Vacation - Part 2

It was a long drive up to Yellowstone, but not unpleasant. I worked on a crocheting project, dozed a little and of course, we stopped for lunch. We drove through Idaho, a small piece of Montana and then into the park and into Wyoming. The park is so large - it took us almost another 2 hours once in the boundaries to get to where we were staying. We saw many wildlife that evening and during the rest of our stay. The bison were in mating season so they were definitely in abundance! Many times we had to stop (along with lots of other people) while the crossed the road or ambled down it a ways! We saw an elk, some deer, Canadian geese, but no moose or bear. The cabins we stayed in were nice, small but clean and adequate. The lake was beautiful.

Saturday we went one direction and stopped at an area called the West Thumb Geyser Basin. We learned a lot about and saw many thermal spots, hot springs, mud pots and such. Some of the colors these things produced were really pretty. Then we traveled on to Old Faithful. We watched a couple films in the Visitor Center and saw it erupt. We had reservations for dinner that evening in the Inn dining room, so after perusing the gift shops, we headed that direction to relax in the lounge for a couple hours. Turns out the Old Faithful Inn is acutally a huge log lodge! I was ecstatic! I explored a bit, took some pictures and then we sat in big comfy chairs near the huge stone fireplace (no, there was no fire in it this time of year, but I'd love to see it in fall or winter). I even took a nap for about 45 minutes. Then we explored the gift shop there and it was about time to eat. Dinner was good, we had the buffet... trout, chicken, roast beef, peel 'n eat shrimp.

Sunday we went north to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone area. This was my favorite part of the park (at least the part of it I saw). No, it's not anywhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, but it is spectacular, nonetheless. Again all the colors were beautiful and just the depth of it was extraordinary. The falls, of course were magnificent! Most of you know how much of a lighthouse fanatic I am, well, waterfalls run a close second in my book to lighthouses! We did a little hiking on one side of the canyon - as much as Mom and I (my toe was bothering me some by then as it was my second full day in tennis shoes) could handle. It wasn't a lot, but it was definitely worth it to do what we could. I also enjoyed our picnic lunches both days. It was so nice to be out in the forest and enjoy the breeze and the sunshine and the lack of city noise!

Monday we left early to drive south to the airport. In retrospect, I was glad I used the Jackson Hole Airport, because that afforded us the opportunity to drive through Grand Teton National Park. What an awesome display of the beauty and grandeur of our Creator God! They were absolutely breathtaking and the sheer size of them as we continued to get closer was astounding. It was a beautiful day and one stop we made by a lake was just amazing how peaceful it was with the wind blowing and the sun shining on the mountains and the water. I've told everyone I could have just put out a blanket and sat there all day just watching it!

Well, we made it to the airport in plenty of time and it definitely rivals the smaller airports I've been to in my life, but that was kind of nice because it was easy. Both flights were good, running a little behind due to wind sheers in Denver, but less than an hour late overall and in my book that barely counts as late. As my Dad says, "any flight that lands wheels down is a good one!" Thanks to my friend Leslie for being there to bring me home and for having turned the A/C down before she came to pick me up - that's a true friend!

It was a great vacation and I enjoyed seeing a small part of this great nation that I had not yet had the privilege of visiting. The time away from the office was much needed and treasured and as always, any time I get to spend with my parents is time well-spent! Thanks Mom and Dad for a great week. I miss you!