Day 42 - July 26 - Yellowstone to Buffalo Bill State Park WY

Day 42 - July 26 - Yellowstone to Buffalo Bill State Park WY

Today we travelled both loops of the Yellowstone Park. We started with the lower loop and saw Old Faithful. We arrived about 10 minutes before the display, and WHAT A DISPLAY!! It shot water and steam about one hundred feet into the air for about 2 to 3 minutes. We then wandered through the gift shop and then headed down the highway for more sights. A young moose crossed our path, and lots and lots of trees and rocks, and Yellowstone Lake - all very pretty. Couldn't believe that we only saw one animal on the lower loop.

Then we headed for the upper loop and saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - a spectacular canyon of red, white, yellow, and brown mineral rocks. The canyon was approximately three thousand feet deep, ending in a river of teal blues with frothing rapids. The river sourced from a 1500 foot waterfall that crashed to the canyon floor with magnificent beauty. This description does not begin to do justice to the beauty of the area. You must see it to believe it.

Moving along the upper loop we came upon 3 buffalos wallowing in the dirt off the side of the road. We were tickled to finally begin seeing more animals. Then we eased on up the road. The scenery changed from a forested ride, to a gigantic meadow on both side of the road, with a small river that coursed through it. The traffic came to a dead halt. Crawling forward we discovered there were approximately two the three hundred grazing buffalo, that were trying to cross the road. A ranger was directing traffic and simultaneously trying to keep the buffalo from crossing the road until the cars were cleared. Oh, the awesomeness of it all. Just like scenes from "Dances with Wolves", Tatonka was on the move. 

From mountain heights we then saw great expanses of Yellowstone's vast beauty. Winding up and down, rounding curves, with 1000 foot drops, I thought Chris would forever walk with a 30 degree tilt from leaning away from the window and the drop-offs. (Yes, she's afraid of heights.)

By late afternoon, we had covered both loops and were ready to move along to our evening site. We covered about 100 miles, and saw a grizzly climbing a mountain going almost straight up. Mountain goats haven't got a thing on him. He had a lovely half blond half brown coat, and was of massive size. Thank goodness he was separated from us by a river with a steep bank on both sides. 

Keith says he's not afraid of bears, but he picked a campsite a further 10 miles down the road, just in case. Our campsite, Buffalo Bill State Park, was in the most dramatic setting: a large valley between sheer-face mountains and an impressive river/reservoir. Ah, the majesty of God's work never ceases to amaze.