L&K Take America

Something I have yet to embrace is the lack of reliable cell phone and internet service. This is something I have struggled with significantly at several stops, but most so while I was at Yellowstone. For one, I couldn’t google anything (which is my primary source of information at all times), and I couldn’t post any new updates to the blog. Eeek! I survived and here we are, just a few days later. Yes, yes, I know…first world problems.

Anyway…this was a long drive from Buffalo, Wyoming to West Yellowstone. It was about a 400 mile trip, which took about 7.5 hours with stops. I was very concerned about the drive as we got deeper into the Rockies with my aforementioned phobia. However, it wasn’t too bad. I took my time, pulled over for the lines of traffic (not exaggerating) behind me and enjoyed the scenery. I only shouted out obscenities a few times. The drive was beautiful. Picture A River Runs Through It, minus Brad Pitt and the other charming and handsome men. On the way to the campsite, I actually drove through some of Yellowstone including past some of the wildfires that are under a “controlled burn.” It was pretty amazing to see (above).

So I arrived at the West Yellowstone KOA and was welcomed by this welcoming sign:

Well hot damn…how does a campsite get better than that??? I knew it was going to be a good stay. This was also the first time I was staying somewhere for two nights in a row in a while, which was great. The campsite itself was really nice. I honestly think I could have lived there for like a month, if not more. There was a little “Koffee Kabin,” a grill that served breakfast and dinner, a great store (overpriced, but had everything), and it was just 6 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone.

They also had one of the West Yellowstone hand painted buffalos. I asked if they had mini versions, similar to the painted cows in NYC, etc. but unfortunately someone has not capitalized on that opportunity yet.

They also had one of the West Yellowstone hand painted buffalos. I asked if they had mini versions, similar to the painted cows in NYC, etc. but unfortunately someone has not capitalized on that opportunity yet.

Insert picture

I digress. You get it. I liked the campground. But the best was yet to come! We set up camp and for the first time, I felt like making a campfire on my own. Don’t freak out…it’s been hot. So I bought the overpriced fire wood, kindling, and the obligatory s’mores fixins. First try and I made a roaring fire:

My father taught me well. The s’mores were amazing too. However, Luna wasn’t too sure about the fire. She couldn’t quite get down saying “dead rabbits” to make the smoke go away from her, so she spent most of the time burying graham crackers or burrowing her face into my armpit. She also wasn’t impressed with my 75 trips from the sink to the firepit to drown the flames and ensure all embers were out. Damn thing kept sizzling.

The next morning I had quite the scare when I thought my phone wouldn’t charge. After about 20 minutes of troubleshooting the phone, I realized it was the plugs in the camper that weren’t working. After about 45 minutes of troubleshooting the spark plugs and breakers with Mike & Dad, I realized it was the breakers at the campsite hookup…sometimes I really over complicate things. Crisis averted. Off to Yellowstone!

The closest entrance to Yellowstone gave me two options: I could head to the Yellowstone Loop, past the Canyon and Mammoth, or head south through Yellowstone, past Old Faithful and then down to the Grand Tetons. I chose the latter. Several people had told me that The Snake River and the Tetons were a must-see. I couldn’t agree more. Of course, I didn’t see the rest of the Loop to compare it to, but I was really impressed by what I saw.

Unfortunately, upon arrival to Yellowstone, the park ranger gave Luna a treat and gave me this list of rules about dogs in Yellowstone:

I clearly didn’t research this enough. As a result of these rules, some things were cut a little short and others I didn’t bother with, including Old Faithful. I did go see some Geysers and the number of people at the smaller geyser stops was overwhelming. I left her in the running car and did a little speed touristing. I definitely looked like a crazy person, speed walking and continuously saying “Excuse me!” as I sped past, stopped to take a picture or two and then walked on. It worked out!

I did stop at Old Faithful, but the parking lot alone turned me off of even trying. It was madness! I made my way through the southern part of Yellowstone and some amazing sites!

I then made my way to the Tetons. They were also incredible! I took so many pictures, but they take forever to load on this internet connection so you will have to ask me for more.

I stopped a lot, which annoyed Luna to get in and out of the car, but hey, she’s on a pretty epic trip so hopefully she will forgive me. On one stop, I left her in the car and was fiddling with the camera when I cracked my knee so hard on the trailer hitch that it brought tears to my eyes. It was sending radiating pain from my hip to my ankle for the remainder of the day. A nice bruise is forming to remind me to pay attention to my surroundings.

Again, there is so much to see at Yellowstone. I could have stayed for weeks. I do wish I had made some of my stops in the front end of my trip a little shorter to stay in Yellowstone for a few more days, but I know I’ll be back. HIGHLY recommend this trip to anyone including those with kids old enough to walk, hike, and appreciate it. I do not recommend bringing a dog to Yellowstone though. It’s just tough to not be able to take them hiking, etc.

The next morning I had the adventure of getting my oil changed in West Yellowstone before heading out to make my way west. I’m in awe of the natural wonders I’ve seen on this trip already and I cannot wait to see more.

Lesson of the Day: Spend less time in NY and Ohio and more time in Yellowstone. Personal preference.

And watch where you are walking. Your appendages will thank you.