NationalDecember 26, 2026
My early morning walk around the Old Faithful property was so quiet and peaceful. It was gently snowing covering up all the people tracks from the day before creating a gentle blanket of snow covering the fields where I had snowshoed the day before. A small red fox who begs at the inn was sitting in the snow enjoying the day before all the people show up.
I visited Old Faithful one more time to experience her beauty. To witness her eruption when I was totally alone was a very special moment.
Soon after we board the snowcoach this morning for a trip past Fountain Paint Pots and along the Firehole Canyon Drive.
The Fountain Paint Pot is named for the reds, yellows and browns of the mud in this area. The differing colors are derived from oxidation states of the iron in the mud. As with all hot springs, the heat in the caldera forces pressurized water up through the ground, which is expelled here. Also, rising gasses cause the bubbling action. The bubble action in the mud varies with the seasons.
Along the way we stopped at several more geyser sites and the spectacular waterfalls. Walking in the snow while gentle snow is falling and the trees are starting to retain it is magical.
As we were heading out of the park we were in one more Bison Jam as these majestic creatures crossed the road to the river. To see them covered with snow made them seem even more of a symbol of survival.
From there, we left the park via the North Entrance with a pleasant stay at a historic Chico hot springs resort.
In celebration of our adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem we had a wonderful farewell dinner and celebration of unforgettable experiences and new friends.
As the sunsets on this adventure I am feeling so blessed. Although we did not see the illusive grey I am not disappointed as I got to experience the magic of Yellowstone. It is truly a national treasure that I hope we can find a way to continue to preserve!!
This will be the last post from Yellowstone as I travel home tomorrow for a few days then leave for Santa Fe to celebrate the new year. Thanks for traveling with me.
