Last Day in Yellowstone

It feels strange writing this last post as I'm home now. Internet was spotty through the trip, and though we were supposed to have it in the Billings hotel the night before we flew out, it wasn't working well. So, I enjoyed my evening, took some notes and promised to write when I arrived home!

We had breakfast at the Snow Lodge, and I learned that they had changed my friend's flight, but not mine! She had mentioned it, and I did receive a change so didn't give it any thought to double-check! I called the airline, and unfortunately the call was dropped right after I was told they would be right back with me to help. When I called again, I was told there was no availability! Of course, we had figured out transportation assuming we'd be together, so this posed a challenge!

We headed out, leaving Old Faithful and the extensive geyser basin surrounding her. On the way out of the park we headed towards Mammoth, the oldest established part. We missed the obsidian cliffs (though the sun wasn't shining enough to show the true beauty of these cliffs) and stopped at the 'Sheepeater's Cliffs' for a 'nature walk.' They were named after the Shoshone indians, who reportedly ate sheep.

We then stopped at the terraces overlooking Mammoth. These giant limestone terraces are made of travertine-despositing hot springs. They are white and look like rippling snow. I read that the Shoshone and Bannock people collected minerals from these terraces for their white paint. This area is pretty large and there's several sections to walk around. There is also a bacteria 'mat', a beautifully colorful area of orange, yellows and greens.

We drove down to Mammoth, which used to be a military installation. There are several really gorgeous places, and the inn was designed by Robert Reamer, the same designer of the Old Faithful inn. Inside the inn is a gorgeous map made of wood representing all 50 states. Driving through the town, we saw a large herd of elk, sleeping amongst the houses. It reminded me of Estes Park, CO, by Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk roam everywhere and it seemed a common occurrence to find elk in your front lawn!

We stopped at a small parking lot that didn't stand out in any way for a special surprise. This is the 45th parallel hot springs (at the 45th parallel, the halfway point between the equator and the north pole), pools set up in the boiling river, taking advantage of the hot springs cascading down the side of the river wall. You would never notice it if you didn't know it was here, so we were glad for our 'tour guide!' We walked a mile or so through a beautiful area along the river, and wound our way down. There were big rocks to navigate on, so we were glad for the suggestion of bringing water shoes!

What a fun time! It was funny as you hit hot spots that were almost scalding, then ice cold spots as you weave your way through the pools. We spoke with a guy from Kentucky who was taking his 14 year old son on a National Park adventure, and just enjoyed relaxing a bit in the soothing water.

But all good things come to an end! We picnicked in the parking lot and headed off to the north entrance of Yellowstone Park, flocked by an impressive stone archway. We passed Rescue Creek, where we heard a quote of the day: 'Why do you suppose they call it that?' Maybe you had to be there, but it was pretty funny!

As we left the park we saw lots of deer and antelope, but not the ever-elusive bear, unfortunately! The drive out was gorgeous, passing by lots of farms and ranches, through fields of gold grass looking up at the pine-covered mountains, all weaving around they Yellowstone River. It all is so huge and so beautiful, so I now know why they call Montana 'big sky country.'

We stopped at Chico, an old hotel in Pray, Montana known for it's hot spring pool (in a traditional pool this time!) The hotel was gorgeous and we went on a little tour through it and the gardens behind, ending at the pool. We were supposed to stay here, though when the airline changed flights on us, we were unable to unfortunately. The hotel boasts a five star restaurant, horseback riding, dogsledding, rafting, etc.

We got back into Billings and it was not so exciting after everything we had seen! I found myself looking around for buffalo still! The hotel was ok and in the downtown area, so convenient. Our 'tour guide' left to visit friends, since she used to live here, and the rest of us walked down the street to find a restaurant. We headed to where the hotel suggested, then saw a cute little wine bar/restaurant called Bin 112 and decided to go there instead. Yum! Excellent. And quite entertaining sitting outside listening to the clientelle. At one point when I was talking, I said that I'm not married... right then a guy walked by and was walking into the restaurant, stopped and said 'let's talk!' It was hilarious. Total small town and a fun night.

I called the morning of our flights and was able to book myself on the earlier flight, so no exploring Billings! But after all the majesty of Yellowstone National Park, I can't imagine that Billings would have had anything nearly as impressive to offer!

Until the next trip...
Sam