Day 3 - Thermopolis, Wyoming to Bridge Bay Campgroup, East Yellowstone Park

Day 3: Thermopolis, Wyoming to Bridge Bay Campgroup, East Yellowstone Park

July 29, 2013

Last night at around 12M, an enormous camper van pulled by an equally enormous pick-up decided to try to fit into the very small RV camper site next door to us. It was never clear whether they were authorized and paying visitors, but they attempted to pull into a too-small spot three times, shining their lights into everyone’s campsites and shouting instructions to each other. It was some of the rudest camping etiquette ever. Unfortunately, it was the night Ricardo had decided to try out our small tent, so he was attempting to sleep next to the racket. Ricardo tried to talk to the driver of the rig the next morning, but he looked to be about 102. We packed up and left as early as we could.

Today was a big driving day. We started in Thermopolis, WY. We made our way to the hot springs near town. The Hot Spring State Park was nearly empty, so we were able to drive around, see the sites and try a few of the hot springs. The park was formed around the hot springs to be a free resource for Indians and “white men” alike, but it had very little signage. Here are two of the only signs we saw.

 

We drove around and only saw a few buffalo before we found the springs. The water was coming out of the earth into craters at a temperature of around 130 F. It was too hot to dip more than a toe into.

At the entrance of the park, there was a free soaking pool and so we all enjoyed the hot tub like water there.  Peter announced that it was his favorite spot.

From Thermopolis, we drove to Cody, WY and onto the eastern entrance to Yellowstone. The views were dramatic and beautiful. The driving was slower in the park and it took us most of the day to get here and to our campsite. All of the campsite signs in Yellowstone read “Full”, so we have been glad we made reservations in March and April!  We loved the Bridge Bay campsite. We had time to set up camp, make a lovely fire, and grill ribs for dinner. I forgot we didn’t have an oven, so I grilled our cornbread in a skillet over the fire, also. We had brought Adel sweet corn from home, so we had a wonderful dinner before it started pouring with rain.  Just as we were finishing our s’mores and lots of marshmallows (for Alle), a thunderstorm started and we all made it inside. It rained all night and was our coldest night so far.  I think it was around 40. We used ALL of the blankets and sleeping bags we brought.

We look forward to a few days in the park, without as much driving as it took to get to Yellowstone.