Thursday, August 12, 2010

Off to Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone

7/24/2010

After our 10 day stay at Fishing Bridge Campground in Yellowstone , we drove about 2 to 2 1/2 hours through Yellowstone to get to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park. Remember the speed limit is 45 miles an hour. And also Yellowstone is a huge park. We had left Fishing Bridge at about 7:15, after getting some gas for the drive. Mammoth Hot Springs Campground is a first come first serve campground. With us being big, we needed to get there early to find a spot we could fit in. Shortly after we left Fishing Bridge Campground, we saw Mr. Buffalo coming down the road. Not your normal sight on a morning commute to work. There is little traffic out, this early, so Mr. Buffalo likes to take the easy route too. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to understand the yellow line on the road. We come to a stop and so does Mr. Buffalo. He looks at us and we look at him. We don't move, nor does he. Joe honked the horn, and he still stood his ground. Maybe he doesn't like the sound of our horn? Joe finally decided to try to go around him, hoping he won't gore us as we go by. He watches us, with his one big eye, as we pass. We take a deep breath of relief as our Nest gets past him. It is very foggy this early in the morning. We start to approach Mud Volcano. The first time I approached this area, I thought there was a forest fire near. No, just geysers, mud pots and hot springs ahead. Farther on down the road we saw another buffalo taking the easy route, but luckily in the other lane. I feel sorry for someone coming from the other direction. We passed Hayden Valley. By about 9:30 we reached Mammoth Hot Springs Campground, and got set up.This campground has no hook ups at $14 a day. What a bargain for being inside the park. Mammoth is located in the northwest of the park. Fishing Bridge is located in the southwest of the park. Views of the park down from us. Views of the campground, up from us. And this is our front door view. We soon found out that this campground does not have a shower house or a dump station. It was time to be ultra conservative with the water again. As I walked Mallery down the road, I saw this smart idea someone had to allow his cat to be outside.The cat seemed to be really happy and safe, and able to watch the chipmunks and birdies. Can you guess what this is? Does this help? A big rock with some colorful lichen.

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