Summer of 2008

The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone

I have heard so much about these two parks but never was able to travel there.  After finally making the trip to see what everyone was talking about I can now honestly say " Amazing ".

The parks are unique between them and both hold spectacular scenery. I think after seeing them both I would have to say the Tetons were my favorite. Probably because of its unspoiled beauty, its pristine forests and spectacular mountain peaks. To be sure, Yellowstone is awesome, but the fire damage from the past and the deforestation project left many otherwise beautiful areas in sad shape. Trees were cut down and left to rot and the fire wiped out huge tracts of gorgeous pine. While mother nature provided some of the devastation, I still cannot understand why trees would be cut down and left to rot.

From a geological standpoint, Yellowstone has the Tetons beat hands down. It is a geologists dream with its geysers, clear springs, hot springs, unique rock formations and many other amazing geological sites. We both were really blown away by its beauty and shear diversity of the park. Meadows were shadowed by mountains, towering peaks stood watch over pristine lakes and streams, creeks and rivers ran everywhere.

Driving this area in the car while touring presented no problems at all, except in the case of wildlife, especially the buffalo.  They seem to think they own the park and will slowly walk across the roads right in front of you, not paying attention to anything but where they are going. We seen many buffalo and several Elk herds along with a Bald Eagle and coyote which was right next to the road. Fly fishermen were everywhere in the streams and rivers fishing for trout and it made me envious. Actually, I have my fly rod and gear in the coach but we have not had any time to be able to fish.

Overall, this portion of the trip was the busiest. We broke our tours into two sections - the Upper loop of Yellowstone and the lower loop. We had a tight schedule and a lot to see but we were able to complete our travels within the parks without any problems. We even timed our appearance at Old Faithful just when it was ready to blow so was able to see that as well. 

Yellowstone and the Tetons will be a very memorable portion of our trip. I have broke the photos into sections for you. When you get the chance, sit down and look at the beauty of this country and its diverse scenery. Enjoy !!!