Yellowstone Tour with Flying Pig

03 August 2008; 1628hrs Gardiner, Montana (USA)

The tour started at 0800hrs and ended at 1600hrs. This time, it opened my eyes to the beauty and stature of Yellowstone. It really helps to have a guide explaining the history and facts about the park. I was the only person on the tour (private tour!) so I could dictate what I wanted to see. No more touristy sights! I saw them before. I requested, instead, for her (Patty) to take me off the beaten track, to where few people went, and indeed she did!

It was only then the immense beauty of the park unfolded before me. Instead of going to the Mammoth Hot Springs, we went by the back and saw the most amazing sight. She even violated the rules a little and broke off a little piece of calcite ice forming on the top of the water for me to feel!

We then drove by the Orange Mound to see the changes that were happening to it. We were literally standing next to it! To be able to see the volcanic formation up close, instead of standing a distance away was absolutely amazing!

Next up was the Norris Geyser Basin. This was the most touristy thing we did on the entire trip. It was fun to be there without the crowd. Rather, before the crowd arrived. To be able to see the many thermal springs, bacterial mats and geysers in relative peace was so pleasant.

We saw a great many things like the Artists’ Paintpots and Gibbon falls. But the highlight of the day for me was Firehole River! This was definitely off the beaten track. We walked along the river and came to a hot spring. I put my hand in it!!!

There was another one. But that was dangerous. The blueness of the spring was an indicator of the water’s temperature. This particular one was at least 160F and one person had died in it previously. The story went that there were three workers who went for a soak in a nearby spring (I had my hand in it too! It was at least 40C). It was late and dark, and they didn’t have any light with them. I guess they were a little drunk. They linked hands and walked side by side, and unknowingly into the dreaded hot spring. One person on the side was scalded but managed to scramble out with second degree burns and bleeding. Another on the other end was burnt up to knee deep water. But because of the shock, he swung the person next time him (they were still linked together) towards the deep centre of the hot spring. This practically submerged her. She died eventually. This is such a sad story… This is such a dangerous place. The blueness of the spring is what makes it so inviting, but the more blue it is, the more dangerous it is.

I even soaked myself in the Firehole River! See the proof of my legs? Hahaha…

And one important tip I took away with me on the tour was that when you approach a hot spring, walk around it from a distance before you approach. This is to make sure you see any areas of overhang – weak ground that could collapse with your weight, plunging you into the hot waters… Always remember that kids!

There was a lot of wildlife there too. But I wasn’t lucky enough to see any. We did see some bear tracks and bison dung though. Some irritating ground squirrels and elks, both male and female! I wish we managed to see more. The time of day wasn’t right, and we weren’t in the forest for most part of the tour, so…

Even then, this trip was definitely worth it!

Patty told me that the best times to be at Yellowstone were spring (May to June) and winter. I want to come again! This time not alone! Who wants to come along??? It’s no fun experiencing this all by myself. We’ll start saving up and go for a backpacking trip into Yellowstone and camp in the forest. How about that? And see all the wildlife as well? How amazing is that??? Who’s up for it??? It’ll be worth it!!!