The next day we got up extra early as we hoped to see some wildlife. It was 33′ and overcast. Our destination today was a visit to Mammoth Hot Springs. It was a thirty-mile ride, but the views along the way were stunning. We made stops to observe bison and elk. It started to rain and at points, it turned into snow. The Mammoth was spectacular and eerie at the same time. It reminded us of the type of terrain you would see in an alien movie. The color palette was amazing. It was worth walking around the drizzling rain and colder weather. You can always tell which folks are not from warmer climates. One young man was wearing shorts, short sleeves, and flip flops. We asked if he was cold, and his reply was, “Only my toes.”

Next stop was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Our emotions were the same as when we visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona. These landscapes created so many years ago now provide us with the awe-inspiring vistas. My phone camera and Mitch’s GoPro are certainly getting used. When you view our pictures and videos, we want to share our experience via photography until you can make the trip in person. Until then, enjoy the photos.

I don’t believe in coincidences. People come into your life for a reason. While we were eating our lunch at the Grand Tetons, a ranger stopped to talk to us. The usual conversation transpired, and he asked, “Where are you headed?” We told him the next stop was Yellowstone. He commented that Old Faithful was over-rated and a must-see was the Grand Prismatic Spring. His tip was to view it from the overlook. If it weren’t for our conversation, we would have missed the sign to the overlook. The view was breath-taking. Thank you, Ranger Jim.

Yellowstone is so expansive. We saw more hot springs, geysers, canyons, and rock formations in one day than one can imagine. It was a lot of driving just to get from place to place. The terrain kept changing each time we entered another area. Like everyone else who comes to Yellowstone, we had to see Old Faithful. While we waited for Old Faithful to spew, we were treated to another geyser going off. A two in one treat.

We got up at 4:30 am to travel two hours to a campsite near the Teton Mountains.  It was a first-come, first-serve occupancy and we wanted to be the first ones in line.  We were not the first ones but we did get in.  During one point in the ride, you can see the mountains in the distance.  We both looked at each other and simultaneously said, “WOW”.  Truly an amazing sight to behold for two kids from New York.  The ride was nothing short of spectacular.  The fires from California and Colorado put a haze in the air so the mountains were not as crisp, however, still a sight to be seen.  We got settled on our site and the surroundings were very cool.  We could see a smaller set of mountains off in the distance.  Each site had a bear box which left me a little uneasy. The ranger said bears smell the food and lure them into the campground.  I never want to see a bear when we hike. We are equipped with bear spray just in case.

When I was younger, my brother used to call me thunder thighs.  At the time, it infuriated me.  I am now grateful to have them as they help me climb the many hikes my husband takes me on.  This time, the hike was three and a half miles up to Inspiration Point whose elevated is 7,200 ft.  As if the climb wasn’t enough to satisfy my adventurous husband, upon our return we got into the kayak and onto to lake.  The view of the Tetons from the lake was unbelievable.  We stopped in front of the mountains, took out our lunch, and just took in the beauty of sight before us.  A fellow kayaker passed and stated how beautiful the day was and how great the mountains looked.  As he paddled on, he said, “God is good”.  I couldn’t have agreed more.

The next day, my honey wanted to go on a five-mile hike to Taggart Lake.  I love the smell of the pine trees as it reminds me of Christmas.  The mountain air is crisp and clean.  You can smell the difference.  This time, after our hike, we went for a 10-mile ride.  The man is killing me.

Our time here was not long enough.  There are so many trails, lakes, and bike paths we couldn’t explore, but we agreed we will be back but for a much longer stay.  These pictures and videos are just a small sampling of the magnificence of this area.