“Yellowstone is a geological smoking gun that illustrates how violent the Earth can be.” That explosion 640,000 years ago devastated the landscape and left remnants of boiling hot springs, fumaroles, museum spots and geysers to serve as reminders that another cataclysmic event could occur.
In those early years, it was the extravaganza of geysers and hot springs that made Yellowstone stand out. It is still the same today – as what is Yellowstone without Old Faithful and the many geysers of Geyser Basin?
Before getting to the bubble, spew, spout, spritz and fume there was one more falls that had to be seen – Firehole Falls on the Firehole Canyon Drive. Here the Firehole River, warmed by hot water from springs and geysers along its course, drops into the canyon providing these nice falls.
Then the scenery turns to meadows with sweeping views of – – STEAM! Fountain Flat Drive takes one to Ojo Caliente – the first of our boiling pools this morning.
The Ojo Caliente pool was a short warm up walk from the parking area.
Just how warm is the water from the geysers? Warm — and slimy;-(
Next – Lower Geyser Basin – – –
Lots of fuming.
—- and lots of that devastation and boiling ‘pots’ and pools at Fountain Paint Pot Trail.
How does the beautiful new growth survive in this environment where the trees in the background died off?
The multi-hued Silex Spring.
Any hot spring could become a mud pot with the right balance of acidity, moisture and clay. However, the constant flow of water keeps most springs clear.
The bubbling glop of the Fountain Paint Pot.
The Twig, Fountain and Morning Geyser’s. They seemed to be trying to go off all at once.
Then there was a VERY unexpected experience. Firehole Lake Drive appeared and looked like a nice little diversion off the main road – perhaps a less traveled adventure. Little did we know what was in store for us!! The warm up was this brilliant blue cauldron looking for all the world like an inviting hot tub to relax in – –
The very colorful Firehole Spring.
Then – just a ways out was White Dome Geyser with its colorful cone and thin, high spray.
An unexpected ‘spew’;-)
But, then the real show! The Great Fountain Geyser (with its Surprise Pool), which goes off every 11 hours or so. The predicted time of eruption this morning was between 10:25 and 10:42. It was 10:30 – we were just in time – just by accident;-)!!!
The Surprise Pool. The “surprise” was that this pool went from very calm—–
—to exploding with sizable waves as the Great Fountain Geyser erupted. It was stunning!
Next the granddaddy of them all – Old Faithful (named and celebrated for its steadiness rather than a predictable schedule of eruptions). Almost all facilities around Old Faithful display the next expected eruption time, which is approximately every 90 minutes – all depending on the size, length and volume of the last eruption. Again, we arrived just in time to get to the upper deck of the Old Faithful Inn for an excellent viewing spot.
Old Faithful – she speaks for herself!
A busy Monday – at least a thousand people waiting to see Old Faithful.
The area around Old Faithful has grown significantly over the years. The Old Faithful Inn opened in 1904 with a second wing opened in 1914. The method of visitation to the Park also changed significantly over the years – from train and covered wagons in 1883 to automobiles in 1915. Probably nothing this fancy in 1915 – but something similar became the touring vehicle shortly thereafter – –
Great replica touring vans with a canvas roof that slides back for good views all around.
After a brief lunch break at the historic Old Faithful Inn it was time to get back to more bubbling, spewing, spouting, spritzing and fuming. Biscuit Basin was the jumping off point for the afternoon hike to Mystic Falls. Of course Biscuit Basin was home to more beautiful ‘spa looking’ pools.
The Sapphire Pool was along the boardwalk to send us on our way.
Our destination — Mystic Falls.
A pleasant hike up the canyon alongside the Little Firehole River.
A VERY “cool dude” on the way back down the canyon.
Another fabulous day in Yellowstone. Again, we encourage all to take advantage of the wonderful resource we have in this country of our National Parks. It is particularly encouraging this year that so many improvements are in process at the parks. They are truly assets we do not want to lose!! Get out and enjoy them — ALL!!
Loving the National Parks – Elizabeth, Gary & Our Ever Steady, Magic
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 