Anyway before we left Gardiner, I took 1 last photo at the balcony of the motel where we stayed. Couldn't resist, coz the scenery is just too fantastic! Take a look and u'll also agree with me. =D
Good Morning Gardiner!
The green trees on the Caldera Rim
Today we drove further south of the park. 1st stop - Norris. I must say.... Norris is a very beautiful and colourful portion. Coz the thermal pools here are really very colourful. (Tomorrow when we visit the Visitor cum educational center in Old Faithful, we got to know that majority of the pools in Norris were pretty acidic. Around pH 3-6).
Norris Great Basin
Mum & dad on the walkway in Norris. The green stuff on the ground are the thermophiles which are the source of colours of the pools, springs and the hotsprings.
Last view of Norris before we left
After spending sometime in Norris, we headed further south to view Gibbon Falls.My sister has never viewed the Gibbon Falls, so its a 1st for her too. Like all attractions in Yellowstone, u've got to parked your car at the carparks, then walk a little to view the falls. It was pretty cold.... but as u walk, u'll get used to the coldness. =P
The falls was not really huge.... but ok. Coz later in the day, we'll be viewing a super huge fall.
Gibbon Falls
After viewing the falls, we decided that we should make a trip to West Yellowstone town. Coz we need to find a motel that has a kitchenett attached as we'll be staying 2 nights in West Yellowstone. In fact my sister decided to view all that we need to now instead of driving to West Yellowstone, as West Yellowstone is about 14miles from Madison junction. But my parents and me thought that we should not risk our accomodation for the sights. So yeah, that's what we did, drove to West Yellowstone to find a motel, then check-in and drive back into Yellowstone National Park. Along our way to West Yellowstone, we saw some wildlife..... yup! we saw more elks and 1 more new type of animal, which is the icon on the National Park logo, the Bison. Well.... i did not know what exactly a bison is at 1st, then later when I saw it then I knew... they belong to the cow family.
River flowing through the flat plains
Male Elk staring at us
male elk turned away staring far ahead and showing us his butt =P
Bison gazing the grass and resting
In fact since yesterday, my family and I had been keeping a look out for bears. Coz bears are rare.... and especially rarer to see a Grizzly bear.... (btw... Grizzly bears are the fiercest bears among all bears)When we were in West Yellowstone, we found a motel 'Brandin' Iron'. Yeah i know the name sounds cliche, but i must say that the rooms are pretty clean.... and got all the amenities we require. and the price was pretty reasonable too... as it was the off-peak season and we were staying two nights, we had some form of discount! =D So it was good. After putting our bags down, we drove back into Yellowstone National Park and head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park.
I must say when I heard the name of "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park", it sounded weird and what's grand about this canyon. Coz often when we say 'Grand Canyon', the image that popped into mind will be the red-brown Grand Canyon that's in Arizona. Anyway, when we were at the 'Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park', its a totally different sight! Really beautiful. Pity that when we were there, the sun did not appear to shine on the canyon, otherwise, the canyon would have lighted up with yellowness..... hee hee.....
The mega falls in Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park
Its a totally different kind of stones, rocks in this canyon. And its also partly because of the colour of 'yellow' of the stones and rocks, that Yellowstone National Park got its name. =PAnyway, cutting through the canyon, was the huge Yellowstone Waterfalls. Really nice. The canyon was really deep. Taking some shots at the lookout point was not enough for us. We decided to track the trail that leads to a lower portion of the canyon to try and capture an even more beautiful, perfect picture. The trail was pretty steep and pebbly.... but we still continue.... coz we know that we may not have this opportunity to come back to Yellowstone again.... or even if we do come back.... it will be many years later. =D
That's dad & my sister posing on the track. The tracking trail to view the waterfalls & canyon (nearer to the falls)
closer up view of the waterfalls
After snapping numerous pictures, we left the canyon and head to another part of the canyon 'Artist Point'. I must say... being here... u get to see a better view of the canyon and the waterfalls in the background. In fact, 1 wk later, when i showed that picture to my colleagues, they commented about the deepness of the canyon and that if they were the ones to take it... guess they may not be able to take it as their legs may have jellied... hahaha..... I must say that the sight that behold u is really totally amazing.... i guess ur breathe is just taken away.... and so far everything that i've seen, everything is just so beautiful in Yellowstone. There's so much to see, smell, feel and experience! Its an awesome experience. =D
Artist Point of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Well, I guess, if u do have the opportunity, really must visit Yellowstone sometime. By the way, my sister shared with us that there are not huge tour groups visit to Yellowstone National Park. Not sure is it because the road are narrow or they want to protect the National Park. So visitors who visit the National Park are like us, who drive there privately, or in mini-tour groups. Anyway I can't wait what's to be expected tomorrow. But I do know that I'll finally get to see 'Old Faithful'! Yay! have heard so much about 'Old Faithful' ever since I was young... tomorrow I'll finally see it. =D
Wooden Sign showing the directions to the places
Golden fields greeting us 'goodbye' as we left the national park
my parents and sister posing in the motel room
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