Mo Bison, Mo Traffic

The journey took is through Yellowstone again. This park is over 200,000 sq acres so getting around takes a while. We made it to the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone" for lots of photos of the Upper and Lower falls, as well as the cliffs headed down hundreds of feet to the valley below. Then we continued on to explore the Sulfer Caldron and Mud Volcano. The resident bison (Buford) was a highlight. His cousin Bob was front and center on the trail to the upper falls earlier in the day. We did a big loop through the park, driving next to Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone River.

It was uber cool this morning making the blankie a must.

Bob was having a mid-morning snack on the path to the falls. We had to steer clear to avoid danger.

The river cuts through the canyon in brillant blue.

This sign is very necessary as many people don't wear masks or can't figure out how to wear it effectively. Learn from the bears. 

We encountered bison while driving through the valleys.

Coyotes hunting along the stream in the valley.

Sulfer Caldron- pee uuuu, you smell!

Dragon's Mouth Spring near the Mud Volcano area. It definitely reminded us of a dragon's mouth.

Yellowstone Lake is large and at an elevation of 7,733 feet.

Billy the Bison likes eating near the road to cause traffic jams.

These elk along the river also caused a traffic jam as people got out of their cars to take photos.

More Geology at Yellowstone, including "Old Unpredictable"

This morning we got an earlier start and hit up a trail in Gallatin National Forest with the dogs. The Refuge Point Trail was a pleasure (although we wished we wore pants at some points). Zero people, lots of wildflower, Sandhill Cranes, and lots of peace. 

Wildfires in CA and ID have sent smoke into our area, making air quality poor and things very hazy. 

Later in Yellowstone, we explored the Norris Basin Geysers and Mammoth Hot Springs. So many cool volcanic geologic features! 

Lastly, we ventured into town for pizza at the Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon. Good eats and beer. Then partook in a Hong Kong Waffle and Ice Cream for dessert. The Trump shirts at the local shops were icing on the cake for this day.

Morning views on the hike. This area had a huge earthquake in August 1959 that wiped out a bunch of creekside cabins.

More from the hike -- Hoping this was a remnant from a big predator kill and not some creepy serial killer.

Not sure what this look is, but it is what Mother Trucker has been sporting.

Aerial view of Artist Paint Pots features. Many different geysers and springs with different minerals and micro-organisms giving them different colors.

The porcelain springs were very pretty. They were made of geyserite.

The name is hilarious!

Steamboat Geyser spewed just like its namesake.

Mammoth Hot Springs was more about older geologic formations created from a much older and now less active geyser area.

Sandhill Cranes seen in the park. Much like the ones we heard on our hike this morning.

 Massive rock formations on the top of mountain outside of Mammoth Springs.

Good Buddy enjoying the waffle cone... With an actual waffle. 

Some new ones to us. Don't think we've seen any Biden merch on our trip thus far.