Travel beyond the hill: July 2016

Day 90 Billings

We decided to stay an extra day to take care of a few things, servicing the truck, groceries and laundry etc. We did take time to visit a mansion of the family who made Billings the city it is. It was all original built in 1903. They didn't allow inside pics but be assured it was beautiful. We then went to downtown to look around and eat lunch. The Montana Brewery is a very popular restaurant in an historic building and we enjoyed a great meal. Here are a couple pics from today.

Moss Mansion

Montana Brewery in historic building downtown

Downtown Billings

Day 89 Goodbye Yellowstone

It was a great two days at Yellowstone and hope to come back soon, but it is time to move on. Sadly its also time to say goodbye to my sister and her husband. They are meeting a southwest caravan to do some touring. I know they will have fun but will sure miss them. We are slowing moving east toward home. We headed toward Billings, Montana and traveled a road thru some beautiful country. The river was full of fisherman and rafters. Looks like a great place to vacation. Here are few pics.

Day 88 Yellowstone northern loop

I love this park, I can truly say this is one of my favorite parks I have been too, if not number one. My biggest regret is having not come sooner and bringing family. Yesterday was awesome and today continues to be just as breath taking. I have learned so much ( sure hope I can remember) about this park. Here are pictures from today and please put this high on your places to see list.

Still more vents

Numerous falls

You can see the force behind this

The second most photographed spot. This area is called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Another view

Another falls

They were everywhere

So beautiful

Beautiful formations caused by volcanic explosion

This is over 100 yrs old and built as tribute to Pres Roosevelt who camped in area.

Carvel and Gene waiting to be called to lunch

Another falls so pretty it tiered down hillside

Ashed looking area

The original area of Fort Yellowstone looking from hillside

Such unique lava flow

Same area of lava

Same area

These were all within walking distance of each other and very active

A dormant cone in same area

So white looks like snow

Day 87 Southern Yellowstone & Tetons

We hit the road early to try to beat the masses into Yellowstone. We decided since we were only staying two days we would do the southern loop and drive down into Grand Tetons which joins southern Yellowstone the first day. This is the section that contains Old Faithful and we wanted to make sure we saw it. I don't know how to begin to explain what we saw going into park. There are geysers everywhere. Each is different in shape, size and color. Some are crystal clear, some bubble mud, some are yellow or red or combinations. What else I didn't know is the entire area is on a active volcano and has earthquakes continually which is what keeps them erupting and spraying. Some areas are mountainous and green others look burnt and bare. We also saw bison and elk today. This is an awesome place. I could write all day about this place, but let me post the pictures. Remember these are off my phone and not good quality.