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I took over driving at some point in the night down the western side if the park here the sun was rising over a magnificent range. Possibly the Rockies. We stopped at a 'geological point of interest' at about 5am but we actually enjoyed the the view of the lake down the valley. There were stumps of trees amongst the mist and the sun was still rising causing a red glow. See lynette's photo.
We had read that the park was first come first served to camp in and we arrive at 6am. I needed to snooze and we assumed the park gate would open at the same time as e visitor information at 8am. When we woke up and went in we found that we were wrong and would be lucky to get a space at this time putting us in a foul mood.
After getting our free entry with Chris Boffey's NP card we rocked up at the first camp site to find there was space so we paid for a spot, thought nothing more of it and cracked on with putting up the tent for the first time. After a serious bear briefing, of course. We had cereal and soy milk for breakfast. Lyn wanted to share hers with a new squirrel friend she had made but I was concerned for a) the squirrel's health and b) that it would encourage other squirrels to come and share. Not good for the wildlife.
Proud of the tent situation we went off for a walk around the beaver ponds further up the park. On the way we witnessed an elk crossing and saw a ton of buffalo and herded up some more state plates. We only saw a chipmunk a few ducks and a couple more squirrels.
But the scenery was lovely, we traversed a flower littered hill, a prairie and Winnie the Pooh woods. Also we witnessed a huge cliff of stinky sulphur deposits. And just before we got to the car there was a lady elk looking elegant sitting under a tree watching the world go by.
I think I got about 1/3 of the US state plates in Yellowstone because so many people are attracted to the place. Very exciting. We fortunately didn't get eaten by any any bears or squirrels during the night and managed to get squared away just in time.
We wound our way down the park hunting for the cheapest gas and only topping off $10 each time because of my Yorkshire ways. When we came across old faithful we weren't sure when it was predicted to go off. We fitted Lucy into a baby parking space very lose to the viewing area that the other fat American cars couldn't squeeze into. Here was a lovely loop path and we took the opportunity to indulge in some photography as we went around. I felt like renaming some of the pools eg. one labelled Star pool looked so wonky I rather thought it resembled a stingray instead. It was surreal watching these hot streams flow into the presumably freezing river water.
Eventually, the guyser did blow but not before a thunderstorm, plenty of fleeing tourists, some impatience from Lynette, a foot wash in the rainwater and entertaining camera-rain avoiding tactics by people in front.
Status
• High expectations lowered the magic of the park. But it was still incredible to think that it may be completely different of it want for certain presidents...
• Impressed that my $2 flip flops are still surviving...
• Have only made a 1cm dent in he peanut butter!
Food: We cooked on on a fire for the first and final time a gorgeous meal of pasta, chilli con carne, mixed tomatoes and banana. Weird but wonderful!
Fact: Speeding kills bears.
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