Mile 9864 – Still in Moran, Wyoming (“local” miles only). Imagine if you wanted to visit Connecticut but under one condition: You cannot stay in the state, you must stay outside the state and commute in-and-out every day. That’s what it is like if you don’t have reservations in Yellowstone. That’s why it is a little too challenging to see everything we wanted in three days.
When we departed this morning, there was dense smoke again in Grand Teton, near where we are staying. But in Yellowstone, it was pleasantly sunny. In the late afternoon, the rain started and the smoke almost disappeared.
Nevertheless we had a good day. The rain held off till 5 PM and the park has so much varied scenery and wildlife to offer, not just geysers. Just wish we could stay longer and in a better location.
My advice to potential Yellowstone travelers: Plan a year in advance. With an RV or a tent, you are more likely to stay in the park, but in the summer even that may not work out.
Vintage Postcard Project: September 24: More Yellowstone National Park
[Photograph © 2012 P.J. Gardner. All Rights Reserved.]