June 29 (Day 27)

Early Tuesday morning, we loaded up the van and drove a few hours to Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming. After some quick thinking on Dad’s part, we found a campsite, set up the tents, ate lunch and then drove to see the geysers (by the way, the campground was perfect, right near the water and buffalo were right there in the campsite). We walked a short trail to see the geysers, and it was worth it! It was so neat, and so different than what we are use to. It was so cool, not unlike natural hot tubs. The water was several shades of vivid blue (caused by the bacteria living in the water) and every now and then one would just shoot water and steam straight up in the air. It was amazing.

After the trails, we went to the general store and then back to the campsite where we had dinner. Right before we sat down to eat, an elderly park ranger came through inspecting the campsites and Mom asked him if he wanted some chicken, he thanked her but continued his duties but when he came back Mom made him a plate and he sat down and ate with us. His name was John, and it was his 80^th birthday. We enjoyed listening to his stories probably as much as he enjoyed telling them. It was a nice surprise, for all of us I think.

After we said our goodbyes to John, we got back into the van, headed on a bear hunt. We had already seen buffalo, fox, mule deer, elk and while we were driving we saw a moose, but Mom really wanted to see a bear so we went out searching for some. We saw two black bears, and it was so cool to see them in the wild. Mom was certainly pumped, as well as the rest of us. It was a great day.

Best part of the day? Seeing all the wildlife!

P.S. (from Keith) Happy 20th Anniversary Kim!