(click pictures to enlarge)
(all pictures taken with Nokia Lumia 929 cell phone)
My last trip into the park was to see the Excelsior Geyser crater and the Grand Prismatic Spring. It would be my last trip into the park. I saw the parts of the park I came here to see and now it was time to move on down the road. I was not able to see Yellowstone Lake or Mammoth Hot Springs so those can remain on the list of things to see in the future.
Yellowstone is one of the most visited National Parks. I am glad I came but I'm undecided as to how high I would rank it in comparison to some of the other things I've seen in my travels. It definitely is worth the trip though. I actually found the rivers that run through the park to be more enjoyable and peaceful than some of the major attractions. However, the fishermen took up a lot of the parking in the turnouts. There should be a time limit for parking in those things because some of the fishermen seemed to be there for hours and hours. I was never blocked from parking where and when I wanted, but I would imagine that is a different story during the busy summer.
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| Both the Excelsior and Grand Prismatic Spring is across the bridge |
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| The Excelsior Geyser Crater |
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| The Grand Prismatic Spring was a brilliant blue |
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| The water away from the spring was so calm they reflected the clouds on their surface. |
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| This is the little stream leading away from the spring. Many different colors. |
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| The spring dumps about 500 gallons per minute into the adjacent river. |
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| Looking downstream. Nice looking river |
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| They have benches scattered along the boardwalk |
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| I liked this picture of the general area. The boardwalk circles the place and is close to a mile around. |
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| I chose this place to enjoy my lunch. It was a PB&J sandwich with a smiley face in the peanut butter. Olivia Grace, if your reading this in the distant future, that reference is about your mother. |
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| One of the rivers |
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| This part of the Madison River was one of my favorite spots. It seemed to never have anyone there, which was fine with me. This is looking downstream |
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| Looking upstream |
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| I couldn't remember the last time I posted a selfie, so I decided to take one in my favorite place alongside the river. |
I enjoy reading your blog and I like you RV outfit
ReplyDelete.I have a question; If you had it to do over would you have bought the diesel engine?
Take care and have a great summer.
Chris from Indiana
Hello Chris. I'm glad you enjoy the blog. In answer to your question, No, I would not change my mind and get a diesel engine. My reasons are:
Delete1) The max weight of my rig is 9,000 pounds, and my truck is rated to tow 12,000 pounds so I have 3,000 pounds (25%) cushion. I have climbed every mountain without a problem. Sometimes it will take 3rd gear for a while, but that isn't a problem for me. Therefore I have plenty of power.
2) If I have a breakdown in a small town, the chances of finding a mechanic that can work on a gasoline engine is much higher than finding a diesel mechanic.
3) The initial cost of a diesel is several thousand dollars more than a gasoline engine. This is balanced out by the increased life expectancy of the diesel engine. I opted for the initial savings, instead of the long term payback.
4) Every gas station has a gasoline pump, but does not always have a diesel pump.
5) I don't like the noise of a diesel engine or the smell of diesel fuel. This may be from the decades I spent around construction equipment.
I hope I answered your question. If you have any more, just let me know.
Darrell, We arrived in Yellowstone just after you left. We stayed up in Mammoth Hot Springs. I agree with you, the best places in Yellowstone are where the people aren't. I love those quiet rivers. Safe Travels, Shawn
ReplyDeleteHello Shawn. I headed toward Mammoth but turned around due to the rough road construction. Cya down the road
DeleteThe town of Mammoth is my favorite place in Yellowstone and I've been all over. It seems that everyone has their own focus on what they enjoy. For me the geysers, steam vents, etc were ok and good to see but after awhile I felt that you see one, you've seen them all. So when I go back againI will stay in Mammoth and my main activity will be getting up at dawn to see the wildlife and going out again at dusk. My time will be spent in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Be sure to take the one way back road between Mammoth and Roosevelt and go slow. The old one way road from the Mammoth cabins north to Gardiner, MT is on my to do list. Thanks for the stories and pics. Enjoy your travels... bh in Texas
ReplyDeleteHello bh, thanks for the comment. I missed Mammoth due to the road construction but it is on my list to see next time. I'm not sure if it will be this year or next. Cya
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