Rain, Sleet, Snow, Hail and Sunshine!

Our day today began with a boat ride across Jenny Lake. We started our hike up to Hidden Falls, in some rather chilly temperatures. The sun shortly peeked out, and our persistence was rewarded with the stunning view of the waterfall. We enjoyed that for a few minutes, then started back down to the lake. Hmmm, what was that falling from the sky…snow! We continued our hike down, and by the time we hit the dock it was raining on us…we had a similar boat ride back across….very chilly! After a lunch break at Jenny Lake, the sun began to shine (now that we were inside!).
We began our ride to Yellowstone,….not too many miles but moving very slowly due to the roads and the number of cars, trucks and RVs. Traffic in front of us came to a quick stop…a herd of bison, complete with babies, walking up the road was quite a sight! After waiting for them to move (and they were in no hurry), we continued on. We stopped to see Old Faithful, with perfect timing, just before it erupted. Though it began to rain on us a little more, the site of the geyser was worth it. Driving to our Madison campsight we saw more bison, elk, but none of the much sought after bears! We settled into our campsite, and it proceeded to hail, but for a very short time. The sun came out again, and we hiked down to the creek, wandered over to an old ranger’s lodge where a plaque indicated that this was where the first National Park was dedicated. Darin left to take care of the hookups, and returned an hour later after making friends with the retired couple in the next campsite (some things never change). They were traveling with their grandson, who Matthew quickly realized had video games in his camper too (so we’re not the only ones roughing it!), and they were off to play. Darin and Matthew left for a father/son hike and saw some deer in the woods. Darin started a campfire after dinner, and he and Courtney enjoyed the fire while Matthew and Lynelle stayed in the very warm RV, reading and watching TV. Courtney came inside and Darin was left at the fire, enjoying his ‘alone time’, while everyone else turned in for bed.