Last day with Darlene and Mike 😢

August 15 – I got up at 7:30 and Bill was up already reading.  Guess he didn’t sleep so well.  Eventually I made some bacon, muffins in a cup and scrounged up a peach and picked out the good blueberries for a little fruit bowl. 

Bill had gotten paint on one the “fishermen” shirts he bought at the storage unit sale and I had him just keep it in water til this morning.  Tried spraying it before washing but no luck.  He’s very sad!

It’s been cold every morning.  I hope it doesn’t get much colder here, kinda anxious to head south for some warmer weather.  I know once we get to Tucson in September, I will regret asking for warmer weather.

After lunch we left for West Yellowstone to meet up with Darlene and Mike.  Then we zipped into Yellowstone.  The skies were looking a bit sketchy but it was behind us so we figured we had some time to take in the sights.  Traffic was pretty heavy leaving the park, which was a good sign for us.

Firehole Falls

Our first stop was Firehole Falls where they have a decent parking area to stop and take photos.  People were coming and going.  It’s a one way road and narrows right along the falls.  Further up is an area you can swim in and Mike snagged a parking spot

Trying to decide if he's going to jump in

along the road so we could watch some of the folks down in the ravine.  Some were jumping from rocks into the water, some were floating downstream and some were just watching.  I think that would be some cold water!! 

Bill with the one we can see from the road

Our next stop was Mid-way Geyser Basin.  It’s our favorite spot!  We didn’t get to go last time, just drive by as the lines to get in were huge.  Today it looked like there was no one in the driveway, well, until we made the turn, then we were in a not so long line.  It was pretty packed but no tour buses!  We took some photos from the “shore” and then crossed over the bridge and had planned to do the entire circle walk. 

A real beauty

The skies were getting darker and there was a chill in the air.  We got to see the best parts and got some nice photos.  We started doing the “fast” walk and once we got to the parking lot we started feeling some splats of rain, but managed to get in the car before anything major.

In trying to keep ahead of the rain, we headed to West Thumb.  There is a short trail there but it still was looking ugly so we checked out the Mud Pot bubbling beside

Mike, Bill and Dar at the Mud Pot

the parking lot.  Bill tried to convince a guy to get in and let us take his photo climbing out.  He was a good sport about it and joked right back at him.

We took a short drive along Yellowstone Lake, which is gorgeous!  Then we decided the weather was only

Yellowstone Lake by guest photographer
Mike Ensminger

going to get worse so we turned around and headed back out of the park.  Traffic wasn’t bad until we were getting close to the exit.  Then we were backed up which only means one thing:  wildlife

So many cars were parked along the side that we only got a couple of glimpses of the elk

Quick shot Bill got of the elk

who were bathing in the water along the right side of the car.  Bill did get an unusual photo of himself in the side view mirror taking a picture of the elk.

Time for dinner!  Tonight was Wild West Pizza.  It was pretty slow when we arrived but filled up by the time we left.  Bill had calzone, I had a white pizza with all the things Bill won’t eat, and Mike and Dar shared a pizza.  I really loved my choice and although it was only 8 inches, it was piled with toppings and I “FORCED” myself to finish it.  I have to admit, I was rather miserable later.  Mike and Dar took their leftover for a snack later if needed.

They took us back to their cabin and gave us the grand tour.  It’s very nice and really roomy BUT, why provide tray tables to have the food on that you can prepare in the small kitchen but no chairs!  There is only one relaxing chair!  Not good planning on someone’s part.  I would have brought it to someone’s attention for the price I’m sure is high!

Unfortunately we had to say our “goodbyes” as they were leaving in the morning and we were going to work.  I guess it will be another 2 years before we see them on our next trip west.  We have a good time together and we enjoy their company.  Of course, Darlene and I will continue to email on a regular basis and keep up with what’s going on in Florida and Colorado!

The rest of the evening was rather blah! 

😞