Yellowstone National Park- Day 10

Yellowstone is just amazing. There are so many different ecosystems here, at one point you are in the forest, the next in rolling meadows, the next in a big canyon, finally there are stinky bubbling cauldrons… all of them just as awe inspiring as the next. Every turnout and lookout point beckons you to pull over and see the beauty that God created with His imagination. There is nothing like driving down these roads listening to my favorite praise and worship music and worshiping God at each new site… I will NEVER forget this place!

Our first stop this morning was more stinky hot springs… the most famous called Mud Volcano springs. It just appears out of nowhere on the drive but its smell precedes it. The stink of sulfuric acid is so profound. We got out and hiked around the many cauldrons and hot springs and watched the steam fill the air. As we went along the kids were disgusted by the smell and at one point, Leah refused to go on in typical Leah fashion of screaming, crying and drama. We continued on our path and finished with great relief.

On our drive we went through Hayden Valley which is rolling meadows filled with Bison. One even crossed in front of us! They cause quite the traffic jam as everyone stops and takes photos.

Next stop was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We took a hike down the Lower Falls trail which was easy going down but quite steep coming back up with tons of switchbacks. The lower water fall of the Grand Canyon is grand itself… our hike took us right next to the top of the fall. The canyon appeared to us for the first time too. It is unlike the Grand Canyon in its vastness but still a canyon and is very pretty. After that hike we went to the canyons Inspiration Point and took in the view and then had a picnic overlooking the canyon.

Next we headed to Roosevelt lodge for our horseback rides. The most exciting part of our day happened next. As we were driving we saw a Mama bear and her 2 cubs! Everyone was stopped in the road as usual and I thought it was another Bison but I noticed the fur was different. It was a grizzly! She was just right off the road with her 2 adorable babies… we passed within 5 feet of her. It was ideal circumstances, being in the car and seeing them. I feel like I can go home now that we have seen bears!

We arrived at Roosevelt lodge and Noah, Megan and I went on a horseback ride. Daddy and Leah went on a Stagecoach ride. Both were nice as we meandered through meadows, up and down hills. I had to keep saying to myself "I am horseback riding in Yellowstone!" This was Noah's first horseback ride ever so he enjoyed it. After the rides it was to the general store for a quick snack and then a long drive through rain back to camp. It will be early bed tonight… we are tired!