Pardon Me…

I rarely think about the planet beneath my feet as a living breathing thing, except when I visit Yellowstone National Park. This is where the planet displays all the uncouth functions of its delicate digestive system in profusion. Here, unlike the everyday ground beneath our feet in say, Chicago, the earth unleashes its pent-up fumes and fluids as if it just had a giant gas-station burrito for lunch. It’s fascinating, and more than a little creepy to stand among the spewing, steaming, boiling vents and take in all that expulsion.

Yellowstone is such an iconic place for many reasons, but the image that springs instantly to one’s mind when you think of Yellowstone is that of the Old Faithful Geyser. It never ceases to amaze. It is a vivid reminder that our planet is most definitely alive, and it needs burping regularly, just like us.

Our visit this time fell in late April, the earliest time of year we have ever been there. Though we were not able to see the whole park due to the remaining winter closures, we still had an incredible time. We saw scores of buffalo, some elk up close and personal and a few prong horn antelope. The roadways were not congested, and we were able to find parking for Our Ramblin Van without issue at all the stops we wanted to make. I would visit early or late in the season again, even with the partial closures, it is always a worthwhile destination, sulphury burps and all.

 Keep the vents open,