We entered on the east side of the park The very first thing we saw as we drove through the gate were two young moose by a stream It's not a great picture as Rangers were keeping everyone at a distance. But this set the tone for the entire week!
Oh what fun it is to throw snowballs in June!
Our first buffalo up close was exciting. By the end of the week it was like seeing a squirrel.
We rented this "Deer Meadow Vacation Home" a few miles from West Yellowstone, Montana. It was just a beautiful place to call home for a week.
First thing the kids did was open their birthday gifts from Gramma, Papa and Jojo. As you can see, Jojo scored BIG TIME by giving Tony a "Yeti" t-shirt. It's hard to shop for a kid that loves Cryptids (i.e. yeti, bigfoot, mothman, loch ness monster, etc...)
Didn't take this monkey long to get comfortable.
This is the 4th time we have rented a home rather than staying in hotels. It's really a great way to go and it's so nice to be all together.
I snapped this is we were getting ready to leave...note the crabby faces.
This was the view from our front deck.
We took a walk around the neighborhood and spied this home in the distance. Can you even imagine?
Just a daily sight as we drove through the ENORMOUS park.
These two billy goats climbed everything they could.
We saw our first thermal features at the Midway Geyser Basin. The colors were so much MORE vivid then my camera could capture.
I love this picture of John and Chris planning our route. You really have to be flexible as we were constantly pulling over to view something spectacular. It literally could take hours to drive just 30 miles.
I really need a tripod...this shot had my camera perched on Nancy's sweatshirt on the hood of the car.
West Thumb Geyser Basin 
This baby elk was just hanging out around the geysers.
Again, West Thumb Geyser Basin overlooking Lake Yellowstone, which by the way, is a HUGE lake.
Most of the time the contrast in scenery was almost too much to comprehend. We often felt as if we were on another planet.
You can understand why they keep tourists at a safe distance. The water is enchanting and many people "way back when" met an untimely death when they could not resist.
This was our first "must see" of the trip. Despite throngs of people, it was a neat experience.
We timed our visit just right so we didn't have to wait very long to see Old Faithful erupt.Enjoy the show!
We were all excited to see the Old Faithful Inn. So impressive and massive.
It is ENORMOUS inside and the construction is mindblowing to say the least.
Chris got this great shot of the fire place while we were in the gift shop. My kids were in gift shop heaven all week...can't say the same for their dad.
"All right people, enough resting...let's get moving!" Poor John and Nancy didn't know what they were in for traveling with us four and an energetic 26 yr. old!
This stop turned out to be a favorite of our car. Gramma and Papa headed back to the house and missed...
...the Grand Prismatic. Oh how we wished we could float above it and get a better view. Amazing.
We loved these little random bubblers Mother Nature sprinkeld here and there.
Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin.
The geyser basins were so cool because most of the trees were scraggly or dead and then you'd see the lush mountains in the background.
Norris Geyser Basin.
Upper Falls located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
This is the Yellowstone River behind another dorky family shot.
This picture give you some idea of the force of the water. Can't you almost hear it ROAR!?
The Grand Canyon of Yellowtone was by far my favorite place. I had no idea it even existed and we were all captivated for sure.
Oh yeah, it's pretty high up. My stomach flips just looking at my shoe in this picture.
This is my "money shot." There just aren't any words.
The billy goats hiked as high as they could at Dunraven Pass.
Doesn't this picture make you want to YODEL?
Quick pit stop at Tower falls.
These cool Basalt formations are NOT man made. 
After a LONG day we were all happy to stop at Roosevelt Lodge for a cold beer.
This place was built by Roosevelt as a fishing camp. It's rustic charm was relaxing.
Most days we didn't eat dinner until 8 p.m. We were all very hungry and enjoyed a "cowboy feast" in a fun setting.
After dinner at the Roosevelt Lodge we took a drive through the beautiful Lamar Valley. Can you believe how varied the landscape of Yellowstone is? The Lamar Valley is known for it's abundant wildlife.
Pronghorn! Oh yeah, and some buffalo.
This was amazing...the elk was THAT CLOSE. I am not even using my zoom.
Papa John cannot wait to bring these pictures to the shack!
