Friday – August 29, 2014 48 degrees & sunny
There had been a huge thunderstorm last night with dramatic lightening and loud rumbling thunder. This was our last full day in Yellowstone and we had a few more sights to see. We checked out of the lovely Lake Hotel and drove to the eastern Norris section of the park..
Entrance to the Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin
There was a self-proclaimed “Geyser Gazer” sitting on a bench in the middle of the boardwalk surrounded by steaming sulphur-smelling pools of hot gas. He encouraged visitors to stay to watch Constant Geyser erupt. The Geezer said the eruption occurred every seventeen minutes – give or take a few minutes. A small crowd gathered and on cue, Constant did its thing.
Boardwalk Across the Basin
It was weird to walk above the warm bubbling earth that looked like pictures of the surface of the moon. The pungent odor of sulphur filled the air and tickled inside my nose.
Like a Moonscape
Algae in the Water
Algae and other micro-organisms grow in the warm water. The wide varieties of algae cause the different colors.
Visitors Above the Steaming Ground
Constant Geyser Erupting
Steaming Pools
Colorful Algae
Female Elk on the Road
After we visited several Geyser Basins, we drove to the Snow Lodge where we had a reservation for the night. It was located near Old Faithful and we walked around that area to explore the buildings. Snow Lodge was the only facility in the park which is open to visitors during the winter.
The Snow Lodge Reception
Snow Lodge Lounge
Our room was very clean and comfortable despite no cell phone, no television, and no internet. The decor is rustic modern and practical for skiers. It reminded me of an alpine hotel we stayed at in Switzerland.
Old Faithful Inn
Back Door of the Inn
The Old Faithful Inn was a glorious log building built in 1903. It had a sweeping five-story center area and a huge fireplace. It was quite elegant for a wilderness “log cabin.”
Interior of Lodge
View of the Clock From Balcony
We found a comfortable leather couch on the second floor overlooking the main level and made ourselves comfortable to enjoy the view. After a few minutes, a little girl, about four years old, joined us and sat next to me. I greeted her and asked her name. “Sage,” she said with a bright baby-tooth smile. “S – A – G – E,” she spelled for me. “Like sagebrush,” she added proudly. A true western kid, I thought….
View Across the Great Lounge
Lodge Dining Room
There’s nothing like creature comforts in the wilderness! Especially at my age…..