2.3 Yellowstone (finally)
Going back to yellowstone is really like stepping back in time. (I don’t mean Yellowstone is pioneerville, I mean it seems like we went ages ago) RV travel is one of those time paradoxes where time moves in the blink of an eye and stands still all at once. I’m always trying to write on the road but then get distracted by all the beauty that surrounds us. We’ve travelled through such different terrain in a short amount of time—so much that in my mind Yellowstone seems like lightyears back.
But really it was just mere weeks ago that I was gazing into the glistening eyes of the mighty beefalo. Those big brown eyes were so alluring, it was like they were begging me to pet them, but *sigh* I resisted my impulses even though everything in me was urging me to touch. It did help that I had zero desire to get gored.
I’m going to take a minute to bask is the fact that I am very fortunate—and I want you all to know that each morning that I wake up late, breathe in the overwhelming scent of the evergreens (they are SOOOO pungent) I am appreciative for these moments.
I’m also nervous, anxious, proud, and excited. (about my decisions and life path thus far)
I wake up each day a ball of emotions. Not that I’m crying, yelling, screaming or jumping for joy or anything like that. Truthfully I usually just grunt, roll over, and pull the sheet over my head. But my sub-conscious is very aware of the fact that my life is amazing, and I’m living the way people do when they’ve already put in their 40 hours for 40 years. So you get it. Lets not blabber on about any of that any longer. Point is—I’m here, I’m happy, I’m lucky, and life is beautiful!
So even though it was ages ago, I still daydream of Yellowstone on the regular.
I may have already said this in a previous post but Yellowstone is like natures wonderland (or Disneyworld, whatever suits ya fancy).
In most of our travels (especially at the RV parks) we’ve encountered a lot of retirees. It is so refreshing to see that they’re actually doing it. Makes me happy.
Damnit. I just missed the “Welcome to Nevada” photo opp because I was clickity clacking away here on my laptop.
I BLAME YOU!!!!!! Ha jk.
I generally feel bad about not keeping to the writing schedule that I wanted—but I’m still doing it so whatever.
Some Yellowstone Tips:
GO TO YELLOWSTONE
Go in late September, or research the right season for you depending on what activities you’re looking for. My activity of choice is avoiding crowds. Though I would go back during the high season to take part in swimming boating etc.
Make sure you invest a full week in the park. It is enormous, there is TOO MUCH to see and YOU WILL get burnt out trying to squish it all into a few days. [we missed some of the park and rushed through some parts as well--- not to mention the whole lost cell phone thing (read a few posts back if you missed it)]
Make time to pick a peaceful spot and spend the whole day there. Just relax. Bring a book, a hammock/blanket and just chill. ~~be one with nature~~
I don’t remember the name of the place, but swim where the thermal hot springs meet the river, I think you have to wait until fall to do so because the water during the summer time is H-O-T.
Eat chili while waiting for and then watching Old Faithful blow. I’d recommend going at sunset, but for the avid photographer, go at night and do some “long” exposures. I didn’t get to do those but I’ve seen some and they are AMAZING.
BRING BINOCULARS or a zoom lens (if you have a dslr—I have a 70-200 and wish I had a 300 or greater). There is so much wildlife to see, but much of it is in the far distance. We saw quite a few animals that would have just been a spec in the distance if it wasn’t for my zoom. There were a few days I didn’t feel like lugging around an extra 7lbs of camera especially during hikes, but let me tell you when I did, it always paid off. There’s something spectacular to capture in almost every moment. But, those times I didn’t bring the camera—besides making it easier on my shoulder—it was because I wanted to feel more in the moment—instead of that detached feeling that comes with constantly being behind the lens. Sometimes I feel like I’m there for the photo instead of the moment so to take a day off and step back from it is nice.
Speaking of photos, the panorama function on your phone is your best friend. Take them, everywhere. George is the master of these and when we put them on our big screen via apple tv, they are seriously stunning.
Watch the fly-fishers. Some of the coolest moments I reflect on in Yellowstone were watching people recreate. These guys are straight out of the pages of natgeo or discovery channel or something. With the sun glimmering on the water, and their thigh-high rubber boots (lol) it’s really a sight.
Enjoy all the splendors and sulfuric STANK of the thermal areas. They are the marvel of Yellowstone, with the grand prismatic and its myriad of colored micro-organisms to the hot painted pots and beyond. Please just go to Yellowstone. Look online, book a trip and do it. I’ve been MANY places and seen tons of jaw dropping sights but Yellowstone is mystical and wonderful. Don’t be alarmed if a unicorn runs past you.
We’re going through Reno now and I want to stop and gamble SOOOOO badly. Hrpmh.
YELLOWSTONE I LOVE YOU. You are better than any blackjack table or craps dice or dare I say it even penny slots.
The thing I think was most enchanting about Yellowstone to me was the preservation and the layout. The park is designed in such a matter that anyone- I’m talking ANYONE can go.
Reason being, whenever I go to a new place I always think about my family. Especially my dad and I love sharing all these places through pictures and whatnot but more than anything I want them to be able to actually go and see it for themselves. Now I know when it comes to the 15 mile uphill hike to the top of the mountain in glacier park—that’s out of the question. But this is different. Yellowstone is so accessible.
There's so much to tell and maybe I will work on my own guide one day but I think I'll need to go back first!
The end.
Go.
<3 much love.