We definitely did the quick 2-day tourist version of Yellowstone, which I readily acknowledge barely scratches the surface of the 3472 square mile park. But we were able to see the required first-timer highlights and have a good time.
Wildlife - We saw a couple bears from a distance, some deer/elk?, some chipmunks, and tons of bison. Whenever you see a ton of cars pulled over on the side of the road, you know there must be something worth looking at. And then you learn the bison are a dime a dozen. So much so they serve them at the restaurants. No joke.
Then he started following us. Bryn’s theory: our car was red, and bison (like bullfighting bulls) instinctively charge red things. Later, while on a trail and seeing another bison nearby, she put a black coat on over her pink-ish shirt so she wouldn’t get rammed.
What’s the difference between bison and buffalo? In North America, the words are used interchangeably, and, as it turns out, incorrectly. Real buffaloes are native to Africa and Asia, and are only distantly related to the bison shown above. Real buffaloes are more smaller, more cattle-like, and more domesticated. Shame on new Pac-10 members, the University of Colorado Buffaloes for perpetuating the misnomer. Points awarded to the Bucknell University Bison for animal accuracy.
Terrain - Yellowstone is filled with beautiful landscapes. They have mountains, canyons, dense forests, open grasslands, lakes, rivers, and everything in between. Some of the more idyllic spots looked like a scene out of Jurassic Park, and we half-expected to see a herd of brontosaurus or a pterodactyl or something.
Some areas have been scorched by forest fires but the resilient and pervasive lodge pole pine always seems to grow back.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – One of the more famous spots, but surprisingly uncrowded.
Old Faithful – Here’s where the crowds were. The geyser still erupts fairly regularly, every hour and a half or so. Thankfully we timed it pretty well and didn’t have to wait very long.
Of course there was lots of other cool stuff too. One lesser-known stop we made was the Boiling River, thanks to Chris’s recommendation. On the one side you have icicle river water, and on the other, hot-springs fed hot-tub water. Very cool.
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