The smell of an empty pizza box from Domino’s and empty beer bottles greeted us in the early morning of Sheridan. That didn’t stop us for getting ready nice and early to head for our most anticipated part of the trip, Yellow Stone National Park. The 5 hour drive, 425 km, and we’d knew we’d be on top of the world!
Long straight roads to the town of Cody. On route to the city center, we made the wise decision to call and book a campsite at the Madison campground in Yellowstone, as just after we lost cellphone signal. Couldn’t help but stopping at the information center in Cody to get another sticker for Jenina! While there, we met two bikers from South Africa, who had their BMW motorcycles Fedex’d to the US for about $2500. Jenina and I couldn’t have been more fascinated with their journey as our own. The thought of just being able to pack up and travel always sounds appealing. Headed over to the local Wal-mart to stock up on supplies we’d need to camp in Yellowstone. Two bags of ice inside two styrofoam coolers, and some food fixings, and some other small luxuries, and we were set to hit the road.
Leaving Cody, we went from long boring straight roads to extreme twisty roads. To be exact, 110 km of twisty roads! The only major straight section was at the summit of the mountain, only to be followed by twisties descending back down into the canyon. Large rock formations, and tall pine trees all the way to the South Gate of Yellowstone National Park.
Getting past the gate, we drove a great length before reaching a visitor center. Grabbed some beer! Jenina also got a penny pressed! We both needed something quick to eat, and thankfully the Visitor center is also a liquor store, gift shop, and restaurant. Sub par frozen burgers and fries filled out bellies.
On the road again, we came across our first sights of the mysterious geysers and pools. Our first parking lot, we pulled in excited to find the Dragon’s breathe. Multiple mud like geysers surrounded this noisy geyser. The sound is hard to describe. We could say it sounds like what we’d think a dragon would sound like, but it’s best described like hot water blowing out a trumpet full of water. A roaring like wet blast.
There were so many beautiful areas, and the colors were amazing! It was getting harder and harder from stop to stop, to believe the mother nature could make these picturesque spots.
It wasn’t long until we had got to our campsite. It was about 1/2 an hour north of the famous Old Faithful geyser is where Madison campground is located. But we’d be entering thru Canyon Village, and Norris geyser from the East on Hwy 89.
Getting to our campsite, paying our $48 for 2 nights + $8 for firewood + $3 for kindling, we were on our way to setup camp on lot #178. A fair size lot that was made for an RV, but instead we were using a compact car and a 8′ x 8′ tent. There was sufficient room between us and our neighbors, that it felt comfy. Bathrooms and running water were only steps away. Only downfall, is that the showers were located in Old Faithful lodge. As we said earlier, that was an hour round trip.
After getting setup, it was time to look around. We made our way down to the Firehole river where the sun was just starting to set. Robert quickly ran back to the campsite a few minutes away by this point, to grab flashlights and beer. Arriving back just in time to watch the sun set behind the mountains and enjoy some “Moose Drool” nut brown ale. (Beer brewed in Missoula, Montana).
A nice little fire to finish the night and keep warm. Temperature dropped quickly. In our tents, Jenina, was smart and pulled the sleeping bag over her head to keep warm, while Robert twist and turned all night in the cool night air. Both of them were too excited for the real exploration to start!
