Tuesday August 18 Indian Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

After such a wonderful experience in Grand Teton, this morning felt quite flat. It was a very cloudy day, with a cool wind, and everything looked a bit grey. It is only a few miles from when we left the park, to entering Yellowstone, and the southern end felt like we were back in the forest in Kaiangaroa, driving through the pines. Passed a number of smaller lakes, and then followed the shores of Yellowstone Lake. The traffic was really heavy, just a continual stream.

But the scenery really improved as we entered the Hayden Valley with followed the Yellowstone River, beautiful open plains with hundreds of buffalo roaming freely. Stopped at an overlook for a lunch break, and spotted a buffalo swimming across the river to join another herd. A little further on we got into a traffic jam, and saw flashing lights far ahead, concerned that perhaps someone has been hurt, but after about 15 minutes found out that the buffalo were crossing the road, and cars were just stopping to watch. The park wardens were there with their loud speakers telling everyone to keep moving. Never been in a “buffalo jam” before! I don’t enjoy this part of travelling.

We passed through a number of thermal areas with mud pools and geysers, but didn’t stop, they were just like Rotorua…and smelt the same.

But the visit to Yellowstone Canyon was worth it all, the view looking towards the falls with the vibrant colours of the canyon walls was just amazing. No wonder it is such a popular spot.

We were pleased to turn off on a less busy road to Mammoth, much more open scenery with small rivers running through open plains. Saw odd buffalo in amongst the trees, but sadly didn’t spot a bear. All through the parks there are signs everywhere about not leaving food out, especially in the campsites. No sign of moose either which has been disappointing.

Drove to Mammoth, an area where I particularly wanted to visit, to see the terraces which appear in the photos I have seen to be similar to the Pink and White Terraces that were covered by the eruption of Mt Tarawera. We headed straight to the campground, only to have the last site taken by the people in front. So another 10 miles to this campground, a great spot. Will return to Mammoth to get the photo in the morning.

You are able to use any dead wood in the park to burn in a campfire, so Ian, ever the hunter and gatherer found a log, about 1200 long by 250 diameter. There was no way that he would pay $7 for a bundle of firewood! He set to with a Leatherman saw blade all of 100mm long and a small tomahawk. An hour later he had it in 3 pieces which he then split. It was a great fire and enjoyed the warmth for about 2 hours….needed it to stay outside as the temperature drops quite quickly.