The Tour 2011--Yellowstone in a Half-day of Rain

Here's the story of our rainy Yellowstone day.  On our second day with the Player family we went into Yellowstone and it rained on and on and on.  So we drove and drove and drove and were just thrilled to see one of the things on our checklist--a bison!  

As the clouds dried up a bit, I was struck by how steamy the landscape was.  In every direction plumes of mist rose in varying sizes from the Park's surfaces.

We decided to hit the nature center at the Canyon area, and our kids stood around this giant globe for ten minutes at least, touching and spinning it.  It is nine thousand pound granite model of the earth showing points of volcanic activity on the globe, but it spins freely as water slides over its surface.  Genius--a water feature and educational piece all at once.

Rain (and tired toddlers and time) kept us from really exploring the trails of the Canyon, but the views were reward enough.  What a spectacular destination--majestic falls and precipitous perches over the river are reminders of a perfect Creation.  J would have loved to get a little closer to it all.

The sun came out as we pulled up to the Fountain Paint Pots and E took courage enough to pose for silly shots. 

This is my favorite photo for our Yellowstone time.  I was so thankful that the weather cleared up while waiting for Old Faithful and amazingly the grandkids all behaved.

Old Faithful showed up for the full house awaiting her display.  E's surliness faded away and seemed delighted.  I think he's saying something about it "shooting up at the clouds."  Have I ever mentioned that when he is happy it is so fun to experience life with him? 

The Inn is beautiful inside and out.  I'm not sure why I feel successful when we make it out of these places without spending a fortune in the gift shop. I gear myself up for "you're right that's cool but we're not getting it" and I actually feel a little prideful when I don't get talked into it.

We slipped in one last stop at some hotpots and geysers on the way out and they didn't disappoint.  Unfortunately, my photos do.  The sulfur mists made the boys grumpy but A is always happy to pose with me for a self-portrait.  She skipped along the boardwalk at my side commenting on the beautiful blues and bubbling pools.

Yellowstone.  Ahh, beauty.  Can't wait to go back someday.

And here's the miracle of it all.  The very next day I developed a sore throat which turned into a persistent headache and unrelenting fatigue which lasted for five days.  If we had not gone into Yellowstone on that rainy day I would have been too sick to really enjoy it on another nicer, sunnier day.  It all turned out well!