Since we had a Parks Pass, it was past peak tourist season, and the weather was supposed to be in the 60s and sunny, we decided to make a Yellowstone day trip to see the geysers. The kids did not really remember much from the last time they saw Old Faithful, 4 years ago, so we thought it was time. As usual, the bison were doing what they do best: slowing traffic along the main road.
It was definitely NOT in the 60s or sunny, more like 40s and intermittent rain. Did this sign grow taller along with the kids? (see post 4 years ago) Weird, must have been a different sign. Anyway, we had some time before the next eruption, so we watched an introductory movie in the visitor center, which was great for the kids.
Old Faithful was quieter than the kids were expecting, but it still drew quite a crowd. As Hadley remarks in the video, "everybody's phones are almost up."
As the crowds dispersed, we explored the Old Faithful Inn for a while. The lobby interior is always impressive! The kids really enjoyed it, but were disappointed that they couldn't head to the crow's nest up top. We did get to peek inside a couple of rooms and discuss how they were small and didn't have bathrooms, and some of the staircases seemed a little lopsided. Owen wants us to make reservations here for next year anyway.
After we sat on the Inn's covered balcony and snacked for a bit, the rain subsided, and it was time to walk. So we headed out on the boardwalks to see the geysers up close. What a difference a few years makes! The kids had lots of questions, and looked at each geyser, remarking on the different colors and bubbles they saw. Owen remarked that it was better now that they're older and not saying they're bored, "it's actually fascinating!"
How Yellowstone-y is this picture?! Bison grazing in front of the Old Faithful Inn, if only there was a geyser in the frame also.
Too bad his large friend was parked closer to the boardwalk. We decided to turn around. Some other groups chanced it by continuing on the boardwalk, and Hadley declared, "they must not have watched the video!" (The introductory movie made it quite clear to keep 25 yards distance between you and bison.)
Between the bison blocker and some of the boardwalk being closed due to 'increased thermal activity', our walk was pretty short. But on the way back, we heard a subterranean roar and the Lion geyser erupted right next to us. So cool! It was quite high and went for a long time. The kids skipped ahead and even got sprayed a bit. (They're the tiny figures to the left of the yellow-raincoated person below.)
We also got to see Old Faithful erupt again from the back side. We perused the museum exhibits and got some hot chocolate to warm up before we headed back to the car.
Before we left the park though, we opted to do one more small stop through the Firehole Canyon, which we don't think we had seen before. It was a lovely drive.
A little further down the one-way detour road was a staircase leading down to a swimming hole. The kids and I just had to check it out! Across the river from the "beach" was a cave accessible only by the water. Spooky and magical!
The swimming hole was calm and inviting, and we agreed that we might have to brave the summer crowds some time to come try it out when it was warmer.
On the other side of the staircase was a trail that led to lots of rocks and secret water access points. Definitely worth more exploration, but nature called in another way for some of us, so we had to depart abruptly. Luckily the bathrooms were still open! Thanks Yellowstone for an enchanting afternoon.
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