Yesterday, fortunately, we had our brakes checked, even though our complete “tune-up guy” in Michigan said they were great. They had to be replaced and I am thankful, especially with the winding, steep roads through Yellowstone Park today. The weather smiled on us once again, with cool temperatures and blue sky .( As the day progressed, we realized we had not scratched the surface on varying ecosystems, terrain, mountainous views, forestation and even wildfire damage.)

The first view of the Rocky Mountains was breathtaking as we rounded the corner within miles of the park from the east entrance. Past the Buffalo Bill Cody Dam, we headed into the mountains. One of our first exciting up close and personal encounters involved a wandering buffalo, which I captured on video as he crossed in front and beside the driver’s side of the car.  He was unfazed by civilization in his path, unlike us:)

The next thrill was a huge bear on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Cars and RV’s were pulled over with cameras pointed at this great sight, and I was sad the driver missed it:( Our next stop was a trail beside the gurgling rapids of the river, so we hiked along the rocky edge. There were geese fishing for breakfast on the rocks and we hoped to see jumping fish, but it’s not the season.

Once we left that hike, we had another hike to the Norris Geyser Basin, where we passed turquoise bubbling geothermal pools, the Dragon’s Mouth Cave that growled and spewed as it hissed sulfur steam from the cavernous opening. The Norris Geyser performed for the spectators and did not disappoint, since it erupts every 20-80 minutes.

Before we left the park, we witnessed Elk grazing at the visitor’s center on the north side, and again in the river on our way into Livingston, Montana. This is as far as we will go into Montana, but the historic Murray House Hotel is a treat after this long day. Tomorrow we head back into the park to finish the thrilling and majestic views of geysers, mountains, streams, and wildlife on our way to the Tetons.