Another "money shot" at dusk. Not too long after, we found ourselves driving through a nasty thunderstorm. Weather can change on a dime, but as you can tell from the pictures we were blessed with near perfect weather all week.
Every morning we packed a lunch and found lovely spots to have a picnic. The girls model they're new hats.
Just when you think you've seen it all, you turn and corner and find this! Notice those billy goats way up high on top of what's known as "The Hoodoos."
Livie loved the Hoodoos, but chose to stay safely on terra firma.
Another shot of the Hoodoos...some say they're haunted!
Next stop, Mammoth Hot Springs.
Bizarre is a word we used quite a bit when exploring this part of the park.
The U.S. Cavalry was in control of the park for quite a while in the 1800's. At Mammoth Hot Springs there were many beautiful buildings and this is where you will see the only manicured lawns in the park. The Cavalry used it as their parade grounds and preferred grass for practice.
The classic yellow tour buses are still used today throughout the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs is like a little village nestled in the park. Today it is used to house park staff and administration.
We stopped at the "Artist Paint Pots" and could have watched this mud pot bubble and spurt all day. Again, bizarre.
One evening we had dinner at the Snow Lodge at Old Faithful. The decor was so cool, I had to snap a picture of this hallway. The best part of renting a house is that you don't have to eat out very often. We had breakfast as the house, packed lunches and then usually had a late dinner. We only ate out twice and had delicous meals both times.
Towards the end of the week, Chris, Jojo and I pawned off the kids on Gramma and Papa for the day and we drove a few mile away to Idaho for a hike.
Here we are as we set out for a 6 mile hike in the Targhee National Forest.
It was a beautiful day with scenery to match.
Us two "old geezers" kept up with the "young one" that just ran the Grandma's Half Marathon. We lagged a bit on the way out, but that's just because our pockets were loaded with cool rocks. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
So here's a funny story...everywhere you go they warn you about bears. Ya right, whatever. So we're hiking along and meet up with two cowboys (no foolin') on horseback. "Where y'all from? You got any bear spray?" No...but we've got these really cool walking sticks. So the nice cowboy gave us his bear spray, telling us that there was an "incident" (his word) on this very trail just a couple years ago. Haha....look at the dumb tourists posing with their new can of bear spray...
...ha ha... look at the GIANT BEAR PRINT we saw about 5 minutes after the nice cowboy gave us his bear spray. Holy Crap. Even funnier yet was that he told us to return the spray to the bank his wife worked at when we were done with our hike. You shoulda seen her face when Joanna and I march into the bank and announce that we "met your husband in the woods and he loaned us his bear spray." Good times, good times.
Needless to say, we didn't see any bears and the three of us really enjoyed a great experience together. Don't ya love the Montana sign with the bullet hole..... YEE HAW!!!!!
On our last night Joanna and the kids and I ventured into West Yellowstone for one last gift shop run. We stopped at the entrance to our little neighborhood, aptly named.
On our way home we were treated to this glorious sunset. What a fitting way to end an amazing trip. Three generations of Maras' made memories to cherish forever! We said goodbye to Gramma, Papa and Jojo the next morning.
My last picture from the deck of our wonderful vacation home. If you ever make this trip, let me know and I'll hook you up with a great place to stay!
Oh, but Maras 4 wasn't done with Yellowstone quite yet. We still had to drive from the West Entrance of the park to the East Entrance of the park.
After a stellar week of weather, it was a COLD 50 degrees the morning we left. We stopped at the Black Sands Geyser Basin for one last look at the incredible thermal features we became so enamored with.
The other side of Lake Yellowstone.
And the view from the beautiful Lake Yellowstone Hotel. I had really wanted to see this before we left as it has such different architecture from the rest of the lodges in the park.
The very last shot before leaving the park. Oh, Yellowstone how you amazed us around every corner. Thanks for the memories and thank you Teddy Roosevelt for having the courage and wisdom to preserve this spectacular park.
We were all excited to see the Old Faithful Inn. So impressive and massive.
It is ENORMOUS inside and the construction is mindblowing to say the least.
Chris got this great shot of the fire place while we were in the gift shop. My kids were in gift shop heaven all week...can't say the same for their dad.
