Yellowstone Grant area

I mentioned yesterday that we spent two weeks in Yellowstone National Park. Starting from the Lake area, we next turn to the Grant Village and West Thumb area:

Grant map

Grant Visitor Center:

Grant Visitor Center

Grant Visitor Center

West Thumb Park Store:

West Thumb Park Store

West Thumb Park Store

We had dinner at the Grant Village Restaurant, one of the restaurants that require reservations:

Grant Village Restaurant

The menu:

Menu

Menu

Beverages:

Beverages

Appetizers:

Appetizers

Mains:

Mains

Mains

We saved room for dessert:

Menu

Desserts

After the restaurant, we walked around the West Thumb Geyser Basin:

West Thumb Geyser Basin sign

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Next, a video from clips captured with my 360 camera of this area. Tomorrow, the famous Old Faithful area.

Yellowstone Lake area

We spent two weeks in Yellowstone National Park (staying at the Fishing Bridge RV Park), going out and exploring the park pretty much every day. So I’m going to post about each area of the park for the next week or so, moving clockwise around the park, rather than following our activities in chronological order. That should make these posts a useful resource for people planning to visit the park, but only have time for one or two areas.

Here’s a map of Yellowstone (click to go to the interactive maps on the NPS site):

Yellowstone map

A PDF edition (best viewed in light mode; there’s a toggle in the upper-right corner of the web page):

Yellowstone map

Since we were staying at Fishing Bridge, let’s start with the Yellowstone Lake area. Here’s a map of that area:

Lake map

On our first day we stopped by the nearby Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, one of the smaller visitor centers:

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

The Fishing Bridge:

The Fishing Bridge

Yellowstone Lake:

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

Lake sunset

We took a drive out east to Sylvan Lake:

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Back to the Lake Butte overlook above Yellowstone Lake:

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

Lake cabins:

Lake cabins

Lake cabins

Lake cabins

Lake lodge:

Lake lodge

Lake Village General Store:

Lake Village General Store

Lake Village General Store

Yellowstone Lake

Lake Yellowstone Hotel:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

A pelican on the lake:

Pelican

Fishing Bridge General Store:

Fishing Bridge General Store

Fishing Bridge General Store

Fishing Bridge General Store

Fishing Bridge General Store

Fishing Bridge General Store

Fishing Bridge gas station:

Fishing Bridge gas station

A bison on a hill by the Fishing Bridge, and a couple of tourons — tourist morons, too close to the bison:

Bison and stupid people

Bison strolling down the center of the road:

Bison strolling down the center of the road

Tomorrow, we head south to West Thumb and Grant Village.

Snake River whitewater rafting

While staying in Alpine, Wyoming, we did a whitewater rafting experience on the Snake River. My first time.

The rafting trip was between West Table Boat Ramp and Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp:

A nice thing about staying at Alpine Valley RV Resort was a van to take us to the starting point, instead of having to go all the way to Jackson. We had the van to ourselves:

Van

Everyone else arrived by bus from Jackson:

Bus

Boats:

Boats

Jenn with a life vest:

Jenn with life vest

Ready to go:

Jenn and David

On the river:

On the river

Selfie:

Selfie

Rafting

Swimming stop:

Swimming stop

Our guide:

Our guide

Pulling people back in:

Pulling people back in

Rafting

Rapids

GIFs:

GIF

GIF

GIF

Beaver den:

Beaver den

A slo-mo video of going over some rapids:

Professional pictures; Jenn and I are at the back:

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Rafting

Finishing:

Finishing

Us afterwards:

Jenn and David afterwards

Grand Teton National Park

We visited Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on three days while staying in Alpine, about an hour south of the park.

Passing through Jackson with its antler arches:

Jackson

A stop at the National Elk Refuge visitor center just north of Jackson (where we didn’t see any live elk):

National Elk Refuge

National Elk Refuge

National Elk Refuge

Entering Grand Teton National Park:

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Park map:

Map

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center:

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Colter Bay Visitor Center:

Colter Bay Visitor Center

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Mormon Row, and the iconic barn:

Mormon Row

Mormon Row

Mormon Row

Mormon Row

Mormon Row

Mormon Row

Bison:

Bison

Grand Teton National Park

Rockefeller Parkway Visitor Information Station:

Rockerfeller Parkway Visitor Information Station

Flagg Ranch:

Flagg Ranch

Flagg Ranch

Jackson Lake dam:

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Jackson Lake dam

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Jenny Lake:

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Grand Teton National Park

A scenic national park.

Baseball: Ferry to Seattle, Mariners team store

We took the fast ferry from Bremerton to Seattle, Washington, to go to the Mariners team store, and walk a little around the city.

Fast ferry

Fast ferry

Fast ferry

Lumen Field for feetball:

Lumen Field

T-Mobile Park baseball field:

T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park

Mariners Team Store:

Mariners Team Store

Mariners Team Store

Mariners Team Store

Pioneer Square and environs:

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square

MOD Pizza for dinner:

MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza

Seattle

Seattle

Seattle

Skylight for underground area:

Skylight for underground

Seattle

Seattle

Seattle

Seattle

Seattle

Line for ferry:

Line for ferry

Glimpse of stadiums:

Glimpse of stadiums

Olympic National Park beaches and rainforests

Last year we visited some eastern parts of Olympic National Park in Washington state. This year, we visited several western parts of the park, including beaches and rainforests.

