Yellowstone

June 24^th

The past two days we have been in West Yellowstone, Montana. The weather has been a dream. Very cool evenings where you can sleep with the windows cracked and still be cool and warm breezy days. No wonder so many people flock to Yellowstone at this time of the year.

Matthew was talking to someone in Jackson Hole, Wyoming who recommended The Grizzly RV Park so he switched our reservations from the KOA to the Grizzly. This has to be one of the nicest RV parks ever. The lots are lush green grass with level gravel spots to park and there is a park where the children congregate during the day and into the evening. Did I mention it does not get dark until almost 10pm? The sun is up by 6:20 am so you get plenty of daylight. There is plenty of outdoor time to try and fit in the million things you want to do and see.

We entered Yellowstone from the south entrance the first day and stopped by Old Faithful. I guess we expected too much after Grand Teton. The geyser spewed for its obligatory water and steam in the same fashion it does every hour and a half. The nicest thing there is the lodge. The lodge overlooking Old Faithful is the largest log building in the world. The windows provide a beautiful view of the geyser and the ones surrounding it. It made Matthew and I pause and wonder how fantastic it must look with snow blanketing the surrounding landscape.

We made our way from Old Faithful to the West entrance which was about 30 miles apart. You would not think it would take over an hour but we have found any travel in the park is slow and unpredictable. The primary reason is because there are so many pullouts and points of interest along the route that you find yourself constantly stopping to hike a trail, take a photo, or wait for the traffic to clear because there has been a bison, coyote or elk spotted close enough to the road to provide a photographic opportunity not to be missed.

We got settled the first night and rose early to rent a car and take the entire day to head up the north west side of Yellowstone. Several hours, numerous stops and fantastic views later we arrived at the North West section that had promised hot pots and even a swimming area. We climbed the final set of stairs to view the terraces and as we descended we approached a ranger for directions to the swimming area. Much to Ashton and Cameron’s disappointment we were informed that the swimming area was not open due to very high water levels. Ohhh NOOOO!!! They wore their swimsuits under their clothes all day for this moment.

I have to say they were very discouraged. The consolation prize was another visit back to Old Faithful for some soft serve ice cream and another opportunity to watch the geyser. With cool ice cream and a front row seat the children seemed slightly appeased. On the way back to camp we stopped at the Upper Geyser Basin and hike the trails around the paint pots and active spots. The colors were startling and the pictures were better than we had hoped for. The hot water that poured from the hot pots into the river created a picture of color and steam that cannot be truly appreciated in photos.

Sunday we located the local church building online and pulled our bikes out for a cool and peaceful ride to church. It was a short and peaceful bike ride to the church. We packed our clothes in a backpack and peddled to church. A quick change and we found a comfortable seat in the pews. Within 10 minutes this small ward transformed from 150 people to almost 600 people. The entire chapel, overflow and full gym were packed with standing room only. There were more visitors than residents. At the conclusion of the services we quickly changed back into our shorts and followed the .8 mile route back to the RV park. A quick lunch and a fantastic nap and it was time to get back outside.

The weather was so beautiful, 81 degrees and breezy. We rode the bikes into town and strolled around enjoying the fresh air and relaxing without a strict agenda. Tomorrow morning we are breaking camp and heading to the east entrance of Yellowstone to view the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and a few of the other features. Once we conclude that tour we are aiming for Mt. Rushmore. It is difficult to knowingly plan to leave the agreeable weather for the eastern heat that awaits us. After talking to Grandpa we found out that the weather is not as welcoming back east. It has been a change to wear sweat pants at the end of June.

It is a bit sad to think this fantastic journey is winding down and we are in the final phase of our journey. We have made some wonderful memories and had a few arguments along the way but I wouldn’t trade this adventure for anything. We have had the privilege of seeing some of the most inspiring wonders that God has created. Viewing sites and places that can only be appreciated by standing at the precipice of a mountain and realizing how tiny we all are and yet how God knows each of us. Not only does he know us, but he loves us. No matter whether we look up in the sky each night to observe the million stars or whether we find a spot to watch the setting sun, He still provides those views nightly for us. We need only stop and look for His wonder in all we do. It has made me pause more than once to realize how grateful I am to have these children that have driven me insane at times and melted my heart at others. It reminds me that America is the best country in the world and I am so proud to call her home.