This evening we had a little time to go back in to the park so we went back to Sun Point. When we were there last night it was already dark. This evening we had some more time to explore.




This evening we went back in to the park for a short hike to Baring Falls and Sun Point. On the way in we stopped a couple of times to see some bears in the open fields. First we saw two grizzlies way off in the distance. Then we saw a black bear a little closer.
Winds were out of the east today, so most of the smoke got blown deeper into the park and we were able to go for a nice hike to Hidden Lake. We were just planning on doing the 3 mile hike, but we learned that only went to the overlook, so we decided to double the distance. Luckily it was a nice, cool day so we had plenty of water. It was a beautiful hike and we got to see a Hoary Marmot and a mountain goat.
Today we drove north, from Yellowstone to Glacier. Overall, not the greatest arrival at our campground. We are staying at a beautiful spot just outside the northeast entrance to the park, but because of the fires we had almost no view on the drive here or when we arrived. Upon arriving we learned that they actually evacuated and closed the west side of the park. The add insult to injury we had a rather bumpy drive and when we opened the fridge the eggs spilled out and broke.
Today we ventured into the north entrance of Yellowstone so the kids could complete their Junior Ranging workbooks and to play in the Boiling River. The river is very cold, but right near this point there is a large hot spring that flows into the river. People have constructed little pools where the waters mingle to create a really nice experience. You can find the right spot that is a good temperature and current and hang out there. Sometimes you still get a hot or cold wave that passes you by.
This evening we did the fairy falls hike. It was 7.2 miles, roundtrip, for us. That included a walk to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook and also a trip up the hill after we reached Imperial Geyser, at the end of our hike. It was a cool hike because we were all by ourselves for nearly all of it. We got to eat dinner at Imperial Geyser with no one else around, no fences, and no signs.
Today I worked a half-day and in the afternoon we traveled to our campground in West Yellowstone, and then into the park. There were a couple of major developments: