Yellowstone Series Part 3- Old Faithful
Clear skies and vibrant sunshine greeted us as we begrudgingly packed up camp for the final time. We were scheduled to spend our final night at Old Faithful before heading back to Colorado. The trip thus far had been fraught with many legendary moments all shared with loved ones. Back in the car, we hummed along to Country Roads as Yellowstone’s valley floors and mountain highs flew by. John Denver’s words never held so much truth, “Life is old there, older than the trees, younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze” kept replaying lazily in my mind. Yellowstone is complex, akin to the layers of an onion, each layer revealing something new and awe-inspiring. Both having the effect of bringing a tear to your eye every now and again. Here, there are glimpses of home and yet many more where you feel like a visitor in its mammoth midst.
As the tires rolled, we found ourselves on the Firehole River pull off, a two-mile stretch of river and road that we hoped was home to fish. Wading in, knee deep we perused the area for our next blue-ribbon fishing spot. Without comment, the hubby headed downstream while I waded up. Aside from the water quickly rushing past, I was in search of the deeper slower pockets of water. The terrain smothered with water and traversed by soil, rocks, and debris all perfected over thousands of years. I eyed the large boulders, knowing they were a haven for fish to feast on the bugs frantically floating by. Exploring new waters has become one of my favorite endeavors. I love learning the water and the rush of excitement that comes when your selected fishing spot lands you a hefty trout.
Today, as luck would have it, we only landed little guys on that stretch of water. Feet back on solid ground, we agreed to head out and see what other trouble would find us that day. As we breached the steep incline, we realized in a panic that Cameron’s new engraved fly net from Rising was not attached. The usual rust orange hews of the net, no longer gleaming from the back of his pack. Dropping his things, he ran back to the water only to return with a rugged look of disappointment. We resigned ourselves to the conclusion that the net was far down river and simply out of our reach. Bummed, we pulled off our gear and then agreed to go back for one final look. Several hundred yards down river, I heard a yelp and cheer as my grinning husband raised his newly found treasure far overhead in celebration. What are the chances!
Gathering the family, we continued our journey on the Firehole road only to be surprised when we came to Firehole swimming hole. Below us, 20 or so people lounged around in swimsuits, wading about in the river. We could see that upstream, several people were bursting from around the corner, chartered by the river itself. Throwing on our swimsuits we joined the seasoned river-goers to learn the ropes. Quickly, we caught on that you walked up alongside the river to just below the rapids. Here, you could jump into the deep water and be carried 100 yards down to the calmer water below. As I leaped from the rock into the water, a rush of adrenaline hit me. The pool was profound as it scurried you along the narrow canyon. You could even slide up on the flat rocks nearby to grab some sun and catch your breath. We howled with laughter and grasped for each other time and again as the canal deposited us into the swimming hole far below. Always a good reminder to NEVER lose your childlike sense of enthusiasm.
Advice from a Geyser
“Rise to the Occasion
Stay Active
Find your inner strength
Vent when you need to
Enjoy the quiet moments
Be faithful
Let off a little steam!”
-Anynomus
Hours later, I looked up in awe at the legendary Old Faithful Lodge, still standing firmly rooted over the past century. We eagerly thrust open the solid wood door and felt as though we had stepped into another time. The golden hardwoods and oversized rock fireplace greeted us with silent greatness. To our right, we could see the large deck directed at Old Faithful Geyser, currently still and undaunting. Our interest peaked at the solid wood stairs leading up to the vaulted ceilings. Stuffed chairs and reading tables, polka-dotted the room as people basked in the history and legend of the lodge. Far overhead gloated the Crows Net, myth had it an orchestra once serenaded its guests from this rooftop location. Now, in need of preservation, there are a minimal number of tours throughout the year with over a year-long waitlist. Wary of time and hoping to see Old Faithful’s appearance, we rushed to the deck. The Washburn Expedition of 1870 named old Faithful and since then it has held the title for being the largest, most regular geyser in Yellowstone. Anticipation mounted as the legendary geyser gurgled and bubbled before bursting sky high. Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes with ranges between 90 to 184 feet was a treat to visualize. Its volume is truly insurmountable.
Glimpse of the famous Crow’s Nest
As evening fell, we hovered around the Old Faithful Dining room in a bittersweet trance. Tomorrow, we would part ways, heading back to our day-to-day lives and all the hustle surrounding them. Carrying with us, new memories accompanied by a hundred laughs over the past week. Family, in its purest sense, is the one place that always feels like home.
Old Faithful Lodge
After parting ways for the evening, Cameron and I headed back to our small cabin near Old Faithful. The Perseid Meteor shower was making a debut that week, and though we were bone tired, we couldn’t pass it up. Checking the clock, we realized we had another hour or so before the geyser was set to make its routine arrival. Grabbing a blanket and a little whiskey to fend off the chill, we waited with eager anticipation. Old Faithful never loses its charm, regardless of the number of times you have met. The clear sky above us darkened as the night progressed and the meteors shone brighter by the minute. Perseid Meteor Shower was said to be the best meteor shower of 2018, and we were lucky enough to be enjoying it next to this legendary geyser. Old Faithful did not disappoint. While falling stars shone brightly against the blackened night, Old Faithful, true to its name, ruptured from deep within the earth. Chills jumped down my spine as the water lunged sky high to greet the stars falling from far above. An intimate occasion shared by few other travelers and a highlighted moment in our trip.
Yellowstone National Park was a journey to remember, the takeaway being, we were ready to go back the minute we left its borders. During our time spent there, we packed our days to the fullest, but we left needing more. More time to enjoy each other and catch up on life, to relish in the changes and growth we noted in others. More time to explore and laugh like a child, to see bears and to catch fish. But as always, the one thing we don’t know is just how much time we have left. Enjoy every moment, cling to each memory and always remember to take the time for the most important things in this crazy, beautiful life. Cheers to the adventure, what’s next?
Kathryn
“
Heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountain, Shenandoah River, Life is old there, older than the trees, Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze
Country Roads take me home To the place I belong, West Virginia, Mountain mamma, take me home Country roads
All my memories gather round her Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water Dark and dusty, painted on the sky Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Country Roads take me home To the place I belong, West Virginia, Mountain Mamma, take me home Country roads
I hear her voice in the morning hour as she calls me The radio reminds me of my home far away Driving down the road I get a feeling That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday
Country Roads take me home To the place I belong, West Virginia, Mountain Mamma, take me home Country roads
Country Roads take me home To the place I belong, West Virginia, Mountain Mamma, take me home Country roads
Take me home, that country road Take me home, that country road”