Flashback: Yellowstone, Day Three

Continuing our adventure through Yellowstone N.P....

Our third and final day was the subject of much debate. On the one hand, we were feeling pretty wiped from the day before, and we thought Kiersten needed some run-around time. On the other, we didn't want to waste what could be our only time in the park for the next few years. We compromised by agreeing to do a ranger-led hike which would happen early in the morning, then coming back to the campsite that afternoon.

I got up early that morning to get the campsite set up and the fire going. While I was working, I heard some noise in the woods and decided to investigate. I was able to quietly get a close glimpse of a doe and fawn looking for some early morning food. I kept my distance and watched as they made their way through the woods over 15 minutes, before I finally lost track of them.

Anyway, we made breakfast and got moving by 8:30 so we could make it to the 9 a.m. hike. Unfortunately, the hike was farther away than we estimated, and we were caught behind a very slow-moving RV whose driver refused to pull over to let us pass (as the roadsigns said he should). We made it to the hike location just in time...to see the ranger departing with the group. Sabotage!

After more debate, we decided to trek out on our own on the South Rim Trail, which follows...yes...the south rim of the Yellowstone River. Along the way, we caught gorgeous glimpses of the river and its Upper and Lower falls. The hike got a little strenuous for continuing to go uphill, but we did it.

The climax of the hike took us to Artist's Point, apparently named because artists enjoyed going there when they were painting early pictures of Yellowstone. We were treated to an outstanding view of the river, the falls, and a large portion of Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. We also discovered that we could have driven straight to Artist's Point, since it had its own parking lot. However, the hike was very refreshing, so we liked our way better.

Afterwards, Kiersten fell asleep, so we set her down and Christina was able to write in her journal for awhile. I drove off to look for a gift shop, and found that the Canyon area had a wonderful visitor center which explained the geologic history of the park. I liked it so much that we took Kiersten back there after she woke up so that she could play with the interactive exhibits. (I don't think she understood most of them.)

After that, we went back to our campsite to get ready for dinner. While Kiersten played, Christina found some showers and had her first one in several days. She apparently loved it, because I didn't see her for awhile after she left. Later, we had hot soup for dinner, and then cooked some marshmallows. While doing that, some nice pre-teen girls from the neighboring camp asked if they could play with Kiersten for awhile. We were very happy to oblige, and they all had a good time.

So we learned that taking a more relaxed approach to camping works best with a two-year old. We got a good hike in, while Kiersten got a free ride and some run-around time. Although we didn't get to see all of the major sites, we saw enough, got exercise, and followed our little one's schedule. Besides, not seeing everything gives us an excuse to make a return trip to the park.