Lost Lake Trail

Daddy talked to a Park Ranger at the Visitor's Center, and asked about a good trail for our family. The suggestion of the Lost Lake Trail was given, which is a loop of 2.8 miles. Unfortunately the Park Ranger did not tell us about the elevation climb or the bear sightings that we found written on the posters when we got to the trail head. It was a bit unsettling, but we went on our way. We had a long and intense climb, but a wonderful and challenging climb at the same time. Cade absolutely loved it, Joel got through it, Daddy was a champ carrying Callie, and Momma enjoyed the moments with everyone. The views were beautiful, the vegetation unique, and we didn't see any bears! We were overjoyed to see the van after 2+ hours of hiking. 

We can make it to the tree at the top!

We labeled this as Sage Meadow! The sagebrush was thick and the wildflowers would bountiful!

We made it down the other side of the mountain, through the "stinging" flowers, and found a shady spot to grab a drink! We put Lavender on Joel's legs and Purifcation to keep the bugs away. 

Another "dose" of Lavender for Joel after a little tumble. And Cade found a few raspberries the kids tried! 

We have a ways to go!!

And a silly one!

Potty break! And we filled out water bottles! 

Joel saw a ground squirrel!

Up we go again! Lots and lots of switchbacks!

We made it to the top!

We found the Lost Lake!

Callie got to hike too!

We did it!! What an awesome Yellowstone memory!!

Petrified Tree

Our first stop was the Petrified Tree. Though the sign at the tree talked about millions of years, we know this tree was probably a result the flood! "The flood would have torn up billions of trees that would end up floating on the surface. Many of these would sink vertically to the bottom and be rapidly buried and petrified as they were covered by flow after flow of underwater volcanic material. Later uplift and erosion would expose the vertical petrified trees we see in Yellowstone." (Page 161 True North Series, Your Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks) 

We enjoyed using this opportunity to reflect on God's amazing power and strength. His ways are higher than the ways of man. His ways make more "logical" sense than "science". He is in control!

Yellowstone - Day 1

We made it to Yellowstone! We pulled through the historic Yellowstone Arch a bit before noon on Wednesday, July 20! We were so excited!!

 Prong Horn in the park!

We spotted a elkk cow and calf, just a mile or so into the park. 

After visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor's Center, we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch before acquainting ourselves with more of the park!

Gate of the Mountains!

Pam and Lindsay (Miles and Thea too!) took us on a tour boat to view The Gate of the Mountains on Holter Lake, which is a damned lake from the Missouri River. We had a 3 hour tour going about 5-6 miles down the river and then back. We saw beautiful scenery and glimpses of wildlife. 

Looking for wildlife and Joel found me!

We took Callie's bionoculars along too! They were just perfect for her! I am always thankful for our great garage sale finds!

The back of the boat was open, and we were able to see wonderful views!

Cade was looking at an adolescent bald eagle in the dead tree. 

The Gate opening! 

Pam entertaining the kids!

Callie (age 2) and Miles (age 4)

Our tour boat 

A mule deer ran out in front of us when we were leaving the parking lot. 

Our view of the beautiful moon on the way home. It was so big and so bright!