Yellowstone Trip

After a very fun visit with the fine Fine family that included pizza, wii, hammie and playing outside, we headed up to Yellowstone. We set up camp and then headed over to the Junior Ranger program. It was about identifying animal sounds. That was Brody's first step to becoming a Junior Ranger. Next we headed to Old Faithful. We had a bit of time before the next eruption so we checked out the other attractions. We lucked


It was a long trip but we managed to set up camp, and see Old Faithful anyway. Brody was definitely more interested in the bison along the trail. We also saw both Plume and Beehive geysers go off. At 9:30 we went to the evening program about the animals of Madison. I asked the ranger if we could toast marshmallows in the fire and he said yes. However, he had a hard time making the fire so I ended up making it for him. Then I roasted the marshmallows. At which point Brody decided he he liked them better raw. After the presentation we walked back and poor Brody was both frozen and scared. He was worried about bears and wolves after learning more about them.

From Yellowstone

The next morning we had a talk about animals and why we don't need to fear them as long as we follow the animal rules. We did the Northern Loop and went out the road to the Lamar valley. We saw heaps of animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, goats. It was fantastic. Brody must have been a little sleepy still. He feel asleep in the car. It as too bad as we went by a bear and he didn't get to see it. I was disappointed with the Mammoth Hot Springs area. There was much less water in the terraces and they were not as interesting as when I went many years ago. However, there were lots of elk hanging around and Brody loved that. We stopped at Norris Geyser Basin on the way back to camp. Brody settled in for some PSP in the tent and I went for a walk. I encountered a few bison on the same trail and got out of their way. When I got back to camp there were several bison hanging around the campground. I went to get Brody but he had already heard and had gone to see them. I built him a campfire and cooked up some delicious canned spagetti and meatballs for his dinner. As Brody sat by the fire about 15 buffalo walked through our section of the campground. One right through our camp. A mother, father and calf hung out at the next campsite. We kept still and watched them trying not to disturb them. It was certainly better than watching TV while eating dinner. Eventually they moved on without incident.

From Yellowstone

The next morning we did the lower circle of the Park. Brody really enjoyed the waterfalls. He said they were the first ones he had seen. We also visited the mud volcano area. Many of the geothermal features had dragon names and he like that but I think maybe he expected them to look like a dragon. We also visited the West Thumb Geyser area which is right on Lake Yellowstone. It was pretty interesting. Brody finished up his Junior Ranger booklet and was awarded a Junior Ranger patch. We bought him a Junior Ranger vest with lots of pockets for him to wear as well. We visted Old Faithful again. When it went off it went much higher than last time and Brody was very impressed. We took a shower at the Old Faithful Inn (our first in Yellowstone). Then we bought our last souviners and ate dinner at a diner in the Old Faithful area.

The next morning it started pouring rain at 4am. Luckily Brody slept through it but I couldn't sleep worrying about packing up in the rain. When it let up, I packed up the wet gear and Brody and hit the road. Brody slept for about three more hours as I drove. I caught a few buffalo and elk on the way out. With the exception of a small but non-stinging wasp encounter in car, the trip went well.

We arrived in Park City in the early afternoon. As we walked up to the Fine's door, we heard young Josh yelling Brody, Brody, Brody. It was a great welcome. Brody played with the Fine kids for a few hours and ate some mac and cheese and then we headed down to the airport. All went well there until I was pulled up by security for bringing my swiss army knife. I had forgotten about it because I wasn't flying. Luckily we had enough time to return to the car and leave it there. After a bit for frozen yogurt I took Brody to the gate and he got on the plane.

It was a great trip and I hope Brody will have good memories of it for a long, long time.

More photos of the trip can be seen here or in the slideshow below.

Bryce Canyon with Brody

Brody slept like a log and finally I had to wake him to leave for Bryce. It wasn't a long drive but there is a time change and we wanted to do quite a bit there. We arrived at 11:00 and checked in. Then went in the Park. We visited the Visitor Center. Highlights there include a stuffed porcupine and a historic rifle. Following that we drove up to Natural Bridge which is a large stone formation shaped like a bridge.

Afterwards we drove back to Sunrise Point where I whipped up a bit of mac and cheese on the camp stove. It started to rain during this but only drops so we persevered on with lunch. After that we hiked the Queens Garden/ Navajo Loop trail. It is supposed to be one of the top 3 mile hikes in the world or so someone said on the trail. There were lots of amazing hoodoos. Brody enjoyed climbing around on the rocks. We climbed out in a narrow canyon. It was kind of steep and, although he complained of hurting legs, Brody did pretty well. I treated him to a Moon pie at the top. From there we returned to Rubys and moved into our tipi.

From Bryce Canyon with Brody

Next it was off for a swim. After debating whether to swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, Brody decided on the indoor one. Good thing, I think, as it was 50 degrees. He had a great swim. He was disappointed that I didn't go in but seemed to like it when I through him a penny and he could dive for it.

After that he showered and shopped. He found a cowboys and Indians plastic figurine set to buy. He is a born shopper that one.

Tonight we are off to see a presentation on night creatures in the Park if he makes it to 8:30.

Grand Canyon with Brody

The drive from Mesa to Jacobs Lake went well. I was amazed that there is still snow on Mt Humphreys. The section of the drive on 89A was just great. It was so beautiful at the Colorado River. Brody liked it but liked the gift shop more. I would love to come and explore this area more.

We got to Jacobs Lake around 5:00 and set up the tent. It was pretty chilly especially for Brody. He retired to tent to use his electronics very soon. He warmed up when I put a second sleeping bag over him and enjoyed his PSP until bedtime.

We were both up early the next morning but Brody didn't want to move into the cold. Eventually hot chocolate got him moving. We were on our way very early and spotted a herd of buffalo outside the North Rim Park Entrance.

Inside the park we came across a mule deer. It was not shy at all and I got a few photos. The next stop was the visitor center where we learned that the mule deer has a deadly kick. I am glad we didn't get to close to the deer. We walked along the Transept Trail and then out to Bright Angel Point.

After that we drove out to some other view points. We saw a herd of mule deer right by the road. I think we both liked Angels Window he best. Brody spotted several lizards. Unfortunately, Brody was stung by a bee on the way back. It was painful but there was no allergic reaction. We were in luck as we sat at a picnic table his mom called. We somehow had come into a very slight cell signal and I didn't even know. I think that made him feel better than anything.

From Grand Canyon with Brody

We stopped by and checked out a spring in a cliff and we also saw an ancient Indian granary on the way. Brody knew what a granary was from his spelling words which was pretty impressive. We also checked out an Indian Ruin.

On the way back we saw the buffalo again. Once at the campground we walked to the Jacob's Lake Inn for cookies and I discovered wireless internet. Yeah!!!