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Montana and Mammoth Hot Springs

Being so close to the Montana border, we decided to jump it. We had dinner in the town of Gardiner. Not really much to see or do but we were glad to say that we have been to Montana!!!

This is the Roosevelt Arch right on the border into the Park. Just inside that arch was an elk grazing. That is Jared's Honda Pilot where we spend many wonderful hours driving around the parks. This car is THE MOST comfortable traveling car imaginable!!!

Just 5 miles into the park from Montana is Mammoth Hot Springs which used to be an Army Post and is now headquarters for the National Park Service within the park. It was fun to walk around and learn what a turn of the century soldier did while stationed here. I love this row of officers quarters.

There is a herd of elk who, regardless of time of year, are usually feeding obliviously to the crowds of visitors snapping their pictures.

Weird and Crazy Sights

While visiting some of the attractions in Yellowstone it is easy to believe that we were standing on volcanic territory. Why? Black sand on the lake shores, steam rising from holes in the ground, mud boiling, water shooting out of the earth, smelly sulfur fumes, mounds of creamy color flows, etc. It really is a most remarkable place....and did I mention, it is beautiful?!!! Old Faithful was very interesting. LOTs of people standing around in the raining waiting for the big geyser to blow.

Mammoth Hot Springs in the north part of the park was cool.

The bubbling, boiling ground really freaked me out! Adding to the weirdness were many signs posted to remind visitors to stay on the walk ways to avoid sinking into one of these hot pots.

As beautiful and heavenly as some of the park is, this area reminded me of hell! You know, fire and brimstone, continually burning but never consumed!!! It was an interesting contrast. This photo kind of captures both the beautiful (green rolling scenery in the background) and the beastly (hot, bubbling soil in the foreground).

Too bad you can't smell a picture but if you could you would be reminded of smoke bombs. Dallin pointed that out to us. He really enjoyed Dragons Breath which was a cave from which grey mud/water came out in waves, while deep inside exploding gasses made hissing and growling sounds, thus the name. It was rather eiry!!!

Wildlife at Yellowstone

The animals are amazing! Where else can you go and see herds of buffalo/bison cover the hillside. The females and young ones hang out together. There are lots of them!!

A female elk.

We saw this moose chomping on foliage near the river by Jennie Lake. Now there is one animal that would not be good to tangle with!!!

His male buffalo was walking right along the roadside. We could have put our arm out the car window and touched him.

We were sad to miss seeing any bears. But we heard several fellow visitors tell us they saw some. I guess we should be glad that we didn't see any while we were camping!! Now that would have been an adventure!!

Grand Teton National Park

Dallin poses to record our entrance to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Grand Teton National Park is breathtaking!!

The three mountain peaks behind us are gorgeous. Most days they are shrouded in clouds so we felt very fortunate to see them in all their glory!!

We camped at the Gros Ventre campground in a Perfect spot. There were enough trees to hang two camping hammocks which provided great fun at Dallin's expense. Here Jared and Katie wrap him like a mummy and spin him over and under. That was fun until this nervous grandma made them stop!!

Dallin really enjoyed chpping wood and lighting matches to make a perfect fire for cooking S'mores. Though the threat of bears was there, we never saw any. The campground rules were very explicit about keeping all food and drink safely locked in your car just to avoid tempting the wildlife. We had a great time in the Tetons!!!

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole - what a great town! We were there in the height of tourist season but it was great fun!! Here is Jared by one of the four elk horn arches in the middle of town.

Katie and Dallin near the Jackson/Teton Visitors Center.

Stage coach rides around Jackson Town Square.

Dallin got real close to this stuffed buffalo and almost as close to a live one. Funny story - While driving through Yellowstone Park we saw a big bull buffalo walking right along the road on the passenger side of our car where Dallin had fallen asleep. Not wanting him to miss this "up close and personal" look at a walking/breating creature - I quickly woke him and man-handled his head right near the open window just in time for the buffalo to walk by. His expression of shock and surprise was priceless!!!

Like Father, Like Son

Here is the dad........

....Here is the lad!!! I think they look a whole lot alike. What do you think?

The Ty-man, Ty-ty, baby Ty, Ty-ster, etc. turned one last month. This picture really captures his cute personality. What a pleasant little fellow he is. Always quick to smile! Check out those fat-Fred Flintstone-feet! Gotta love him!!!