Yellowstone - Day 1

 We were welcomed into Yellowstone in the most unforgettable way! Though we arrived late in the day, sunset proved to be the perfect time for spotting wildlife. Barely two minutes into the park, we came across a pack of yellow-bellied marmots. Just as we were marveling at that moment, we were stopped in our tracks—literally—by three rams fighting right on the road! After watching them settle their dispute, we drove on, spotted our first buffalo, and even had a snowball fight… in mid-June!

The next morning, we hit the ground running, eager to explore. We stayed in Lake Village at the Lake Lodge Cabins, and began our adventure heading north. First up: the Mud Volcano and Dragon’s Breath Spring. Along the way, we saw even more buffalo—and a wolf!

At Canyon Village, we explored both the Upper and Lower Falls. By then, the kids had had enough of waterfalls (“We’re just looking at the same two waterfalls from different angles!”). So we shifted gears with a peaceful picnic at Virginia Cascade, a quiet spot where we could eat, play, and recharge. While there, we noticed bear tracks and scat—a clear reminder of how wild Yellowstone really is.

We wrapped up the day at Norris Geyser Basin to see the Porcelain Geysers, which the kids dubbed “the burning lava of death.” Lainey was nervous, and although Marley claimed he wasn’t, he never let go of a parent’s hand.

After about seven straight hours of exploring, we headed back to the lodge for dinner, a round of cards, and some much-needed relaxation.

On to Day Two!