Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons

On August 4th we set out for our summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park. We actually just kind of picked and left one day with only a few preparations behind us. We camped just outside of West Yellowstone in a KOA where there warned us constantly that we could be dead at any moment at the hands of a bear. It was surprisingly really nice because there were showers and bathrooms! After setting up camp and building an anti-bear environment we started our search for great scenery, adventure, and animals. Here's what we found: 1st Day: Geysers and Mudpots

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At every entrance to a geyser or paint pot there was a sign posted warning parents to watch their children and to keep off the hotspots. We couldn't help but laugh at the sign though. The following picture is just plain funny. It's definitely a clear warning that death looms for the disobedient. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Perfect Smores We discovered some information right before we left on our trip that has led us to the path of the perfect smore. The discovery is that of the chocolate marshmallow (chocomallow)! When in proper use with the fudge shoppe cookie the chocomallow can create amazing sensations in one's mouth. Here's a quick model for proper usage. mmm! mmm! Good! In this next picture Nicky was done with pictures being taken of her. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Day:Little Grand Canyon and Lots of waterfalls

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Elephant Graveyard While visiting one of the paint pots, Nicky noticed that there were a plethora of dead trees that were plastered on the neighboring hill. She quickly referred to them as an elephant graveyard like the one Lion King. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jenny Lake and the Bar J Wranglers I need to thank Spencer Holmgren who was insistent that we visit a place just outside the south entrance of Yellowstone called Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake sits right at the base of the towering Teton Mountains. There were a lot of activities offered there but the hike to the waterfall caught our fancy and we indulged. Well worth it! We then visited the Bar-J Ranch which is always a good time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only bear we saw the whole trip Although Nicky didn't get to see a bear or moose we still enjoyed the trip. It's was a nice excursion away from civilization and to view some of this beautiful country around us.