A Visit to Old Faithful Inn

Although we didn't have reservations at Old Faithful Inn, we did stop in to admire the architecture and share in the entertainment.  We took a moment to admire the 76-foot fireplace, the multi-story lobby, and the fiddle player playing "You Lift Me Up".  It is a grand place for sure, and it's named for the gorgeous geyser nearby.

The log construction and stone accents are dotted with bright lights that make it a warm and welcoming space.  There are lots of refreshments available inside too.

Day 1 - Next Stop - Old Faithful

 Old Faithful

She is a beauty!  Old Faithful never lets us down.  Approximately every ninety minutes gorgeous steamy water shoots from this geyser about 100 feet in the air for about 2 minutes.  I can't begin to tell you the number of people who were there to watch her wonder and we are here during a slower period of time.  We had a wonderfully close up view of this splendor.  I could sit and watch this every day for the rest of my life.  It is an experience beyond words.  I'm hoping the video I took will upload here so you'll be able to share in the experience.  

Yellowstone - Day 1 - Fountain Paint Pots

 Fountain Paint Pots

Our first stop in Yellowstone National Park was Fountain Paint Pots.  To say this is really cool is a total understatement.  These steamy, bubbling, colorful pools are amazing.  There are warning signs all over the place to remind you not to step off the boardwalk because you could be scalded or burned by sulfuric acid.  You don't have to tell me twice.

There is a stark contrast in this area between the green pine trees surrounding us and the steaming water and smell of Sulphur.  Next to nothing can live where this hot water runs and the silica turns the land to white or one of another bright orange or red.

In some spots the water is replaced by bubbling mud like these.  There is no shortage of unusual things to see in this park.