Signal Mountain in the Grand Tetons was a delightful campground, but we have reservations tonight in Yellowstone. Temps were a little cool when we awoke at 0630. The thermometer read 45 degrees.
Contrast between the flat plains and upwelling of the mountains continues to amaze me. Mule Deer grazing in the field didn't take any notice of the dramatic background.
Young mule deer followed their parents grazing on grass along the plateau.
Shots with mountains reflecting in the water are mandatory. We enjoyed a short wildflower walk here before heading north.
Elk ignored us beside the parking lot. I was using a 200mm lens to keep my distance.
National Parks have some beautiful hotels and lodges. Jackson Lake Lodge is a prime example.
Mountain views from a lobby warmed by beautiful fireplaces are a great escape from everyday cares.
After the lodge, we drove a three mile gravel loop where rangers said there are often bears. As we emerged from the loop road, people were putting cameras and tripods away after seeing a grizzly bear on the main road!
Here's one last look back at the Grand Tetons before we reach Yellowstone.
Reaching the Yellowstone south entrance station at 10 am, we snapped a quick photo of the road construction notice. The phone camera is a great reference.
Snow lined the sides of the road as we enjoyed views of the Lewis River Gorge. This is the view as we stopped for a morning snack.
Shortly after 1130, we arrived at Geyser Basin where this Visitor Education Center offers information within view of Old Faithful.
A crowd of several hundred people gathered in anticipation of the eruption predicted at 1:04.
On schedule, Old Faithful spewed steam and water to the delight of the gathered crowd.
Many folks left after the main event, but we enjoyed a hike through the basin, despite intermittent showers. This is Punch Bowl Springs, one of the 150 hydrothermal wonders along the Upper Basin Trail.
The basin really illustrates how active the earth is right under our feet here.
Ending up back at the visitor center, we caught another Old Faithful geyser eruption.
From here we headed to site C180 at Bridge Bay Campground where we have reservations. Upon arrival we're not very excited. While it is great to be in the park for only $27/night, we are on a 3° slope between two big rigs running their generators.
The forecast for the next few days looks interesting.
When we hit the sack at 9:30, light snow was falling and the temperature was 35 degrees.
Today's run from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park.
We set the propane heat at 60° and ran the Truma hot water in "Eco" mode. Although we were concerned enough to go out and purchase a gallon of RV antifreeze, we didn't use it and the pipes were okay.
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