(Note: The animal pictures are set up as links to the pictures because you need to zoom in to see the details. This requires the back button to return to the page. The other pictures are embedded. Just click on them to return to the page.)

This morning started out great with no power outages or issues. The trailer was cool but nothing we couldn’t handle by turning up the heater.

We then looked outside and noticed 3 inches of snow. The snow made the trees and area look beautiful and like it was winter not spring.

I have a portable table in front of the trailer. John put his hand in front of the table to provide an idea of snow depth. It was a little over 3 inches of snow.

We started the day a little later mostly because it wasn’t above 32 until around 8 am. We compensated for the cold weather with a hot meal. A bacon omelet for John and oatmeal for me.

We then packed the cooler with sandwiches, drinks, camera gear, warm weather wear, and my national parks book. Today’s goal was to drive to Canyon Visitor center and see the sites along the way.

Views along the way

Canyon Visitor center is located about 17 miles from the campground and goes through Hayden Valley along the Yellowstone River and past the mud volcano and Sulfur caldrons. Fortunately, there are pull over spots all over. The only downside is some of the pull over spots drop 6 to 12 inches and are rough. I kept on telling John I’m thankful for the SUV vs. my car right now. And John keeps on reminding me that the SUV can take it as I’m squirming through a rough spot.

We ended up stopping multiple times for great views and animals.

First, we saw couple buffalo on a hill, but they were too far away to take great pictures.

Then, we saw many birds of various types. John was able to take a few great pictures of a Stellar’s Jay.

By the Sulfur Caldron, we saw two beautiful buffalo laying on the ground relaxing. I think they were trying to warm up.

Finally, we stopped at the Canyon Visitor Center, museum and general store.

For me, the Ranger Station was most important so I could drill them with questions. I brought in my Yellowstone book with all the hiking trails names to get maps and details about the trails. I probably spent 15 minutes or more asking questions, getting trail guides, etc. I think it was more exciting for me than John. John said that I should really get going so the folks behind us could ask questions and we can stop back again later. There was only a line of 3 or 4 people 🙂

The Canyon Visitor also has a museum that talks about the formation of Yellowstone.

Did you know that 1980 Mount St Helens amount of dust was minimal compared to Yellowstone. The boxes in the picture below represent the volcanic eruptions ash volumes from each. If you click on the picture, the picture should enlarge.

The ash had a broad impact. The various colors in the picture below represents the areas impacted by the ash. The 1980 Mount St. Helens is in blue and only impacted a small portion of the US. The three Yellowstone eruptions impact most of the western US. Wisconsin was not impacted the Yellowstone eruptions. Oklahoma was impacted.

Yellowstone has around 300 known waterfalls. Until now, I didn’t know the specific types of waterfalls. I can’t wait to visit them and write articles including the specific type of fall.

Yellowstone is considered a hotspot. Quite a few can be seen as part of the geysers, sulfur springs, etc. The museum provided details on the history of hot springs. You should be able to click on the picture to enlarge them for reading.

After the touring Canyon Visitor Center, museum and general store, we drove home. The Buffalo were no longer next to the road. The sun was out and light sprinkling of snow.

When back at the trailer, we gave him emergency freezer therapy, but he succumbed to his injuries. Can you find his nose and arms?