Camping in YellowStone

Yellowstone is simply one of our favorite outings.  Last year we tried our hand at camping in Yellowstone and it was a complete success, so we went again this year.

Unfortunately we had children in school so we couldn't leave incredibly early, but a few were retrieved (or "freed" as Jane's teacher put it") early so we could leave by 3:00pm.  Not to bad, we arrived at the park by 6:00pm, and a mere hour later, we were checked in.

Just for the record, plan on the checking in process to be incredibly long, especially in the evening when there's a line.  If you're driving an RV or pulling a camper, make sure you have reservations because spots are limited and it sucks to get turned away and face another two plus hours of driving.

That didn't happen to us, but last year we saw a camper turned away to try other campsites in the park and this was after dark.  It was a sad sad sight.

So, we checked in, roasted hot dogs and went to the amphitheater for a fascinating program on the great earthquake of  1959.  Even the little boys were mildly interested, especially with pictures being flashed of new lakes that were formed, downed roads and trees, lots of interesting information. 

Ean had stayed home from school Friday with a wicked cough (sorry, channeling Vermont speak).   So while Kent and I packed, Ean had a full day to basically do two chores, grab his coat and a jacket to put in the camp trailer for the camp out.  He failed to do both, so being *M*O*M*, I wrapped him in my sweater and was fairly uncomfortable with no covering.  Kent offered me his jacket but I couldn't let him be cold either.  Our children have no idea how much we give up for them.

It was only mildly uncomfortable so I survived, luckily the temperatures hadn't dropped yet, so while chilly at night and in the am, it wasn't freezing. 

If we had gone a few weeks later, Ean would have been miserable.

The biggest problem camping and hiking a national park with eight children (we went with another family) is that we had to repeat information dozens and I do mean DOZENS of times.  Mostly "Stay on the path"  and all the many reasons why you'd stay on the path in a thermally active area.  It only took the first six hours before most of the older children started to believe us. 

We saw lots of geysers of all sizes.  We saw small geysers that erupted every 30 seconds or so for small bursts of bubbly foot high columns of water.  We saw simmering pools reflecting colors usually reserved for gems.  Cauldrons of  orange witches brew with softball size bubbles in a steady stream.  Steam, so much steam that one child quipped after a very long Saturday of lots of sites "We can make steam at HOME!"

Overall, I'd say the trip was a success although I need to work on my children skills with button pushing children because I was not in the mood most of the trip.  

Next year, we'll camp in a different part of the park.  Already looking forward to it.