But Wait...There's More

 After 2 days running around Yellowstone, we decided to rise early and see the Grand Prismatic and then hike our way to Fairy Falls.  It just so happens, that at the trailhead we met a very nice lady who was solo and wished to join us for safety and enjoyment.We are so glad she did. Turns out she lived in the town next to us back in Texas. Small world. 

Sadly, the cool morning temperatures were not ideal for viewing the Grand Prismatic from the lookout as the warmth coming off the pool made an abundance of steam, blocking much of the colors.  This was my #1 Must Do for Yellowstone so we hoped we'd get another opportunity but we knew the mid day crowds were insane.

Columns of steam rising from nearby Grand Prismatic and Excelsior Geyser

Fairy Falls

No mosquitos on the way there, Swarms on the way back

Grand Prismatic on our way back from Fairy Falls, a bit more color showing through

Our hiking companion from Fairview, TX

We braved the crowds and got up close and personal with Grand Prismatic after our hike. It was amazing to see the colors and the steam was colorful too.

That evening we took in another view of Old Faithful with a bowl of ice cream.

While Camping in Grant Village

 Lower Geyser Basin and Biscuit Basin, Kepler Cascades for geysers and pools. And a ton of stuff I can't remember.

Riverside Geyser

Grand Geyser

Waiting out the hail

Grand Tetons

We made our way into Grant Village, set up camp, put our feet in some very cold water at the lake and made plans to take off to Grand Tetons the next morning.

 

We listened to an audio tour  while in both parks and throughout our trip which was very interesting. Everything was beautiful. We don't have a picture but between Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, a black bear was on the road and we got a up close look as we quickly slowed down and as it ran off into the brush. We would not see another bear for many days.

We decided to walk on one side of Jenny Lake and to some falls. It was incredibly beautiful--the clear lake on one side and the mountains blanketed with flowers jetting up on the other side. I was in awe. We took in the settled areas, looked for wildlife, and stopped at the look outs. After the hike, we washed off the dirt in the river. It was a great day!