“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
– Miriam Beard

Day – 1 This magical trip came after a long hiatus. We took the flight from SFO to Idaho Falls. Stayed the night at Idaho Falls and started next morning for Old Faithful which is at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. As soon as we entered the park, we were welcomed by vast stretches of land surrounded by majestic mountains, hot springs, geysers,rivers and bisons. We stopped for pictures at different turnouts on the way to Old Faithful Lodge. We checked in at the registration and found out that the next eruption at Old Faithful was expected to be in next 10 min. So we hurried towards the geyser and in few steps we were positioned right in front of it. There was a huge crowd waiting for nature’s spectacular show. The pics will say the rest. We had quick lunch and headed to see other geysers in the area. By the time we completed the loop, it was close to 8:30 PM,time for the eruption of Castle Geyser. The steam gushed higher than what we saw at Old Faithful geyser. We headed for dinner at the famous Old Faithful Inn. It took us to a different era with live music playing, people seated in arena enjoying the performance.Post dinner, we went for some night photography near Old Faithful geyser and to our pleasant surprise, it started to erupt in front of our eyes. It was a great end to our day.

Day – 2 We got up early and by 6: 00AM were on the road. We had planned to hike in the biscuit basin, but a pair of bison did not let us reach the trail head. They had us in the center and moved in circle around us. We gave in and somehow managed to escape. We reached the Norris Geyser Basin and joined the ranger led tour around the entire basin. However, we left the ranger group halfway and went on our own. This area was at a higher elevation and full of geysers and hot springs. Then we headed for the Ice Lake trailhead. At the trailhead, we parked, and moved into the back country. Around one and a half mile into our hike, we saw fresh paw mark of a grizzly cub. We decided to turn back. Then we went to Virginia Cascades drive way and there we spotted a yellow-bellied marmot in the distance. Afterwards, we drove towards the Mammoth hot springs as we were spending the next two nights there. It was in the after noon when we reached the mammoth hot springs and it was scorching hot. We quickly went around, took pictures and moved ahead towards the visitor center. At the visitor center we found out about the hiking trails in the area. Finally we checked in to our cabin, took shower and a cat nap. After about an hour we had early dinner and drove towards lamar valley for wildlife viewing. Wildlife can be spotted mostly during early mornings or late evenings. In summer, during day time most animals go off to sleep. We saw herds of bison cooling own near the river. We found certain characteristics of bisons very similar to those of elephants.We also saw elks and deers. However, there was not a single bear at sight. I was a little disappointed.

Day – 3 Next morning, we got up early, had breakfast and went to hike the Beaver Pond loop. We crossed alpine forests, meadows and several ponds. The trail was full of colorful wild flowers. It was great to finally hike. We came back before noon and headed straight to the Dining room for  a sumptuous lunch complete with dessert. Post lunch, we went to the cabin, got fresh and took a nap. We started around 3:00PM to hike the Benson Peak. There was hardly anyone on the trail.We encountered a gentleman on the trail whom we will meet again very soon. Finally, we reached the summit from where we got spectacular views of the mountains and the valley. On coming down, we got fresh and headed for dinner at the Dining Room. The dinner was very fulfilling.

Day – 4 We woke up early in the morning, got ready, checked out and headed to Lamar Valley to try our luck at viewing wildlife. There were people with their binoculars and big cameras looking around. Finally, we spotted a big black bear which was brown in color though. Then started the game of bear and bisons. We kept moving with the bear in parallel. When the bear reached an area where there was a herd of bison, the bisons got alert and chased the bear. The bear charged back but in vain. The bear kept moving hiding from the bisons and we kept tracking the bear. It was a treat to the eyes. Finally, we had to move ahead towards Tower Roosevelt area and then to Canyon Village where were spending the night. On the way, we hiked to the Hell Roaring Creek. Post hike, while we were driving towards Tower Roosevelt Restaurant for lunch, we saw a mamma bear with her two cubs coming down on the road. It was such a beautiful and close moment . Words can never describe it. After lunch, we went hiking to the Lost Creek. We came back after 2 hours and went to the look out point for Tower falls. There was a trail that went down to the Yellowstone river , hence we went al the way down to the river and cooled our feet. Next, we moved towards Canyon Village. After checking in and getting clean, we drove around all the tourist spots, rim of lower and upper YellowStone Falls, Inspiration point, Uncle Tom’s point etc. After that, we went for dinner and then to bed.

Day – 5 We slept till late, had breakfast, checked out and went on to hike Mt. Washburn. While we were coming down, we meet the same gentleman we had met at Bunsen peak trail and he says “great minds think alike”. We exchange greetings and descend. On our way down, we saw two Billy Goats,wild flower meadows, valleys and mountains. This trail was quite populated. We go for lunch and afterwards got to see the exhibit at visitor’s center. Then we head to Wipita Lake trail head for a hike along the south rim of the canyon. However, we hike the trail in the opposite direction, reach clear lake, take a detour before reaching the south rim. We encountered bisons along the trail again but we survived. After the South Rim hike, we headed for Grant Village. On the way, we saw a coyote and elk. We checked in and went for dinner as it was already 9:30 PM. The dining room was by the YellowStone Lake. We got some great views.

