Thursday 13 September 2012

Sept 10 Mammoth Hot Springs


Day 9 Sept 10 Yellowstone – Circle Drive from Canyon Village to Mammoth Hot Springs – Canyon Village
After a cold night, we had breakfast at the lodge, only place to eat as the others are closed for the season. Set out on another long day. First stop was Norris Geyser Basin where we did the boardwalk and saw some of the Geysers and Springs. Emerald Springs was beautiful the down to Steamboat Geyser and Echinus Geysers. Steamboat is the tallest active geyser in the world and Norris is one of the most active earthquake areas in Yellowstone.
We arrived in Mammoth Hot Springs and did the Upper Terraces Drive. Did a short walk then Marg M and I walked down the terraces while Marg G and Yvonne drove down and met us at the bottom or lower terraces. They were really spectacular and difficult to describe but the thermal activity causes the liquid to spill over and mix with the limestone – bit like cave activity. They are described as living sculptures shaped by the volume of water, the slope of the ground and the objects in the path.
After lunch, we started to drive but came upon a huge elk and a herd of females wandering along near a car park. Stopped of course and took lots of photos until the ranger came and chased us away. We were talking to some people later who had been there the day before and the elk charged three cars. No wonder the ranger was getting everyone back into cars. Drove past Tower Roosevelt but it was closed for the season and back to the lodge. Didn’t get back until late again. An hour wait for a table.

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