All of the adults in Gigantibeast were looking forward to this stop more than anything. I don't think the little ones really had a sense of how much different this stop was going to be, but they were about to. The park certainly didn't disappoint from the get-go. Entering from the west, we drove along the Madison River. The Madison is renowned for it's trout and it wasn't long before Daddy was drooling - especially along the sections that were fly fishing only. The park itself is massive - 2.2 million acres and the diversity of wildlife and geothermal features was apparent very soon after entering. Laryssa spotted a moose, we all saw elk and steam would show up at the road side fairly regularly. Everyone was definitely giddy from the moment we drove in and to say that this was the highlight of our trip would be a huge understatement - as a park it is by far the largest, most beautiful and most diverse experience we have ever had camping.
The Madison - crystal clear and beautiful by any standard. As much as I would have loved to fish it (or the Yellowstone or Gibbons) there was too much for the kids and us to see to set aside a half day to find trout. One evening, while we went in search of the the elusive bear, I watched trout feeding with abandon on the Yellowstone - even I
could have caught one, I think. But you also have to have a fishing permit that is solely for Yellowstone Park and it can't be used in Wyoming where I want to fish the Bighorn River. I'll get that permit here in Thermopolis and fishing is part of the plan here.
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| The herd of bison grazing around a creek that feeds the Yellowstone River |
As we came closer to camp, we needed to pass through Hayden Valley. This valley was one of our favorite spots - the rolling hills, the Yellowstone River flowing through it and the wildlife were simply spectacular. We were very lucky on our ride in - the herd of bison was right there to see. Next to the road, crossing the road, out in the distance. We even saw one cross the Yellowstone River to join the rest of the herd. Pretty amazing!
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| This bison is eyeing the traffic flow. But he crossed whenever he wanted. |
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| This bull seemed to take particular interest in me... |
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| A Yellowstone traffic jam |
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| One of the herd down near the water |
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| Yep - we were in bear country! |
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| For my MINI friends - at the General store |
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| Annalise still sucking her thumb as we pass by a bison. |
The Madison - crystal clear and beautiful by any standard. As much as I would have loved to fish it (or the Yellowstone or Gibbons) there was too much for the kids and us to see to set aside a half day to find trout. One evening, while we went in search of the the elusive bear, I watched trout feeding with abandon on the Yellowstone - even I
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