Yikes! We hit a buffalo.....

Day 18 - Sunday, June 30

...a buffalo chip that is!   (Did that get your attention?)

Today was our last day at Yellowstone.  After church at St. William, and after watching the race (gosh, I was hoping Jeff Gordon was going to get his Kentucky win), we headed to the park to take in the final sights.



Roosevelt Arch

A park landmark is the Roosevelt Arch at the North entrance.  The North entrance was the first major gateway to the park, and the only entrance that stays open year-round.  The inscription on the top of the arch is very appropriate:  "For the benefit and enjoyment of the people."

Sheep grazing on the hillside

We rounded out our wildlife portfolio by spotting sheep grazing on the hillside.

 

We visited Boiling  River which was really fun.  The geyser runoff spills into Gardiner River, and creates a "hot tub".  You had to hike about 1/4 mile to get to the swimming hole, but it was well worth it!  I was surprised at how hot the water was that was cascading down the hill to the river.

While we were there, an elk wandered across the river, from one bank to the other, as if she was trying to see if there was a good party going on!

 

The elk must have been as hot as the humans, because they showed up all over the place.  They were laying around the yard at the visitor's center. Several park rangers were standing by to make sure that the paparazzi didn't get too close.

 

We saw more travertine terraces, and billions more thermophiles :)--so impressive!  It is so white it looks like snow and ice.  It seems like it would be slick, but we heard that earlier in the day, the elk were climbing and laying on the terrace steps!

Pallatte Spring and Cleopatra Terrace

A landmark near Mammoth Springs is the Liberty Cap which is a dormant hot springs cone, and towers above the visitor boardwalk to the terraces.

 

Spot got his own souvenir--a buffalo that has been keeping him company this evening!
 

The Rv park hosted a campfire tonight, and we stayed up late enough to enjoy good company and an evening under the stars.

Our visit to Yellowstone has been spectacular!  It is a true treasure of our country, and we are awestruck and feel very privileged to have been able to experience some of its natural wonders!  Until the next time.....