Due to my seventh-grade science teacher, I've been to a lot of the geological wonders of the (American Western) world: the petrified forest, the Grand Canyon, Four Corners (not so much a geological wonder but a cartological wonder that proved fairly anti-climactic; your life really doesn't change in meaningful ways just because you've had four parts of your body in four different states at the same time), Shiprock, and of course Bryce Canyon. I've also toured a salt mine, examined faults along the Wasatch front, and participated in a dig for trilobyte fossils. (I still have the one I found, stored in a box under the stairs.)
But I, dear friends, have never been here, even though I've wanted to go:
(Yes! those are the fumes of Old Faithful behind me!)
Until Monday, when I got the tiniest taste of Yellowstone. Now I want to go back for a much longer visit. Because, you know: we didn't see any bears, so that part left me a bit disappointed. But the geological wonders were rich and amazing and gorgeous, even with the sounds of my sweet children's complaints (observing geological wonders helps even me ignore "this is boring" and "how many more geysers do we have to see?" type comments).
I'd like to write more right now but unfortunately my house is a disaster of stuff waiting to be unpacked and washed. Writing will have to wait. I'll be envisioning Yellowstone while I sort, though.
Have you ever been there? What was your favorite part?
I loved Yellowstone, but not necessarily Old Faithful. I loved West Thumb Geyser Basin by Yellowstone Lake, and I loved the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. So beautiful!
xox
Posted by: heidikins | Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 02:12 PM
I haven't been, but you are bringing out my inner 7th grader by posting that picture! One day we will get there.
Glad you had a good time!!
Posted by: Becky K | Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 03:41 PM
I love Yellowstone - we honeymooned there during the fires of 1988. My favorite part when we went a few years ago (ten??) was seeing the rebirth of the forests after the fires. Also, we liked the Grand Canyon & the diversity of different animals & geological wonders.
Posted by: Jenna | Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 05:40 PM
I've not been yet, and I LOOOONNNNGGGG to go. Someday, someday. I'm so glad you got to!
Posted by: wendy | Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 08:17 PM
I hear every day from my kids "when do we get to go to Yellowstone." We love it there. Hanna's favorite part is "the bubbling mud pits." I am taken back by the absolute beauty of the earth while there, I especially love the Canyons, the hikes to the falls. We love looking for animals, last summer we saw 5 bears, this year we didn't see any. We are spoiled, Trent's dad lives in Rexburg and has an RV, each summer he takes us up there for a few days.
Posted by: Janel | Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 02:47 PM
I have never been, but have always wanted to. Let's go together :)
Posted by: Chris S. | Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 06:01 PM
I have never been despite living in Montana and Wyoming for a total of 10 years of my adult life :P But maybe next summer...
And I beg to differ, my life will be changed when I can say I've been in four states at once. Because I am a nerd like that : )
Oh, and I also had an AWESOME 7th grade science teacher who took us on all kinds of incredible trips (i.e. I've been in a quicksand pit before!!)
Posted by: elizabeth | Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 09:14 PM
I'm so happy that you got to finally see Yellowstone. I truly understand finally being able to go somewhere you've always wanted to go! HOORAY. (So when is your next trip there?)
I went to Yellowstone as a senior in high school. We had a family reunion. The only thing I remember about Old Faithful was that I took off my sandals and carried them as I walked along the wooden walkway. Not sure why I did...but I did.
Welcome back.
Posted by: Isabel | Friday, July 22, 2011 at 09:16 AM
This past week, I noticed a pop-up camper for sale for only $2,000. I can't tell you how badly I wanted to buy it and begin planning all the adventures I wish to take the boys on. For now, I will begin to plan the adventures ... Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, visit with Amy ...
Posted by: Wendy | Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM
I'm going in December... I think. I don't know how it compares in the winter.
I'm so glad you got to go. I've been to Yellowstone a few times, but not since digital cameras came to be. Now I'm itching to be there!
Posted by: Britt | Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 05:12 PM