Yellowstone, Pt 4

Probably other people in the country are much more aware than we were of the number of geysers in Yellowstone Park. We were certainly aware of Old Faithful, but we enjoyed expanding our perspective to fully appreciate the variety of geothermal features in the park.
As we set out to take a 5-6 mile hike to Fairy Falls, we were introduced to the nearby Lower Geyser basin with a very impressive variety and number of geysers and hot springs.

Along the trail that follows the former route of Model A vehicles through the park, the Grand Prism springs was in full show. Our camera could not capture the colors. The hues of the prism were fully represented horizontally across this feature. Again, these fallen trees are not due to forest fire, but the chemical sapping of life from the trees from the geothermal activity below.

The trail became more narrow as it left the long abandoned roadway. Trail warnings informed us that this forest regrowth from the 1998 fire was an area in which to watch for bears. We practiced being very noisy, although the steady but light traffic from other hikers surely kept the bears disinterested in this area. Our youngest is standing in front of the 'new' growth to demonstrate the forest's natural recovery from the fire. Most of the naturally reseeded trees were at least 10' tall.

We found a fairly large group at Fairy Falls, so we continued another 1/2 mile or so to Spray and Imperial Geyser. Both were intriguing, but Imperial Geyser in particular was so volatile and constant in it's activity that we were glued to the spot for quite a while. The trail provides the closest observation to this geyser than other more popular spots in the park. It was nice to have our own private viewing with a seat on a fallen tree instead of aluminum bleachers!

When we had our fill of geyser viewing, we trekked back to Fairy Falls. The large group that had been at the falls passed us on their way to Imperial Geyser, so we found the area much less crowded. The temperature was getting warm and it was refreshing to sit at the base of the falls in the spray. Again, we enjoyed the relaxation of taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the rushing water pounding into the pool right before us.

Refreshed and getting a bit hungry, we began our hike back to the truck. Not far from the falls, we spied another marmot. Continuing to watch the furry creature, we then spied two others - one very small. We enjoyed watching the little marmot family, one of which had a large mouthful of harvested grass. We assume some home improvement project was underway!

We then completed our hike back to the truck - being purposefully noisy, just in case a curious bear was in our vicinity.

Next in our plans was a stop at the Firehole River swimming hole. Although reputed to be fed by hot springs, we did not find the warm water. We must admit we came ill prepared. We really needed footwear for the water and left those at the RV, so we were barefoot along the river. The footing alongside the river had loads of sharp rocks that made for difficult and painful walking. Wading in the river wasn't much better - either sharp rocks that hurt our tootsies or smooth rocks that were very slippery. We were undeterred and made our way to a part of the river channel that was deep enough to allow for some fast drifting. All the swimmers looked like uncooked poultry with goose bumps on all visible body parts, but all were having such a good time that the temperature didn't matter.

When the boys' lips began turning blue, we hauled them out in spite of their protests. Everyone was pleasantly tired and it was time to get back to the RV park yet again.

We drove back through the west entrance to the park. It was a long drive back, but we were due for a long drive anyway due to the closed roadway within Yellowstone. The west entrance is much more commercial, but the drive through Big Sky was extraordinary.

We were glad to see the familiarity of our 5th wheel when we arrived at the RV park and everyone slept very, very soundly!