Oct 02 - 05 2012 Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park:
To date the weather has been perfect. Maybe a bit too hot in Phoenix, getting more comfortable as we moved north. Up to this point shorts and tee shirt have been perfect. The weather forecast for the coming week predicts a 30 degrees drop in temperatures early in the week and a high likelihood of show in Yellowstone as a cold front approaches from the north. We checked other sources before accepting this unforeseen development. 

We agreed to cover the northern territories of the park in the next couple of days thinking the south may just escape the worst of the weather.

Gibbon Falls

Mammoth Falls:
On the first full day in Yellowstone we planned to enter the park through the West Gate and drive east to Madison Junction. Then north to Mammoth Hot Springs and east to Tower-Roosevelt. Further east lay the Lamar Valley where we were told we would see many of the wild animals common to the park. We never made it to the Lamar valley on our first attempt. We took so long getting there, taking photos and being amazed by all the wonders of of Yellowstone.

Have a look at some of our images from Mammoth Hot Springs and surrounding areas.

Hot Springs

On Wednesday the weather did change dramatically. Temperatures dropped by 30 degrees. It was a case of getting back into jeans and three layers on top. However the snow did not arrive as forecast. We set out for 'Old Faithful' and geysers.

See our images of the Geysers at Yellowstone

Yellowstone Falls:
The very cold weather continued on Thursday and thankfully the snow did not make an appearance. We set out for the Yellowstone Falls (the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone) and the Hayden Valley.

Some of our images from Day 4 at Yellowstone



Yellowstone Falls

Lamar Valley:
Friday, our last full days in Yellowstone, and no snow but temperatures remained very low. We thought it would be safe to head back up north towards the Lamar Vally. This is where herds of animals can be seen in the open areas. We were hopeful about seeing some animals not already encountered in their natural habitat.

A Scene from the beautiful Lamar Valley

Our Images from the Lamar Valley

Yellowstone is the most remarkable place we have ever visited. It is incredibly beautiful. I would recommend you read more about Yellowstone but more importantly add it to your 'must see' list. I do not have the words, nor do my photos, do justice to the sights we have seen. The waterfalls and Rivers, The Mountains and Canyons, The Volcanic activity, hot springs, bubbling pools some crystal clear others thick mud. There's 'Odl Faithful' too performing for the crowds every 90 minutes. We did not see all the animals but had some great encounters with Bison (Buffalo) . We also saw Coyote, Wolf, Pronghorn, Elk, Deer and from a distance the Black Bear. We witnessed them in their natural habitat, such a different experience to viewing them in a Zoo. Heading out each day you had no idea what you might see. We agreed that it was this uncertainty but heightened anticipation that added to the overall experience. Once an animal was spotted the road would become blocked as people ran with their cameras. Always keeping a safe distance from the animal. The one exception we witnessed  on numerous occasions were the herds of Bison. People stayed still as the Bison crossed the roads.

This link will take you to a compilation of our Yellowstone images

Here are some links to sites with more information about the main attractions at Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs

The Geysers of Yellowstone

Waterfalls in Yellowstone