Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Parks

We left Cody early and drove west towards the infamous Yellowstone National Park. After a few hours in the car we arrived at the west entrance. Up and over a small pass and we were at Yellowstone lake, one of my favorites in the US. We quickly had a close encounter with a huge Bison a few feet from the road and it wouldn't be our last.

After a few more brush ins with the numerous Bison we reached some geothermal sites. The rotten egg smell brought back memories from visits before. We weaved our way through mobs of tourist just to get quick glimpses of the bubbling pools. The clay pots are my favorite, there is something strangely funny and satisfying about watching mud boil up and explode in all different directions.

One of many Clay Pots

Later in the day we came across a large "traffic jam" near a meadow, we wondered what the big deal was? But as we looked into the meadow we saw what everyone was stopping for, a lone grizzly bear was working its way along the hillside. Taking its time and looking for food. This was the first time either Gabrielle had ever seen a grizzly bear. We joined the crowd and sat there for several minutes to watch this majestic beast stroll along the Yellowstone hills.

Only two of a large herd

On our way out of the park we made a last minute decision to stop at Old Faithful. Knowing that it's not so faithful anymore, we had low expectations. We managed to time it perfect. Found a front row spot at the lodge and got a front row seat literally minutes before the geyser erupted. It was a perfect finish to our Yellowstone experience.

Old Faithful

We quickly headed south toward the Tetons, only an hour away. The sun was setting and light was bouncing off the surrounding hills. Sometimes you have an experience that is hard to describe, you just have to be their. Watching the sun set over the Grand Tetons was one of those moments. Here are a few pics that give a general idea.

We rolled into Jackson late and luckily found a campsite just outside of town in the National Elk Reserve. It had been a very long day and we were ready for some sleep.