Day – 6 We were very tired, so it was a lazy morning. We took our good time and moved out just before noon. We went on small hikes to two overlook points. Then, we moved south towards our next destination Grand Teton National Park. We reached Colter Bay by 4:00PM. There we went Kayaking in the Jackson Lake for two hours  giving respite to the legs. It was a wonderful experience kayaking in the lake surrounded by the teton range. It was sunny and bright. Then we headed to our abode for the next three nights, Togwotee Mountain Lodge. It is at an elevation of 8500ft. Our room was very well done with beautiful views. We captured sunset at around 9:30 PM. We finally get in touch with the outside world when we got signals on our phone.

Day – 7 Woke up around 5:00AM for sunrise viewing. Came back by 6:30 AM and went back to sleep. We finally got ready by noon and headed towards Lake Jenny in Grand Teton National Park. We did not hike as it was drizzling and windy. So we mostly drove around. We went on to the summit of Signal Mountain and guess who do we see again to our delight. It was the same gentleman. We felt so connected to him and the feeling was mutual. We exchanged contact information this time. Then we headed to the city of Jackson Hole. It is a beautiful place with great restaurants and cafes around. We had Thai food and then we went for dessert at cocolove. It was wonderful. We did some window shopping and started driving towards our lodge. Halfway through, I remembered I had left my purse at the Thai place. We went back and found my lost bag. It was a good day.

Day – 8 We relaxed in the first half. Then, out of the blue we decided to drive further north to Dubois, a quaint little town with a population of 971. We had delicious dinner and dessert there. While driving around the town, we saw a poster for the Rodeo event that night. We bought the tickets and went for it. It was an awesome experience, a first time for me and Abhi and we thoroughly enjoyed it till late night. The events were: Team Roping -The only team event in rodeo which grew out of the ranch chores of the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the two cowboys and their horses. The first, known as the header, ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs. Tie Down (Calf) Roping – Calf ropers compete against each other and the clock for the prize money. A calf is released and the cowboy must rope it as quickly as possible. As soon as a catch is made the cowboy dismounts, sprints to the calf and tosses it on its side, which is called flanking. With a small rope known as a pigging string, usually held in the cowboy’s teeth, any three of the calf’s legs are tied securely. Time stops when the cowboy throws up his hands. After the tie, the roper remounts his horse, puts slack in his rope and waits 6 seconds for the calf to struggle free. Breakaway Roping – The roper pursues a calf with a lasso swirling above his or her head. When thrown, the loop must pass completely over the calf’s head. Once the catch is made, the horse slides to a halt and the rope breaks away from the saddle horn. A piece of coloured cloth is attached to the end of the rope to assist the judges in seeing and timing the break. Barrel Racing – Three barrels are set up at different marked locations. The riders then enter the arena at full speed, quickly rounding each barrel in a cloverleaf pattern and then exiting where they entered. A stopwatch or timer is used registering down to a hundredth of a second. Speed is what it is all about in this event. Saddle Bronc – Grew naturally out of ranch cowboys breaking wild broncos to use as working cow horses. In contrast to the bareback and bull riding, saddle bronc riding relies less on strength and more on timing, finesse and skill. Bareback – Bareback bronc riding is a rough and explosive rodeo event. The most physically demanding of all the rodeo events. Cowboys ride rough horses without the benefit of saddle or rein. Bull Riding – Bull riders use a bullrope and rosin. The bullrope is a thickly braided rope with a cowbell attached. The cowbell acts as a weight, allowing the rope to safely fall off the bull when the ride is over. The rosin is a sticky substance that increases the grip on their ropes. Bull riders wrap their bullrope around the bull and use the remainder to wrap around their hand tightly, trying to secure themselves to the bull. Cowboys can spur for extra points, but just staying on the bull for 8 seconds is the main priority. Mutton Bustin’- It’s kid versus vicious wild sheep in an epic battle for domination. Who will reign supreme?! Next morning we had to catch the flight for home.

Takeaway from the trip:

1) In summer, carry lots of WATER
2)Keep EATING a lot if you are hiking and otherwise too
3)Carry SUNSCREEN
4)Carry BUG REPELLANT
5)I have written minimum about the scenery and natural beauty of the place. You will have to be prepared to get the SURPRISE when you visit
6)Carry BEAR SPRAY
7)Make your RESERVATIONS way in advance
8)Stay INSIDE the park
9)Learn to be patient for WILDLIFE viewing
10)Forget PHONE/INTERNET
11)You might meet people and forge lifelong connections
12)Definitely eat at “Dining Room” at Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs(our favorite), Tower-Roosevelt Restaurant, Canyon Village Restaurant and Lounge,Grant
Village Restaurant.

Link for day hikes in Yellowstone : http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

 

Places we stayed in at Yellowstone :