Today was the day we left the OFSL Western cabin and checked into our Western Cabin at Canyon. We started our day by visiting the West Thumb Geyser Basin. We never did get to see this area on our previous trip. The sun wasn’t on our side, but at least that meant we were cool. I really enjoyed seeing the fishing cone and the other thermal features alongside the lake.
On our way towards canyon, we were treated to 4 big bull elk feasting on purple flowers. It was an awesome site to see.
Our next stop was the hike to Natural Bridge. We really enjoyed this hike. We saw lots of chipmunks and squirrels along the way. We were also treated to seeing some cute marmots. One was right along the path, and it appears that he was blind in 1 eye. He was much smaller than some of the other marmots we saw. The natural bridge was really beautiful. There were a lot of interesting colors due to the water that caused the bridge to form.
We were getting ready to head back when Glenn noticed his trekking pole was missing. He headed back towards where he thought he may have set it down while taking pictures of the marmots. Zach and I walked at Zach’s pace. When we got to the area of the marmots, the one-eyed marmot was running right towards us on the path. We didn’t know what he was going to do! Within 1 foot of us, he turned back towards the hill. Glenn didn’t find his trekking pole, and no one turned it in at the campground, gift shop or ranger station. We are pretty sure the scowl faced family from Missouri took it. They are the only ones that would have crossed the area where Glenn left it. I don’t know why someone would just steal someone else’s trekking pole, but all I have to say is Karma!
After the hike, we worked up an appetite. We decided to eat at a picnic area on Yellowstone Lake. It was a very busy area, and I'm sure it was because of the gorgeous views!!
After the hike, we worked up an appetite. We decided to eat at a picnic area on Yellowstone Lake. It was a very busy area, and I'm sure it was because of the gorgeous views!!
The Mud Volcano area was our last stop before Canyon. We thoroughly enjoyed this area. We got to see a bison on the hillside in the area. The Dragon’s Breath Spring was awesome. Glenn, Zach, and I all enjoyed listening to the roar it made and watching the waves of water come out of the “mouth.” It sure was a smelly area, but it had some unique thermal features, pleasing to the ears and the eyes.
From there, we drove to Canyon, and we checked into our Western Cabin. I do have to say this cabin was much nicer than the one at the snow lodge. Our windows opened to a view of a hillside covered in pine trees, which was much more pleasing than a gravel parking/driving area. We also had a Keurig coffee maker in this room. The bathroom was much more modern as well. The beds were still the same – not very comfy, but you’re so tired when you get back to the room, you have no problems falling asleep. Since Zach wanted to stretch out and play with some of his toys, the 2 boys hung out at the cabin, while I went to get laundry done.
After laundry, we went to get dinner at the Canyon Restaurant. We actually had an excellent dinner accompanied by some tasty drinks. I had the bacon cheddar bison burger, and it was delicious. Glenn had the turkey dinner. Zach had the kids pizza. Although it looked like it was a frozen pizza, he actually half of it, so that was pretty good.
After laundry, we went to get dinner at the Canyon Restaurant. We actually had an excellent dinner accompanied by some tasty drinks. I had the bacon cheddar bison burger, and it was delicious. Glenn had the turkey dinner. Zach had the kids pizza. Although it looked like it was a frozen pizza, he actually half of it, so that was pretty good.
Afterwards, we headed out to Hayden Valley to see if we could spot any animals. Before we even got past the South Rim Drive, there were people pulled over, so we parked and got out to see what everyone else was seeing. Finally, we got to see our 1st bear!!! We were so excited!! It was a black bear, and we were ecstatic. We’ve been to Glacier, Yellowstone previously, and Rocky Mt National Park numerous times, but we’ve never seen a bear so this was exhilarating for us. We drove on, saw bison and elk. From there, we decided to pull over and get a seat on the hill overlooking Hayden Valley. Not much seemed to be going on tonight. It was also pretty chilly outside, and we forgot our jackets. We decided to head back. We got to see the bear again…he was still in the same spot. That night, we all went to sleep happy that we got to see our 1st bear.