“He was born in the summer of his 27^th year, coming home to a place he’s never been before. With yesterday behind him, you could say he was born again. You could say he found the key to every door.” ~John Denver

This song brings me back to a time that meant so much to me. I was 26 and it was the summer. I drove cross-country with my two college roommates – New Jersey to Washington State. We hit every landmark along the way from Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, to Wind Cave and Custer’s Last Stand, and finally to Yellowstone National Park and Seattle. This trip came at a pivotal time in each of our lives. For me, it was the beginning of the journey that made me who I am today. This trip set into motion a series of events that led to me moving to DC and ultimately, meeting Frank. Every time I hear that song, it stops me in my tracks and I can’t help but smile through tear filled eyes about how much those girls and that time in my life have meant to me.

Yellowstone, 2008

Fast forward to present day and the trip that Frank and I just took to Wyoming. Frank had never been to Yellowstone and neither one of us had been to see the Grand Tetons. We rented a truck and a camper trailer and spent a week and a half touring both parks. Today’s post will feature the first part of our trip in Yellowstone National Park.

I wasn’t sure if I would feel the same about Yellowstone coming back all these years later, but the moment we drove into the park my worries disappeared. I was so excited to show Frank around my Yellowstone. When we stepped out of the car and took our first breath of that fresh mountain air I was instantly reminded how at home I feel in the mountains! And how much I love every bit of that “rocky mountain high”.

Today’s post features some of our favorite images from Yellowstone. Frank’s favorite thing about the park was seeing buffalo up close and personal. He was completely blow away having never seen them before. He also enjoyed the geyser basins and couldn’t believe that the park sits on top of an active volcano with this bubbling, smoking, scalding water just inches below the thin surface of the ground.

My favorite has always been the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. I could spend hours in that part of the park just staring out at the carved rock and river below. I remember the first time I saw it like it was yesterday and yet it still took my breath away the second time around! I also enjoy Lake Yellowstone at the heart of the park and sitting out at the Lake Lodge just enjoying the view.

Finally, one of the park’s best kept secrets, Boiling River, was a highlight for both of us! It’s located at the northernmost part of the park right on the Montana border. A pathway takes you along the river to a spot where the runoff from the geyser basins meets the river to form a swimming spot! It’s like an outdoor hot tub! Years ago, we were among only a few that knew of this location and found ourselves sharing the river with a herd of Elk. It seems more people have caught on since my first visit, but we had fun testing out the GoPro in the river nonetheless!

Thanks for reading today, friends! I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Yellowstone and the first part of our Wyoming adventure. If you liked this post, check back later this week to see our favorites from Grand Teton National Park and a special guest blog post from Frank!