trip one day!
It is definitely worth the effort. Thanks for reading!
OMG the photos of the elk and bears are terrific what an experience. Good for you guys!!!!
Thank you!
I am nominating you for Blogger of the Year! Awesome to read about your adventures. Miss you guys!
Thanks, Ryan! Tough to be away from family and friends.