Yellowstone - Day 1

Our first day in Yellowstone National Park was outstanding...and LONG! We were through the gates before 8 am and didn't return to our hotel room until 9:30 pm! But boy did we see a lot!!! We decided to go almost immediately to Old Faithful, in hopes that it wouldn't be way too crowded. Our plan worked! Yes, it was busy but it was not terrible. And, by accident, we timed it perfectly! Leila had the perfect amount of time to listen to a ranger presentation (a requirement of earning her badge) before Old Faithful performed for us. We waited maybe ten minutes between the presentation and the eruption. Not bad! 

After lunch at the Old Faithful Inn, where we got to watch her erupt again, we did some hiking. This hike was the Observation Point Loop that goes behind Old Faithful and the other geysers in that basin. This hike was 2 miles and when we reached the top we got the rare chance to watch Beehive Geyser erupt. Beehive is not nearly as predictable as Old Faithful, so we felt pretty lucky to witness its eruption from such an amazing spot! Our family at the top...that is Old Faithful you can barely see behind Chris's head. 

We toured the whole Lower Loop for the rest of the day. We saw so many beautiful landscapes and were thrilled when we saw bison! We also saw a grizzly bear!! He ran right in front of our car. 

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is breathtaking!! Once again, a picture just doesn't do it justice! 

Just before dinner, Leila completed her junior ranger activities and became a Yellowstone Junior Ranger!! At Yellowstone, the junior rangers earn a patch instead of a gold badge. 

It was an outstanding day in the nation's first park!