Quinault River Ranger Station:

Quinault River Ranger Station

Quinault River Ranger Station

Quinault River Ranger Station

Quinault River Ranger Station


Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail:

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail


Salmon House Restaurant for dinner:

Salmon House Restaurant

Salmon House Restaurant

Salmon House Restaurant


Seabrook, a created town on the coast, aka the hellmouth:

Seabrook

Seabrook

Seabrook

Seabrook

Seabrook

Seabrook

Seabrook


Kalaloch Ranger Station:

Kalaloch Ranger Station

Kalaloch Ranger Station

Kalaloch Ranger Station


Kalaloch Beach:

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Tree of Life:

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach

Picnic:

Kalaloch Beach


Beach 4 Nature Trail:

Beach 4 Nature Trail

Beach 4 Nature Trail


Big Cedar Nature Trail:

Big Cedar Nature Trail

Big Cedar Nature Trail

Big Cedar Nature Trail

Big Cedar Nature Trail

Big Cedar Nature Trail


Hoh Rain Forest:

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

Hoh Rain Forest

1.5 hours delay?!

1.5 hours delay?!

Delay

After half an hour in the line, and at least another half hour or more still to go, we gave up and turned around. Not worth that wait.


We stopped at Hard Rain Cafe for a snack:

Hard Rain Cafe

Hard Rain Cafe

Hard Rain Cafe


Mora:

Mora

Mora

Mora


Rialto Beach:

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach

Ocean City beach

One thing we really enjoyed about staying at Thousand Trails Oceana RV & Camping Resort in Ocean City, Washington was the proximity to the beach; a five minute walk (and unlike Thousand Trails Whalers Rest in South Beach, no need to cross highway 101). We went for daily walks along the beach.

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Further down the beach, vehicles were more common, but they mostly didn’t make it down this far:

Ocean City beach

Lots of interesting shells:

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Including crab shells:

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

And crab guts:

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

We took a bag on our walks, collecting garbage:

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Ocean City beach

Pacific coast food

For most of my life, I’ve disliked and avoided seafood. But as part of our traveling lifestyle, we’ve been stretching our comfort zones. For myself, one of those efforts is to try new foods, and especially to eat more seafood.

While we traveled up the Pacific coast this year, I took the opportunity to sample several seafood options, and especially a lot of clam chowder.

Due West Tavern in Olema, California:

Due West in Olema, California

Due West in Olema, California

Due West in Olema, California

Menu:

Menu

Menu

The first time I ordered clam chowder; fortunately, it was a very good one:

Clam chowder

Jenn’s fish and chips:

Jenn's fish and chips

My burger and fries (sticking with a more safe option at this stage):

My burger and fries


Chart Room, Crescent City, California:

Chart Room, Crescent City, California

Crab pots snowmen:

Crab pots snowmen

Chart Room

Sea lions:

Sea lions

Menu:

Menu

Menu

Jenn:

Jenn

Jenn’s clam chowder:

Jenn's clam chowder

My salad:

My salad

Jenn’s clam strips, coleslaw, fries:

Jenn's clam strips, coleslaw, fries

My clam chowder bread bowl; based on the previous success, I decided to dive in:

My clam chowder bread bowl


The Boat House, Coos Bay, Oregon, a travel day stop:

The Boat House, Coos Bay, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Clam chowder appetizers:

Clam chowder

My burger and fries (playing safe on a travel day):

My burger and fries

Jenn’s fish and shrimp:

Jenn's fish and shrimp


Mo’s in Florence, Oregon:

Mo's in Florence, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Menu

Mo's in Florence, Oregon

Jenn’s shrimp noodles:

Jenn's shrimp noodles

My clam chowder bread bowl:

My clam chowder bread bowl

My clam chowder bread bowl

Pressed penny:

Pressed penny


Griff’s on the Bay, Reedsport, Oregon:

Griff's on the Bay, Reedsport, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Menu

My clam chowder bread bowl (I liked the toasted edge):

My clam chowder bread bowl


Clearwater, Newport, Oregon; we went there for my birthday:

Clearwater, Newport, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Menu

Bridge view:

Bridge view

David and beverage:

David and beverage

Clam chowder:

Clam chowder

Fancy deviled eggs:

Fancy deviled eggs

Beverages:

Beverages

Jenn’s thing:

Jenn's thing

My steak:

My steak

Seagulls and sea lion:

Seagulls and sea lion

Seagulls and sea lion

Seagulls

Dessert menu:

Dessert menu

Waffles:

Waffles

Brownie:

Brownie


Mo’s in Newport, Oregon:

Mo's in Newport, Oregon

Mo's in Newport, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Clam chowder:

Clam chowder

My clam strips and mashed spuds:

My clam strips and mashed spuds

Jenn’s clam chowder bread bowl:

Jenn's clam chowder bread bowl


Mo’s in Otter Rock, Oregon:

Mo's in Otter Rock, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Mo's in Otter Rock, Oregon

Different kinds of fish and chips:

Different kinds of fish and chips


Lakeside Hideaway in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, another travel day stop:

Lakeside Hideaway in Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Menu

Clam chowder:

Clam chowder

Club sandwiches and tots:

Club sandwiches and tots


Mo’s in Seaside, Oregon:

Mo's in Seaside, Oregon

Mo's in Seaside, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Menu

Clam chowder:

Clam chowder

Fish, clam strips, shrimp:

Fish, clam strips, shrimp

Platter with a view


Pig’n Pancake in Seaside, Oregon:

Pig'n Pancake in Seaside, Oregon

Menu:

Menu

Clam chowder:

Clam chowder

Jenn’s breakfast:

Breakfast

My baked spud and razor clams:

My baked spud, razor clams


Grizzly Tuna in Seaside, Oregon:

Grizzly Tuna in Seaside, Oregon

Grizzly Tuna in Seaside, Oregon

Tuna and chips:

Tuna and chips

That’s it for the coast, but I’ve had seafood several times since then too. So, it’s probably fair to say that it’s now a regular part of my diet. Mission accomplished!