Crinkly's Good Ole American Family Road Trip Day 11: Stay-cation day 2 (9/6/15)

After having some breakfast sandwiches we ventured into the park where we got stuck in some traffic trying to get up to mammoth springs. Eventually we make our way up there and the springs are anti-climatic as it is the end of summer and lots of the springs are dried up; would love to see them at the beginning of summer cause some of the cascades are really pretty.

More steam? Apparently this exists outside of the fire alley.

Crinkly likes these cascades (though wouldnt mind more water making them more prominent).

Barren wasteland. To me, this would be what I would imagine the moon or mars to look like (without the amazing sky)

Edge of Yellowstone out yonder.

That looks so weird with the brown stripe going down the middle.

This formation looks interesting.

Found some water for the cascades. You can tell where it is still flowing.

Some of the water is still there but most has evaporated. Next time maybe.

Little panoramic action from the top. 

Picture cannot do this natural beauty justice but I tried.

Top of the cascades looking out over the town. Yes this is what this trip is about. 

Some of the cascades dried up from the season.

Would not mind calling that home for year or 2 would you?

Beautiful creatures just resting in peace. Even with all these people walking around. As it should be.

Not a bad day to explore one of the preeminent parks in the USA. With Ole Glory flapping in the wind.

Eastern side of the park, these guys just sun bathing in the park. those horns on the one in the back look like they could do some damage.

Crinkly wants to go check out that white stuff over there.

Some of the springs. That looks like it would be phenomenal with more water.

Crinkly found the tundra. Nah the rocks just look frozen but does look fascinating.

Ever think the arctic could steam?

Getting into the canyon. Wonder what is in store for us.

First views of the great waterfall. 

If anyone ever wanted a pictorial definition of a treeline - here ya go (not the right answer but not a bad answer :) )

You like canyons? Yellowstone has those too!

Just filling Crinkly up with some waterfall water :p

Crinkly and I at a lookout far away from the waterfall.

A view even a blind person would love to witness. 

Water goes on for days. Cool being able to trace it way upstream.

Mommy and me posing with a delightful waterfall photobombing us.

This bridge/waterfall combo is pretty sweet.

We can see the end of the path. Lets see what this view is all about.

This is the kind of stuff that makes one thankful to be on this earth.

Our reward. Would you make the hike for that view?

Picture of sweaty me and Crinkly after the hike with the prize in the background.

Close up of the waterfall crest. there is a viewing platform with people right next to it.

Well we have seen the waterfall from a great vantage point. now we get to climb all the way back up. Would like to say it was worth it :) Daddy leading the way. (side note - look at that sky) 

Osprey nest in the middle of the canyon. 

Bear sighting!!!! First one in nature for me. yay!

Just wants to find some berries... or some honey :)

Such a beautiful creature... that will rip you to shreds if it wants.

Kind of amazing that this and the thermal pools from yesterday are in the same park.

There were elk all in the town laying around which were big and beautiful creatures in a very old timey town. After the springs we went down to the canyon and got to see some beautiful sights from different outlooks. My dad and I walked to the lookout point from the initial outlook and walked down the red rock trail to the outlook down below which had an amazing view of the waterfall. As we were leaving the grand view, we came upon a bear on the side of the road which was the first bear I have seen in the wild. We get back to the cabin, clean up, and then head to uncle Jim's (our friends grandfather's) for dinner and drinks and a great night. We had some tri tip (beef), and a good salad (he made some homemade dressing with everclear). Also had some good local rye whiskey and some delicious zin from California After many stories and discussions around the table, we headed back to the cabin to turn in and get ready for more exploring tomorrow. A busy day full of walking around and pretty weather (not a cloud in the sky most of the day) made for a long but productive day.