Anna's Awesome Adventures!!!: Yellowstone and Jackson

Last night, the Internet didn't work again, so I was not able to post a blog (obviously!). I apologize, but like the other night, I'll include what I did both yesterday and today. Enjoy and thanks for sticking with me!

Yesterday (Friday) -- Woke up at 8:15, got ready, had breakfast (Mini Wheats and juice), and headed out at 9:40. We are staying in the same place that we did Thursday night; it's really nice not to have to haul all our stuff out for one time. First, I ran into Grant Village Visitor Center and stamped my passport. Then, on the way to Old Faithful, there were some elk by the side of the road! There were several females, two babies, a young male with small antlers, and a majestic big bull elk who was whistling when we drove by!

Headed to Old Faithful and saw it erupt at 10:50 -- it was cool to see, but not as majestic as other times. We also walked all over the boardwalks (about three miles) to see the beautiful geysers. Some people wonder how many different geysers you can look at without getting bored, and I just can't believe anyone would think that! Every single one is so unique, so different, so beautiful, and a true show of God's amazing power. At the very end of the path, where we turned around to head back, we saw a real treasure -- I would probably say it was my favorite. A geyser called Morning Glory had DEEP blue water that seemed to go down endlessly, surrounded by an array of other colors. It was stunning and many people have their pictures taken there... understandably so! After walking around for awhile, we went into the Old Faithful Lodge, where we had ice cream (I had a scoop of huckleberry and a scoop of Moose Tracks). We also ran into the store and got hatpins, discounted Christmas ornaments, and two postcards. After that, I went into the Visitor Center to get my passport stamped, and when I came out, Old Faithful was blowing again -- more impressively this time, which made it really neat.

After that, we drove on Firehole Lake Drive, then to Fountain Paint Pot Area. We had lunch there (I had half of a bean-cheese pita, fruit cocktail, Sun Chips, and strawberry lemonade sparkling water), and walked the half-mile trail to see all the pretty geysers and a mud pot! It was burbling with mud bubbles all over the place, which made us laugh...just the sounds and everything is so hilarious. Next, we drove on Fountain Flat Drive (short, but it had a little round-a-bout that Matthew drove around a few times...it made me laugh!) and on Firehole Canyon Drive (a pretty drive through the woods and beside a river that people were swimming in).

Went to Artist's Point, a pretty view of Lower Yellowstone Falls. We were there around 5:15, and the sun was setting and pointing straight into my camera lens. A good opportunity to use my polarizer! It was gorgeous. So then we headed on -- saw two herds of bison and one had a new, cute little baby! We also saw a single bison down in a valley with Canada geese surrounding him before walking the 3/4-mile loop through Mud Volcano Area. We saw more funny burbling mud pots there. And to finish off the day, we went in the Fishing Hole Visitor Center, I got my passport stamped, and we looked at all the stuffed animals (most were birds). There was a pretty chandelier made out of skulls of animals and antlers, as well as a detailed Lake Yellowstone geological map.

Finally, we came back to our hotel, my mom showered, we headed down to the Lake House Restaurant (just down from our hotel...I had the bison burger), and then we all came back up, got ready for bed, and were asleep at 11:20.

Today (Saturday) -- Woke up at 6:400, got ready, had breakfast (granola and milk), loaded the car, checked out, and were on the road to Grand Teton National Park at 8:15. We went to Colter Bay Visitor Center (in Grand Teton) and proceeded to take a wonderful hike for two hours. We went on the Swan Lake-Heron Pond Trail (3.5 miles) and half of the Lakeshore Trail (1 mile). Before starting out, we talked to a ranger and she said the area was very active with bears. However, one small can of bear spray was $45, and we were not going to get it for that price. So we headed out without the spray, and I kept up a running commentary to scare them away. There were a few trail ride groups and several other hikers, and we were always aware of our surroundings...and I prayed. Everything worked, and we didn't see a bear. We DID see a mama moose with two adorable babies and they were PRECIOUS! The mama was in Heron Pond, eating lily pads, and the babies were up the hill exploring. It was such an amazing encounter!
So yes, the hike was very good and it always makes your body feel refreshed after a nice hike. I love hiking (especially to the summits of mountains) and it's the best way to see God's creation...up close and personal! At the store, I got a birch wood postcard and a hatpin after the hike, then we drove up Signal Mountain (which you can hike up...and I will someday, trust me). At the summit, there is a gorgeous panoramic view at mountains, a deep valley where you could possibly see some animals in the morning/evening, and much more.

So then we went to Jenny Lake, had lunch (ham-cheese sandwich, Sun Chips, carrots, and a huckleberry slushy), looked at the beautiful lake, and got on Antelope Flats Drive. That took us to the Gros Ventre Landslide...but on our way there, we saw several huge herds of bison. Some were lying down and relaxing, some were standing and eating, some were nuzzling, some were running across the road (they have a mind of their own)...and there were a lot of babies. There was one BRAND-NEW, tiny little baby -- he was so little he could have walked under his mom's belly. He was nursing and just looking cute, as all babies do. :) We saw the landslide after that, walked a half-mile trail to a pretty overlook of a lake and the landslide, and headed for Jackson, Wyoming, arriving at 5 PM. We're staying in the Kudar Motel; actually in a rustic cabin. There's lots of space inside and we've arrived at our destination early. We're going to clean up, head out for dinner (hopefully at the Sweetwater Cafe), and then just relax and get to bed. Tomorrow morning, I get to go on a trail ride (half-day) with my mom and brother, and I am stoked. I REALLY miss being on the back of a horse, and I can't wait. Check back tomorrow to see how it goes, and for now, enjoy the pictures and God bless you.

THURSDAY'S PICTURES