Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful (Day 2)

Waking up day two was only a little more pleasant when talking temperature. It was 33 degrees out first thing in the morning. The bright side of not being able to sleep long meant that we had some cell signal to contact home and we could get on the road early. This would prove to be vital. We started to try to make breakfast, but quickly realized we were out of propane for the two burner. Initially Nick went to the gas station to get propane, but quick thinking got a to-go breakfast and coffee from the Sinclair in camp. Through no accident, he got me a bear claw. (You see what I mean about them teasing me right?)

There was a lot of road work on the park road between Grant and Old Faithful. Even with this delay, we were able to beat the crowds to Old Faithful. This is a benefit of staying in the park. We could get to places before the gates even opened. When we arrived the next eruption of Old Faithful was scheduled for 10:11am. We opted to walk around the museum until about 9:40 so we could get a good spot. The Museum was very cool, although the emphasis on large predators and the fact that you were standing on top of a Super-Volcano really made us question if we should be there at all.

The early start was definitely worth it. This is the completely clear viewing deck when we went out to see the eruption. While we did have to wait for a while, we spent the time talking with a couple from Canada who were both hilarious and crazy enough to stand in the rain next to us for the next 20 minutes. They were on their way down to Grand Teton and we told them how beautiful it was driving in. Hope they got to see a Bison before they left Yellowstone.

Closer to the eruption that deck filled up fast! We were happy with the choices we made! The eruption went off like clockwork, they don’t call it Old Faithful for nothing! The eruption that we witnessed reached almost 100 feet in the air and was one of the coolest things I have ever seen! But After the eruption, we did want to head somewhere dry. That Rain really was soaking.

After a quick stop in the Old Faithful Inn, we went off to explore the Upper Geyser loop. While it continued to rain, it was actually pretty warm with all the steam from the hydrothermals. Both the Inn and the hydrothermal walk were well worth the stop in. The Old Faithful Inn is one of the largest all log structures in the world and the hydrothermals were just as cool as Old Faithful, just not as regular!

While we had seen a lot while at the Old Faithful Area, we still had not spotted a Buffalo. Nick as a result made Buffalo Chili that night as a form of protest. That warm meal was definitely exactly what we needed after a soggy day. Following dinner we went for coffee and tea at the lake side dining hall. Next stop: Mammoth Springs and Roosevelt Corral

Advice for Old Faithful Area:

Get there early. The parking lot and all the areas were completely filled when we left around 1pm. People were circling the whole lot to find parking.
Head out to the deck before the scheduled time if you want a good view.
Hit the Old Faithful Inn! Super impressive structure. Wonderful fireplace and a gift shop that sells S’mores chocolate bars