It was a beautiful day to be out and about. When I booked my trip back in April I really didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I would be flying into Jackson Hole and I had a day to see as much as possible before moving on…
So yesterday was the day. I was ready to go before 6.30 AM, my ride was waiting and off we went. We made a brief stop on the way out of town at the offices of Scenic Safaris to complete the forms and collect our supplies. There were introductions to Abby our guide and driver for the day and Tiffany who was the only other explorer booked on our tour.
The road construction hardly slowed us down as we entered the Grand Teton National Park. The mountains were looking good. Pictures through the van windows are OK but we soon made our first stop for a proper photo opportunity.
I took over 250 pictures yesterday. I have narrowed them down to a few of my favorites that I hope will give you a flavor of the day but nothing can do real justice to what I saw…
It was early, hence the long shadows of the three of us standing at the side of the road.
Here’s our vehicle for the day, a very big wheel van! I was very glad I wasn’t driving, or parking…
The Snake River flows along the bottom of Jackson Hole. We learnt the valley was formed by the natural flooding of the river when it is filled with meltwater each spring.
Onwards into Yellowstone.
Stop for a waterfall at Lewis Falls.
West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake
We were hoping to see wildlife…
There are approximately 5000 bison in the park. We saw quite a few of them!
This one was enjoying the steam from a natural vent.
Abby was a very conscientious guide. We were not allowed to get too close to the animals. My zoom lens came in handy!
North past more geo-thermal features!
Traffic meant animals. More bison.
Who knew there was a grand canyon in Yellowstone?
Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstones, a 308 feet drop.
Ask me to watch the video if you see me!
Another view of the canyon.
Stop for our lunch by the river. I don’t know if I’ve seen wild water lilies before?
More geo-thermal features!
We were on the Southern Loop drive, and by now were heading South again.
We stopped at Biscuit Basin and walked around the boardwalk to appreciate the pools, springs and geysers. The color of the water indicates how hot it is. Different bacteria thrive at different temperatures. Blue is HOT!
Firehole River. Very interesting vegetation thrives in the warm water.
Keep moving. Time for Old Faithful?
Abby dropped us off at the Visitors Center while she went to look for a parking spot. We went inside and discovered we had just missed the show… time to visit the gift shop, have a look around and get a seat for the next eruption. Old Faithful is known for its reliability. By the expected time there was a very large crowd gathered. 
We waited…
And then…
Wow!! The water gets up to 70-90 feet and keeps going for almost two minutes. Yes, I have a video too 🙂
But we needed to keep going.
Over the Continental Divide at our maximum elevation for the day.
And home again.
A stop for more scenic views of the Tetons over Snake River.
And a shot of Pronghorn grazing with bison.
We arrived back in Jackson just after 6. What a good day!
I have tried to show and not tell… Apparently Yellowstone was nearly called Wonderland by the early European settlers. I can certainly understand why, but I’m glad they didn’t get their way. Abby was a super guide. She kept us on track while making sure we were able to linger where we wanted to get another look. Taking a safari was a great way to see the park with no stress. No, she didn’t find me a bear. Bears are going on the same list as alligators…
Today I am driving myself to Riverton ready to meet the quilters and get to work.
Always an adventure indeed!
Glad you enjoyed a rather exciting day. I love to be in a spot that makes me aware of the moment, and fully alive at that time. Thanks for sharing some of your pics. The Tetons in the background of a few of those spots, grabbed my heart.
Catherine, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of this treasured place. I smell the scent of fresh mountain air and feel as if I am right there with you.
Loved this travelog! What great photos and descriptions! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the beauty and calm. I needed that today.
So thankful you wanted to take the time with our beautiful state. I loved being in your class and hope to get to another one day!
Thank you for sharing; brings back such fond memories when I traveled the West for a year…and many of the pics were areas where I had camped. Also rafted the Snake!