July 24 Old Faithfull

Wednesday July 24 

After breakfast we drove by Kieser Cascade then Old Faithful in time for eruption which occur at about ninety minutes intervals. Hiked the upper basin going as far as the grand Geyser. Not lucky enough to catch an eruption which occurs on six hour intervals. Although temperature is  only in the upper seventies the intensity of sun at this altitude makes it seem much hotter. Went to the Old Faithful Lodge for a beer and water. 

July 23 Yellowstone entry

Tuesday July 23

Flew from SFO to Cody at 6:05. Took the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the first such established by President Grant in 1872. During President Teddy Roosevelt's term he expanded the protected area by creating a national forest around the park. We spotted our first wild game, an elk in a burned out area near Fishing Bridge. Something like 30 percent of the park was burned by the fires of 1988, the driest year in modern times. amazing regrowth of lodge pole pines has taken place by the falling of pine cone seeds.

We drove by Fishing bridge, no fishing there since 1974, in order to protect the endangered cutthroat trout during spawning. Checked out the old Lake area where Wayne had worked in 1958. Service station has been abandoned for several years and general store has been modernized and the celling has been raised.

Arrived at our lodging at Grant Lodge, old two story building with clean room, comfortable bed and amenities. Bought sandwich and fruit at the general and took a nap. Wayne went to ranger presentation on the formation of the park.