Mud Volcano Ramble

Tuesday, Sept 12…

Drove north again, through the Lamar Valley to take in a ranger-led tour of a different type of thermal pools. One of the points I do remember is that there’s ongoing volcanic activity under the park, and Yellowstone is home to about 10,000 thermal features (not all different types, but more features overall than any other place in the world). The ranger also emphasized that the park is constantly changing. One of the ridges, for example, is being pushed up about 3cm/year. That’s almost a foot in just 36 years, which is like a nano-second in geologic time. Vents may appear and/or disappear on short notice, and the steam is highly acidic (maybe ph of 1.7) and highly microbic. 

Anyone for a mud bath? 

One vent, simmering pools, and endless boardwalk.

Trio of vents.

Later we drove farther north to check out the north and south rim drives of Yellowstone's own grand canyon. It's after Labor Day, but there's still plenty of traffic, including tour buses. So glad we're not visiting during the summer. The canyon was spectacular - much smaller than the Grand Canyon, but very cool. We eventually saw both upper and lower falls and the upper and lower brinks of each (I think). 

Upper Falls

Lower Falls

Canyon

River in the Canyon

After lunch we drove south to the West Thumb Geyser area. (I mentioned boardwalks earlier. The park does a fabulous job of making almost everything accessible. Wheelchairs and walkers navigate easily.) This area abuts Yellowstone Lake, and some of the springs flow directly into it.

Blue Pool

Sulfur Pool

Mineral Beach

So pretty... but did I mention the temp in
 these pools ranges from 70-170 degrees?

BlogThought… I still check license plates. It occurred to me today that I might find all 50 states right here in the park. (14K on my FitBit.)