In September, Team Jones (Amanda and Joe) joined Team Stefanovich (Sharla and Caleb) and our Dad (Charles) for a week-long adventure in the Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. Here are some pictures from our adventure and the search for the elusive moose.
Here is our fearless leader (Dad) pictured with Joe and Team Stefanovich in the background.
Yellowstone is known for its amazing hydrothermal activity. We walked what seemed like 100s of miles of boardwalk to take it all in. We had to be careful that we didn't lose anyone in all of the steam! Joe was swallowed by the mist just milliseconds later (photo above left)! (There were no moose in the steam.)
The thermal pools were beautiful despite their distinct sulfur smell. Pictured above is "Abyss," where Teams Jones and Stefanovich stopped for a group photo.
The gorgeous views included geysers, waterfalls, terraces, and of course the most famous geyser- Ol' Faithful! What a dynamic landscape! (No moose yet.)
We saw (literally) tons of wildlife including elk, bison, and wolves. Whether on the side of the road or in the middle of it, the wildlife was able to stop traffic. But were are the moose???
Team Stefanovich takes a break from exploring to smile for the camera. (You can't see their extreme telephoto lens in this picture, but I did suffer from major lens envy on this trip. Maybe Team S will email me some of their amazing wildlife shots for the blog. Hint. Hint. Wink. Wink.) The hydrothermal pools were even gorgeous as the sun went down, and on more than one occasion we explored until dark. (above: Joe, Sharla and I entertain ourselves on the way back to camp.) Are there nocturnal moose?
One afternoon we encountered snow. Team Stefanovich did what they had to do to keep warm. We frolicked in the snow a bit and enjoyed the views from the overlook. We stayed as long as we could, but when the flurry turned into a storm, we hightailed it back down the mountain!
We traveled through the Grand Tetons National Park where we finally spotted the Majestic Moose (the brown speck in the center photo) and enjoyed a scenic float trip down the Snake River. (above: Team Stefanovich on the river)
Then we piled back into the "Death Star" for the long drive back to California. Thank you to the drivers Dad, Joe and Caleb. I think this trip is will be remembered by all as our favorite family vacation! At least until the next time... (right: Joe at the helm of the "Death Star").
