Not to mention, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Even though I have seen it several times in my life, I am still awe-struck at the sheer beauty of Wyoming...the mountains, the water, the plains, the animals...all of it!
Storm Point Nature Trail
{1.5 mile loop out to Yellowstone Lake}
{A yellow-bellied marmot}
Owen was such an avid explorer! No fear in this kid! He was loving it!
Wildlife
A Grizzly Bear
{Richard spotted this one from the truck window. He is right at the top of the first hill...if you can spot him. We were the only car when we pulled over, but once we got out the binoculars...the race was on! See the crowd we created! So glad we got to see a bear!}
Owen actually tried to catch a chipmunk. They were so tame, that I am sure glad he is slow!
There were bison everywhere! Owen was so excited to get to see them. This last picture is actually of one of the ones that walked right by his window. He was in adventure heaven!
Tower Falls
Mammoth Hot Springs
{In the northern part of YNP. Here we listened to a really neat Ranger Presentation and hiked along a path to see some of the hot springs.}
Boiling River
{One of the only places to swim in YNP. It is where a HOT spring meets the cold water of the river. The water was as warm as a hot tub...as long as you stayed close to where the spring was mixing. We had a ton of fun playing in the currents of the river.}
Old Faithful
and Surrounding Geysers
{One of the coolest parts about this vacation was the fact that I got to participate in a free Canon Camera class at Old Faithful. I got to borrow a really super cool wide angle lens and I learned some tips/tricks from the pros. After the class, we walked around and saw some of our favorite sites. Owen kept referring to the geysers as volcanoes! The best sight...Morning Glory Pool!}
Grand Prismatic Spring
{Probably one of the most beautiful sights at YNP!}
Mudpots & Paintpots
{Some of the most unusual things to see at YNP! The mud just gurgles and burps from the mudpots. Owen thought this was hilarious. Of course everything smells like sulphur, so the kids kept "pushing" the smelly steam away as we walked!}
Upper & Lower Falls
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
{This is where our favorite "backwoods" hike is. We always take this 1.5 mile out and back trail to see the falls from a different perspective...not so many tourists. It was gorgeous to see and hear!}
Our Junior Ranger
{Harper has been so excited all summer to earn her Jr. Ranger badge at YNP. When we arrived, we picked up the brochure with the list of activities that she had to complete. I must admit, it was quite extensive...but she was a trooper. She completed all of the qualifications to become an official YNP Junior Park Ranger. She wore her badge proudly!!!}
