Road Trippin' The USA: Eight Weeks Across America, Part 4

I rolled into Yellowstone National Park from the West Entrance through Idaho in the afternoon.  I was excited to finally be seeing this amazing park that was the First National Park of the United States.  I winded my way in slowing to see the many animals that line the roads.  It was beautiful.  I headed straight for the Madison Campground so that I could get my tent set up before it got dark.  After setting up the tent, and noting the chill that was already in the air, I got a wood fire started and pulled out my food to whip up dinner - peanut butter sandwiches.  I spent the afternoon and evening relaxing in my campsite and reading a book until it was too dark and too cold. 

I learned that night that my camping gear was not going to be adequate for the cold nights of the north.  I pretty much froze my butt off (if only that statement was literal).  As soon as the sun peaked over the horizon, I got myself into warm clothes, tore down the tent, packed up the gear and drove as fast as I could to the Lodge near Old Faithful for some heat and a hot breakfast.  Once I again felt human, I moved with the masses to get my "spot" for the next Old Faithful viewing.  Ahhhh... there it is, Faithful as ever.

Yellowstone was where I was when I discovered the National Parks Passport Program.  I purchased my Passport and got my first Passport stamp.  That was the beginning of my National Park obsession and goal to eventually make it to them all.

Yellowstone is an amazing park, full of natural beauty and interesting wildlife and geology.  If you've never been there, you must go.  In fact, I need to return there, myself, to see the rest of the park and more fully enjoy those areas I have already visited.  Don't drive through Yellowstone in a day, plan at least a few days - preferably more.  There are a lot of camping options and hotels right in the park. This is one of those places you must visit in your life.

I knew I only had a single day to spend in Yellowstone so I did my best to fill it full.  The best part of Yellowstone is the amazing wildlife.  Luckily, you never have to worry that you might miss something wonderful.  As you're driving the roads, you just wait for the need to skid to a stop in order to not hit the car in front of you... this is a sure sign that there is something good to see.  No one gets mad about the stopping in the road, though, because we're all there for the same reason... to lookie-loo!

One of those slam on breaks, skid to a stop, jump out of vehicle experiences was particularly amusing because there are signs everywhere that read "DO NOT APPROACH MOOSE".  But, there was a moose!  We've seen a zillion bison and deer and some elk, but moose!  That is exciting!  I jumped out with my camera, and along with about 30 other travelers started tromping through the woods towards the beast.  I got some pretty good photos, but some people got really close!  Luckily, we all lived that day, but it goes to show where our priorities lie - safety or photography?

I hiked around in many of the western and northern areas to see as much as I could and worked my way to the northern exit to Montana. Just before leaving the park, there is a small "town" on that northern route where elk just walk around.  Sort of scary, but I guess they are used to people.  It's a great place to view elk.  After a memorable day in a park I will definitely return to, I was off to Montana, where I learned that the daytime speed limit there was "REASONABLE AND PRUDENT".  Have I ever mentioned I love Montana?

~Links to previous articles in this series can be found at the bottom of the page.

Jennifer St.Antoine, Gather Travel Correspondent

Jennifer's column, Road Trippin' The USA, published every other Friday beginning February 9th, 2007 to Gather Essentials: Travel, is a chronicle of her experiences traveling the Roads of America.  In addition to regular installments of Jennifer's eight week adventure across the country, Road Trippin' The USA will occasionally include her other experiences on America's roads, including recommendations and warning for places to see, stay and eat.

You can find all of Jennifer's Road Trippin' the USA articles at www.gather.com/roadtrippintheusa

You can keep up with all of Jennifer's articles and her other Gather activity by joining her Gather network. Just click here: ladyjadegd.gather.com and select the orange JOIN button on the left side of the page.  

You can find Jennifer and other Travel Enthusiasts at travel.gather.com

~Read Eight Weeks Across America, Part 1 HERE!

~Read Eight Weeks Across America, Part 2 HERE!

~Read Eight Weeks Across America, Part 3 HERE!