Greetings from Yellowstone National Park

A few years back, I had a charmed 48 hour vacation at Yellowstone in mid-September. I headed into the Park after teaching classes at the college in Powell anticipating some rain and cold given the weather report. It was well into the night when I could finally settle in to my reserved camping spot, but I woke up to a perfect morning. I put my (properly licensed) kayak in near West Thumb onto a Yellowstone Lake that was like glass (When does THAT happen?) and paddled to the basin for a charmed visit to see the basin from the lake. In the afternoon, I went to Old Faithful Basin, and after a visit to Ham’s #1 where I worked in my teens, I headed to the Inn. As soon as I got to the observation deck, Old Faithful erupted. Later as I walked on the boardwalk, other geysers did the same. As I approached, geysers that erupt infrequently started just as I approached. The rest of my trip was also magical with perfect weather. On my way home to (rainy) Red Lodge over the Beartooth Highway, I also ate the last burger of the season at the cafe at Silver Gate. I treasure those hours as a most unlikely and wonderful convergence.

Sincerely,
Elli

Yellowstone National Park

America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.

State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,

Established: 1872

“they are our national heritage, preserved for the common good. ”

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