Day 6 & 7

Blogged by Ben and Stacey:

We were not able to post yesterday due to poor Internet reception.  Therefore, today we are posting for two days. 

We stayed right outside of Yellowstone National Park in  little town called West Yellowstone, Montana.  Early that morning (it's always early on this trip because bag pulls are typically 7:00am) we ventured back into Yellowstone to go to Old Faithful.  Old Faithful is a water geyser.  The way it works is the water under the ground heats up to a certain amount of pressure and then releases it into the air.  Old Faithful erupts approximately every hour (give or a take a few minutes).  We have learned that in Yellowstone there are several geothermal features that are evident:  geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot spring terraces. Today we saw several hot springs, as well as, the most famous geyser known as Old Faithful.  Old Faithful is one of 300 geysers found in Yellowstone.  Old Faithful's eruption last 1-5 minutes.  When it erupts it shoots out 3,700-8,400 gallons of boiling water.  It was a cloudy day when we were there so our pictures of the spray aren't as prominent since it camouflages in with the backdrop of the cloudy sky.

 

 

Old Faithful Erupting

Hot Spring

Run-off from the eruption-going down to the river

More Run-off

 

 

 

We left Yellowstone and then ventured on toward the Grand Teton National Park.  Here we had lunch and admired the snowcapped mountains.  It's 13,770 foot-high ridges have snow most of the year.  Along this journey the bus pulled over two times for spotting various wildlife in their natural habitat.  John hopped off of the bus both times and captured photos of moose and elk for us.  The entire bus was on the lookout for a black or grizzly bear during our time in Yellowstone but that didn't happen.  We did see a LOT of bison!  However, every time we spotted any wildlife, we were thrilled.  It was like playing "I Spy" or "Where's Waldo." 

 

Elk Spotting

John (in brown coat and hat) heading out to capture the wildlife footage for us. 

Moose Spotting

 

 

 

 

 

THE TETON MOUNTAINS AND LAKE JENNY

zoomed in on the mountain terrain

Ben had gone off exploring on his own during this Teton National Park time. 

That is why he is not pictured here. 

 

 

In the Teton National Park area was a cute little chapel.  It is known as The Chapel of the Transfiguration and was built in the summer of 1925.  It is built of lodgepole pine with pews of quaking aspen.  What made it really unique is the alter had a plate glass widow framing the Grand Tetons.  A brochure we picked up (put out by the St. John's Episcopal Church of Jackson Hole) said this, "The Chapel is named most appropriately in commemoration f the Gospel story of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), where we are told of Jesus going into the mountains with Peter, James and John and appearing to them in the company of Moses and Elijah, resplendent in dazzling white clothing.  Then a cloud enveloped them, and a voice said, 'This is My beloved Son; listen to Him.' When the cloud went away, Jesus was seen, standing alone, by his disciples."

 

 

 

The landscaping outside the church.  This green plant was actually

very soft.  I thought it would feel more prickly.  The yellow wildflowers

were so pretty.

John inside the church. Notice the pews.

The alter picture window framing the Tetons.

Inside of the church.  (Random lady)

Stained glass windows inside the church.

Outside to the right of the church

 

 

 

We left the Teton area and moseyed on toward on final destination for the evening.  We stopped in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the night. We arrived in Jackson Hole in the middle of a hailstorm.  The clip taken from the bus as we arrived will be shown below.

 

 

Elk antlers that had been shed were used to form an arch to

the town square in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

There are actually 4 of these.

 

 

In the evening we went on an optional excursion that was called the Chuckwagon Cookout & Show.  We had a great time because we got to ride in a horse-drawn covered wagon leaving the town of Jackson and into the beautiful Cache Creek Canyon.  Along the way, we met up with a crazy Mountain Main warning us of Indians that were ahead---which of course, we ran into.  That was fun!  When we pulled into camp we were welcomed with a delicious barbecue meal and a show put on by the mountain men and cowboys.  We enjoyed this night of entertainment.  I think John and Stacey enjoyed the meal (especially the baked beans) and music the best but Ben's favorite part were the cowgirls (see picture below and notice that smile).  These cowgirls drove our covered wagon and were full of jokes!  

                               Bar-T-5 was where we went for the Chuckwagon cookout and show

 

The Crazy Mountain Man coming to warn us about the Indians.

Under Indian attack!

Chow consisted of:  BBQ chicken and BBQ roast beef, corn on the cob,

salad, roll, baked beans and blondie brownies.  All you can eat!

The man with his right hand up is a man on our tour who was

pulled from the crowd.  His name is Ichbos.  He is a nice, quiet

man who was asked to play a very funny role in this entertaining song. 

His famous saying was "ohhh la la!" 

 



 

All of the above happened yesterday (Day 6).  Today (Day 7) has been a rest day.  We have remained in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and have just taken it easy, rested up and did a little laundry.  Ben, once again, has appreciated having all his technology ( see picture below).  This day of rest was needed and very much appreciated.  Who knew that traveling on vacation could be so exhausting?!?! 

Ben watching a movie (from the Redbox across the street) on his

computer, while waiting for an incoming text (hence phone on his forehead).

Teenagers!!!