Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, by Philip Jones
(a Maryland high school student)

Add to the Journal!

This is a collaborative effort. Mail your comments and thoughts to share on John's trip to me (click for email), and I'll collate them into the Voyeurs' page.

John's Journal

Day Thirtyfive

Mileage- none

Route- around park, south to Grand Tetons

Cold night last night, I don't think I slept too much. But, who cares? I can always sleep when I get home, right? Time to pack up and head down through the park ending in the Grand Tetons. I shoved off around 11am, drove out of the campground and saw a different Black Bear family. This one had 3 cubs! Two of them were black and one brown, all very cute. They were feasting on a recent downed elk. Ahhh, a wonderful smell to start the day. Watching them, though, was, like yesterday, a great start to the day.

There was a couple from Austin who I talked to a bit before leaving. Like most people I have met, also very nice. I ended up in Mammoth to send yesterday's report from the hotel's house phone, make a few phone calls and grab some lunch. I ended up on the phone for a half an hour, but it was good to get some things lined up for work when I come back. Yes, I am coming back, I promise.

So, I got a late start at exploring the rest of the park, but since the sun is up for a long time, I should still get a good look around. I had to stop for road construction for a few minutes and then got to ride on the gravel/dirt road they are re-doing for about 10 miles. Fun! But, then shortly after, got a close look at a couple of moose (mice?) and about 6 buffalo RIGHT beside the road. I kept the engine running around the buffalo.

A book I picked up at the visitor's center, 20 great hikes through Yellowstone, mentioned a good hike through several geysers, ending with a better-than-the-average-tourist view of Old Faithful. But, when I got there, a sign declared it closed to humans (do I still qualify after a few nights camping and a month on the road?) due to bear habitat restoration. Bummer! Oh well, I at least saw a small geyser spout forth right as I walked up. These things are pretty wild. Hot water, misting in the cool air creating a fog that drifts up and dissipates up in the air.

It is getting later than I wanted it to be (as if I have any control), but I will try to get to a cool hike around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Then, I can't decide if I will stay and camp here, grab a room at the Lodge or just head down to the Tetons. I think that time will be the deciding factor.

Guess what? I got to the Old Faithful area and got a snack. Well, after doing that, I looked at my watch, realized what time it was and checked into a cabin. Yeah, well, it was only $25 and it is pretty cool. It faces Old Faithful itself, has a big double bed and a sink. The bathrooms and shower are a short walk back into the main building nearby. I decided it will be better to head into the Tetons without rushing and possibly hitting sunset.

Dinner at the beautiful, ancient, very rustic Old Faithful Inn. The room I could have had there was $98 for 2 twin beds and a bathroom. This is better. Plus, I can still head over there for a decent meal. But first, I need to go check and see if Old Faithful will erupt on schedule (8pm prediction).

Later...