"All right people, enough resting...let's get moving!" Poor John and Nancy didn't know what they were in for traveling with us four and an energetic 26 yr. old!
This stop turned out to be a favorite of our car. Gramma and Papa headed back to the house and missed...
...the Grand Prismatic. Oh how we wished we could float above it and get a better view. Amazing.
We loved these little random bubblers Mother Nature sprinkeld here and there.
Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin.
The geyser basins were so cool because most of the trees were scraggly or dead and then you'd see the lush mountains in the background.
Norris Geyser Basin.
Upper Falls located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
This is the Yellowstone River behind another dorky family shot.
This picture give you some idea of the force of the water. Can't you almost hear it ROAR!?
The Grand Canyon of Yellowtone was by far my favorite place. I had no idea it even existed and we were all captivated for sure.
Oh yeah, it's pretty high up. My stomach flips just looking at my shoe in this picture.
This is my "money shot." There just aren't any words.
The billy goats hiked as high as they could at Dunraven Pass.
Doesn't this picture make you want to YODEL?
Quick pit stop at Tower falls.
These cool Basalt formations are NOT man made.
After a LONG day we were all happy to stop at Roosevelt Lodge for a cold beer.
This place was built by Roosevelt as a fishing camp. It's rustic charm was relaxing.
Most days we didn't eat dinner until 8 p.m. We were all very hungry and enjoyed a "cowboy feast" in a fun setting.
After dinner at the Roosevelt Lodge we took a drive through the beautiful Lamar Valley. Can you believe how varied the landscape of Yellowstone is? The Lamar Valley is known for it's abundant wildlife.
Pronghorn! Oh yeah, and some buffalo.
This was amazing...the elk was THAT CLOSE. I am not even using my zoom.
Papa John cannot wait to bring these pictures to the shack!
Another "money shot" at dusk. Not too long after, we found ourselves driving through a nasty thunderstorm. Weather can change on a dime, but as you can tell from the pictures we were blessed with near perfect weather all week.
Every morning we packed a lunch and found lovely spots to have a picnic. The girls model they're new hats.
Just when you think you've seen it all, you turn and corner and find this! Notice those billy goats way up high on top of what's known as "The Hoodoos."
Livie loved the Hoodoos, but chose to stay safely on terra firma.
Another shot of the Hoodoos...some say they're haunted!
Next stop, Mammoth Hot Springs.
Bizarre is a word we used quite a bit when exploring this part of the park.
The U.S. Cavalry was in control of the park for quite a while in the 1800's. At Mammoth Hot Springs there were many beautiful buildings and this is where you will see the only manicured lawns in the park. The Cavalry used it as their parade grounds and preferred grass for practice.
The classic yellow tour buses are still used today throughout the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs is like a little village nestled in the park. Today it is used to house park staff and administration.
We stopped at the "Artist Paint Pots" and could have watched this mud pot bubble and spurt all day. Again, bizarre.
One evening we had dinner at the Snow Lodge at Old Faithful. The decor was so cool, I had to snap a picture of this hallway. The best part of renting a house is that you don't have to eat out very often. We had breakfast as the house, packed lunches and then usually had a late dinner. We only ate out twice and had delicous meals both times.
Towards the end of the week, Chris, Jojo and I pawned off the kids on Gramma and Papa for the day and we drove a few mile away to Idaho for a hike.
Here we are as we set out for a 6 mile hike in the Targhee National Forest.
It was a beautiful day with scenery to match.
Us two "old geezers" kept up with the "young one" that just ran the Grandma's Half Marathon. We lagged a bit on the way out, but that's just because our pockets were loaded with cool rocks. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
So here's a funny story...everywhere you go they warn you about bears. Ya right, whatever. So we're hiking along and meet up with two cowboys (no foolin') on horseback. "Where y'all from? You got any bear spray?" No...but we've got these really cool walking sticks. So the nice cowboy gave us his bear spray, telling us that there was an "incident" (his word) on this very trail just a couple years ago. Haha....look at the dumb tourists posing with their new can of bear spray...
