Another summer season is upon us. School is almost out, the weather is warming up and our wallets may already be a bit leaner thanks to those vacation plans you probably already made a few months ago. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to take a few trips in my lifetime. The majority of my travels have been here in the United States. I did visit Vancouver, BC, Ensenada, Mexico, and London, England in my younger days. Does that qualify me as an international traveler? Hardly. My travel bucket list still has many boxes left to check.
I, of course, have future plans to finally take a European or Asian tour where I can go find myself. Have any of you done that? Taken a trip to go “find yourself?” I never had that chance like most college kids so I think it’s time. Until then, I want to start a destination series here on my blog and discuss the few places I have visited over the years. I’ll provide photos, insight and a brief history. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I’ll enjoy writing about it.
Let’s start this series with the world’s first ever national park, Yellowstone. Located in three states, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone was established March 1st, 1872. I won’t go entirely into the history of the park but I do know from reading Yellowstone’s official website, this land, like many others (watch the TV show Yellowstone) was to eventually be used for development. I can’t imagine what this area would look like now if they allowed a strip mall to be built in this area. Anyway, thanks to an act of Congress, Yellowstone is now protected land and truly a sight to behold.
I first visited Yellowstone with the family back in 2008. We camped there for three days. It certainly is the cheapest way to go if you’re into tent camping and want to save some money. There are twelve camp sites with fees starting at $20 and as high as $83 plus taxes in certain areas of the park. There are spots for trailers and RV’s as well. If you’d rather not encounter wildlife first hand you can try your luck at staying at one of the nine hotels and lodges located inside the park. The lowest nightly rate is $249. Whatever way you choose to spend your evenings whether by a campfire out in the open air, or the fireplace at Old Faithful Lodge, there’s plenty to do at Yellowstone. Do I sound like a travel brochure yet?
I’ve visited Yellowstone twice now and there’s still some of the park I have yet to see. I do recommend, of course, seeing Old Faithful and take a walk to the other lesser known geysers not far from the popular one. Be sure to take a backpack and load it up with snacks and water. When you’re there, it doesn’t look like it will take long to walk the area but trust me, it can take a few hours. Take your time and enjoy all of the area. It’s amazing. Also, just taking a drive through the park to enjoy the mountains and the wildlife is a must. I can almost guarantee you’ll see buffalo, elk, and many other animals in the park. They literally stop traffic.
I personally feel the best way to get to Yellowstone is to drive. I realize that’s a tall order depending where you live. It’s at least a 16 hour drive for me but I love driving state to state. Flying is fun, but nothing beats driving on the open road. As the saying goes, “Know before you go.” Click on the Yellowstone Park link at the end of my post and be sure to click the plan your visit tab. All the information you need is there.
Again, I highly recommend visiting Yellowstone. Even if you’re not an outdoors enthusiast, it may make you think twice about that once you see it first hand. Seeing the paint pots and the numerous thermal areas and all that nature has to offer will certainly have you think twice about exploring our own natural wonders.
If you’ve been to Yellowstone, tell me about your experience in the comment section below. Or, if you’re looking to go ask me a question. I’m not exactly the website, but I can provide a personal view from my own experience. Let’s get out there and explore God’s green and brown earth. Next stop, Mount Rushmore!
Feel free to pass on my blog link to your friends and family and check out my previous posts. There’s more to come and the best part, it’s free!
Quotes: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir
“There’s no wi-fi in nature, but I promise you’ll find a better connection.” - Author Unknown