Yellowstone - The Geysers

After spending most of the day in the Grand Teton area, we got to Yellowstone late afternoon, which ended up being great timing!

After entering the park we took note of the important signage..... (mental note: try not to molest a grizzly)

.... and headed into Geyser (wiki: A geyser is a natural phenomenon that features a gushing fountain of water and/or steam being emitted from a hole in the ground) Country. First major stop was Old Faithful, probably the most famous Geyser in the world.

We had a bit of time before the next major eruption, so we checked out the basin area around Old Faithful, including some of amazing bubbling hot springs

Then back up to the Old Faithful Inn, which was buzzing with everyone getting their drinks and viewing positions for the 7.15pm eruption - so funny. Regardless, this building had "Must See" ratings throughout our guides, and it didn't disappoint. It was built in 1903/04 and while parts are fenced off and deemed to be unsafe, it is the most beautiful log building I've ever seen. There was a also violinist adding to the atmosphere.

Then it was time to get out on the deck for the eruption - the best viewing point.......on Trent!

The next morning we set off for a geyser basin area to check out more springs and geysers. While mum and dad found this interesting, and a ranger talk was really informative - Livvy's summation was "yuk!!", Thomas just growled at us, and Luke bawled the whole way around. Not our most enjoyable hike, but I can't imagine a bubbling, sulphur puddles and steam are not all that appealing to kids, particularly in 35 degree heat! Oh well, live and learn.

When it came to the mud volcano, Trent and I resorting to tag-teaming and leaving the kids in the RV watching Toy Story.

Grand Teton

We didn't know much about the Grand Teton National Park before we set out, basically it is made up of a beautiful range of steep mountains, that begin at Jackson Hole ski mountain, and continue right up into the bottom of Yellowstone.

Again this is a another area of adventure, hiking, fishing rafting, but also has the most gorgeous lakes we the locals go and pitch up for the day, swimming, paddling boarding, canoeing etc. Just can't leave your food around - as we now in BEAR TERRITORY.

We stopped at String Lake, which was recommended to us by a local, and while it was a little hard to find, it was so stunning. A little chilly going in for a dip in the glacial waters, but felt invigorating! 

The remainder of the drive was as spectacular - so much blue!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The drive into Jackson was cool. It is such a fun, sporty area - everyone is riding bikes, hiking, rafting, running, fishing, and the local towns are all connected by fabulous cycle paths for miles. Especially in summer, this place is alive. Can only imagine how buzzy it is during the ski season.

 We decided to stay at the Virginian RV Park for two nights, which gave us a full day out of the van - nice for everyone - and we caught the bus to Teton Village where the main ski area is. It was fantastic to go up in the aerial tram, climbing 4,000 feet to the top - fab views of the entire area and the kids played in the remaining snow

On that same day, we headed into the main town of Jackson, and managed to catch the daily street performers at 6pm for a mock-up gun battle. The kids did not quite understand the shooting! Will add a video when we get some better wifi.