Today we returned to Yellowstone to visit the northern half of the park. We stopped in Gibbon Meadows for a picnic lunch beside the Gibbon River, and the kids and I went wading in the river which was no more than 2 feet deep. It was icy cold but the kids didn't seem to mind!

Next we visited the village of Mammoth Hot Springs where we saw the unusual terraces created by mineral deposits from hot water gently bubbling up from the ground over thousands of years. While in Mammoth we stopped for ice cream, a welcome treat to everyone. From there, we drove south toward Canyon on the east side of the park. Along the way we stopped at a turnout which yielded a superb view of the river far below, and of a bald eagle nest occupied by a family of four eagles!

After getting back to the campsite, we have a cookout of hot dogs, bratwurst, and buffalo burgers. The buffalo was delicious by the way, less fatty than hamburger and with an unusual spicy kick.

Tomorrow we head out. But we are debating whether to continue to Mount Rushmore as originally planned, or to abandon that idea in favor of going directly home from here.

Photos:

Splashing in Gibbon River. The two people on the distant shore are fly fishermen.

One of the terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs

Valley view between Mammoth and Canyon, with Andra silhouetted at right

Bald eagle nest

"Mamaw" (my mom) with the kids at one of the overlooks.

Mike and the boys on a boardwalk at Mammoth Hot Springs