July 23, 2012 Yellowstone, Day 2

Today we headed down to Canyon, the part we tried to see yesterday but the traffic was too congested. There are two falls, Upper and Lower, in the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park". Breathtaking! One of the most breathtaking parts was going down "Uncle Tom's Trail" to the base of the lower falls - including 328 steps! The view was worth every step. As we walked along the south rim trail to "artist's point" a ranger shooed everyone off the trail because there was a bear nearby, although we never saw it. It took most of the day to "do" the Canyon area, and on the way back to the campground, we stopped at a mysterious parking lot. Turns out the Gardner River gets hot water from the Mammoth Hot Springs above it, and it becomes suitable for "swimming" - so naturally we walked up there and I took off my shoes & socks. That water going into the river is HOT! Here is a sampling of today's pictures.....











Mr. Bison, just kinda stumping along on the road, causing the usual traffic backup. I took this shot out the truck window as I eased by him. He paid NO attention to the vehicles, the people leaping out of their cars, or any of the other foolishness... Mr. Elk, on the other hand, presented us with his backside as he wandered off into the woods. He has quite a rack! These are the Upper Falls.











These are the Lower Falls. The Uncle Tom's Trail sign says it all! Bubba at the perfect canyon vantage point.











The Stairs! Beside the river at the bottom of the falls, there is still a big chunk of snow - in July! We made it to the bottom viewing point!











Looking UP those stairs.... Chatting with Mr. Raven, who polices that parking lot for tidbits. The Lower Falls from a more distant viewpoint.













If you look closely at the left side of the Lower Falls picture, you will see the Uncle Tom's Trail stairs that we went down and back up. The sign explains about the Canyon. And the Boiling River sign...











The "swimming hole" where the hot water blends with the cold, and the people enjoy - even me! Our last view of the Roosevelt Gate at the north entrance.