...ha ha... look at the GIANT BEAR PRINT we saw about 5 minutes after the nice cowboy gave us his bear spray. Holy Crap. Even funnier yet was that he told us to return the spray to the bank his wife worked at when we were done with our hike. You shoulda seen her face when Joanna and I march into the bank and announce that we "met your husband in the woods and he loaned us his bear spray." Good times, good times.
Needless to say, we didn't see any bears and the three of us really enjoyed a great experience together. Don't ya love the Montana sign with the bullet hole..... YEE HAW!!!!!
On our last night Joanna and the kids and I ventured into West Yellowstone for one last gift shop run. We stopped at the entrance to our little neighborhood, aptly named.
On our way home we were treated to this glorious sunset. What a fitting way to end an amazing trip. Three generations of Maras' made memories to cherish forever! We said goodbye to Gramma, Papa and Jojo the next morning.
My last picture from the deck of our wonderful vacation home. If you ever make this trip, let me know and I'll hook you up with a great place to stay!
Oh, but Maras 4 wasn't done with Yellowstone quite yet. We still had to drive from the West Entrance of the park to the East Entrance of the park.
After a stellar week of weather, it was a COLD 50 degrees the morning we left. We stopped at the Black Sands Geyser Basin for one last look at the incredible thermal features we became so enamored with.
The other side of Lake Yellowstone.
And the view from the beautiful Lake Yellowstone Hotel. I had really wanted to see this before we left as it has such different architecture from the rest of the lodges in the park.
The very last shot before leaving the park. Oh, Yellowstone how you amazed us around every corner. Thanks for the memories and thank you Teddy Roosevelt for having the courage and wisdom to preserve this spectacular park. p.s
3 hours and 5 minutes.
13 comments:
sweet! well worth your three hours! bear spray, priceless. great great posting. i'll read it again tomorrow with coffee. haha..bear spray.
uncle brian
Your very last sentence is the key to your whole trip! Thank goodness there were those before us with the vision to preserve this spectacular setting. Can you imagine what would have been lost if they hadn't? The bear spray was a great story, it renews your faith in the goodness of ordinary people....and to the danger of really BIG bears! Great pictures and stories!!!
3 hours well-spent. That trip looked amazing and thanks for sharing. Wait until we show Tony and Livie the sites in Elk River!
Uncle Jeff
Wow! What amazing views. I can't even imagine how beautiful it is in person. The pictures are spectacular! I want to live in that house you rented!
-Amanda
Hahah that bear story NEVER gets old! I still wish I would've snapped a picture of the cowboys. :)
Yeah, it was the rocks the weighed you down. Keep telling yourself that...
WONDERFUL post Jo! Thanks for the recap of all the memories!
Love,
Auntie Jojo
Great pictures Jo! Great sites and sounds. I would have loved to join in with all the hiking etc. This scenery is a bit nicer than what I will see while walking today. Walking by our mine pits is nice but..........must buy some bear spray!! Love the Gopher cap John.
We just love all of your blog posts but we especially like your vacation posts. You always have such great pictures and descriptions. If only our blog was half as interesting. Keep up the good work. We always enjoy seeing what you guys are up to!
The Laurienzo's
Just a quick note...the bear story does not mention the fact that PaPa John had kept saying to Chris...to get bear spray..but it was the cowboys that made Chris realize that he did need the spray...still laugh about that one..happy trails..GmaN
When Kim and I CAMPED there many years ago, we froze! We didn't sleep much those nights. I like your accommodations much better! It is definitely a spectacular park. We did see bears in Glacier National Park before we even set up our tent. Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink that trip either.
Maras Fam-
Bri and I poured over your photos--AWESOME! the trip looks sooo cool and I cannot believe how huge that bear print was!!!! Hopefully someday when we have kids, we can be as cool as you guys are!! you do such fun stuff w/the kiddos!!! much love!
binz
The bear spray story was the best!!! Awesome pics, wonderful vacation. Glad you had a great trip!
The Padgetts
Enjoyed visiting the park again through your lens, you took some great shots! The bear story is terrific and the footprint is HUGE! What wonderful memories you're making. Glad you're sharing them.
Vicki
Enjoyed visiting the park again through your lens, you took some great shots! The bear story is terrific and the footprint is HUGE! What wonderful memories you're making. Glad you're sharing them.
Vicki
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