Traveling to Wyoming in August of 2014
Temperature in the 50s and 60s
Flying into Jackson Hole - on the advice of a friend - we sat on the right-side of the plane. It offered a great view of the Tetons and the sunset as we soared over the "Hole." The airport was quaint and easy to navigate. We had never been to this region of the country...experiencing everything for the first time. It truly is amazing how diverse our own country is in terms of geologic and cultural heritage - we are so very lucky!
We arrived just in time to have dinner and get settled in for our early morning adventure.
Yellowstone - 13 Hour Day - over 350 Miles Traveled :)
Our guide picked us up bright and early at 6:30 AM - fresh muffins, coffee, and hot chocolate greeted us as we loaded in the large red Ford Expedition. With 3 full rows, the 4 of us were able to spread out nicely. Having a guide, provided us with the ability to truly enjoy everything that we saw - someone else to do all the driving (I can't say enough about having both parents able to enjoy the scenery and not drive), someone to tell us the cultural and geologic history of the area, and detailed stories of the wildlife - there wasn't a dull moment!
The fog burning off over the banks of the prehistoric Snake River location that ran through this plain
- you literally drive up what would have been the original bank of the river - you experience this driving from Teton Village to Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Tetons - the tectonic plates continue to move up and the Tetons continue to grow.
A few yawns were present first thing in the morning - but we were not bored! Make sure that you bring appropriate attire for Wyoming weather. Snow-capped tops in the background - even in August, you will have 50 and 60 degree days.
We weren't the only ones up bright and early.
Geysers / Hot Springs / Yellowstone.
Biologics mix to form a cacophony of colors.
Quite amazing - the depth and clarity are breathtaking!
The water is crystal clear - however, the temperature is scorching.
"Old Faithful"
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - simply magnificent.
Raging river below the falls -
Osprey Nest nestled on a outcropping high above this river.
Osprey Nest with 3 chicks - we witnessed the parents bring in a fish from the river below and feed the chicks - I, personally, could have watched them all day - much to the chagrin of my family :).
Animals of Yellowstone
These are just a few of the images that we captured! Can't wait to go back!
Buffalo
Elk
Moose
Grizzly Bear - we were a full 150-200 yards away - our guide provided a scope on a tripod for us to see the bear "up-close." I only wish I owned a stronger zoom lens for my camera :)
I took this picture towards the end of our day at Yellowstone on my iPhone.
- I often have a tough time putting into words exactly what it feels like to put yourself out there in nature to explore and experience what truly is amazing about our planet ... Symbolically, this picture says it all for me. Just GO! Enjoy, Learn, Explore!
Two roads diverged ... , and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
-Robert Frost
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