Yellowstone

Let me just say that Yellowstone is beautiful. We have seen beautiful scenery, amazing animals and interesting natural occurances and thats just in one day, in the Northern part of the park. Our day started with a bear sighting - what an awesome welcome!

As we entered the park, we were greeted by a huge stone arch - signifying the beginning of our adventure.



Our first stop was Mammoth Hot Springs - located about 5 minutes from the park enterance (and our motel).

We did a hike up to Minerva Terrances and Palette Hot Springs. We then drove up to the higher springs and viewed them looking down. It was amazing how trees would grow in the middle of the thermal area but then the water would reach them and they'd die. The colors were specatular.

We then headed south, towards Norris Geyser Basin, however we turned off before seeing the Geyser (that's for tomorrow!). However, we saw our first bison here.

We pulled off the road many times to see little sites along the way and to admire the scenery. I have stacks of photos but I wont burden you with them here :)

By mid afternoon we were at Tower Falls. Isaac, Lizzy and I hiked to the bottom of the falls. Let's just say coming up was hard work.

This is Lizzy, with the Canyon near Tower Falls behind her.

Then we headed up the Lamar Valley, where we ended up seeing hundreds of Bison.

Tomorrow we head off towards Old Faithful, where we'll spend the night.

Roadtrip - Part 2

We are now in Missoula, Montana. We spent about 4 hours on the road yesterday, including breaks and reached Missoula in the late afternoon. We ate breakfast in Washington, lunch in Idaho and dinner in Montana. It's not often you can say you ate 3 meals in one day in 3 different states.

Spokane was very pretty. Before leaving we took a walk along a river which goes through the middle of Spokane.

By lunch time, we were on the eastern side of Idaho in a little mining town called Wallace. It was a great place to stop, explore the mining exhibit and eat our lunch.



Today we drove about 30 minutes south of Missoula and visited the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Reserve. It was a peaceful, beautiful spot.

There was a visitors center where the kids enjoyed looking at the animal displays and then we went on a nature hike. I gave Isaac my little camera, and he happily took pictures of all the displays. Lizzy took charge of the camera outside and took photos of the flowers. (I haven't downloaded their photos yet though).

Tomorrow we head off to Gardiner, Montana. It is a small town right on the outskirts of Yellowstone. We'll be basing ourselves there while we explore the northern part of the park.

Roadtrip

We are on a road trip. Ben's been left behind, earning all that money so we can spend it on the road trip - thanks honey! Mum, Dad, the kids and I are heading towards Yellowstone. So far we've made it to Spokane.

For cousins interested in mapping our trip - Spokane is on the eastern side of Washington, quite close to the boarder of Idaho. For a short time tomorrow we'll cross across the narrow part of Idaho and then enter Montana.

Today we drove to Ellensburg - where we stopped for lunch. The kids played on the playground until our picnic lunch was ready. Kai found a nectarine in our bags and insisted on eating it without it being cut up. I've got some really cute photos which hopefully I share soon.

Soon afterwards, we crossed over the Columbia River and stopped at the Wild Horse Monument. It was a lookout overlooking the Columbia River on one side and on the hill behind us, there were metal horse sculptures. Once again - I'll share some photos soon.

Tomorrow we press on for Missoula, where we'll spend a couple of nights and then to Yellowstone.

Cruise Highlights

I have to wonder why we spend money going on vacations. Over the past week, various people have asked my kids what they liked best about their trip to Alaska.

Isaac has talked in raptures about the hand sanitizer machines, which automatically dispense sanitizer. Lizzy has told people that she had onion rings every night.

Hmmm. Maybe we should have bought a sanitizing machine, deep fryer, oil and onions and saved some money.