Just over two years ago, I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time.  I only spent 2 ½ days in the park but vowed to return.  Today I fulfilled that vow and plan to spend the next five days exploring this jaw dropping destination.  It is no wonder that Yellowstone was the United States first National Park.

When I got close to the park, traffic came to a standstill.  A lot of people were out of their cars, milling about.  Not knowing what the delay was or how long it was going to last, I used the time to pull out my trusty AAA map specifically for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  This was an opportunity to pick the best route to see as much as possible in the next five days.  After about 25 minutes traffic started to move; the park was only a half mile away and I was just excited to be back in Yellowstone – Whop Whop Whop.

I never found out what caused the delay.  But maybe it was because the parks greeter was late for duty; about a mile into the park I saw “Peter the Greeter” moseying down the road – not a care in the world. I had to laugh; and of course, take pictures.

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Traffic was a lot heavier than I thought it was going to be, but I found a spot overlooking Lake Yellowstone to let the dogs out for a little while and grab a snack.  The smell of the park was something that I forgot; pine and a hint of sulfur – I was in heaven.

There were a number of picture-worthy stops along the drive, but I was on a mission to get to Mission Hot Springs, my first camping spot for the night near the North Entrance of the park. There is a lot of road construction going on (they need to get it done before the heavy snow hits) so I had no idea how long it was going to take and the campground was first to come (so no reservations – more about that later).  However, I did stop at the Norris Geyser Basin Overlook.  

The Norris Canyon Basin is the park’s hottest, most dynamic basin and includes the world’s tallest geyser. I wanted to get closer, but the parking lot was full;  it is not easy finding a spot for Amerigo (31’ Class C Motorhome).  As you can see from the picture above, even my new friend Rave (the Raven) was awed by the view.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces did not disappoint.  A never-ending changing landscape as water heated deep underground rises through limestone, dissolving calcium carbonate.  Once on the surface, the calcium is deposited as the water evaporates, resulting in travertine terraces.  Just looking away for a second and the landscape has changed.  You have to love Mother Earth.

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As previously stated, I planned to stay at the campground near Mammoth Hot Springs (first come – no reservations).  I stopped there before going to explore the Springs – and they were full.  Well Fuck!  But the Ranger did tell me of a place about 4 miles north of Gardiner, Montana (just outside the park) that is used by a number of travelers when the campground is full; a large pull-off just off highway 89.  At first, I was hesitant but sometimes you just have to “roll with it” and because I am doing fun shit, it means sometimes you have to go outside of your comfort zone.  There was only one “tired” traveler (Sam from Texas) there when I arrived, but since then a number of other boondockers (remote campers) arrived, so all is good – Afterall, all I needed was a place to sleep, since I have a home on wheels.

Needless to say, I am having a blast.  I love this area.  I have explored, learned, and stepped outside my comfort zone – all things to stimulate the mind and body.  Can’t wait for what comes next.  Feeling energized.

#dofunshitalways #dfsa247 #yellowstone #nps #resist