Road Trip – Omaha to Seattle – Day 22 – Yellowstone NP – Casper, WY – October 2, 2010

So, I figured out the formula... Regular socks, wool socks, waterproof rain socks, shoes, long john pants, sweatpants, rain pants, base layer shirt, t-shirt, hoodie, windbreaker, winter coat, rain gloves, winter gloves, and a stocking cap and sleeping in a 20 degree rated bag = waking up warm. I actually slept in a little because I was so comfortable.
Errors and omissions: In a previous blog, I stated the trees that didn't lose leaves were deciduous, they are coniferous. Also, the pizza place in Glacier, WA is called Chair 9. And Fabio's real name is Kevin.
Went back up near West Thumb when I woke up and did a little two mile hike to Duck Lake. Heard some activity in the woods on the way there and was hopeful to see some more wildlife down on the beach. When I got there, the water was still steaming a little bit from the early hour sun. Quite beautiful. I was the only one there. The only negative was you could see the street in the distance, but it was ok. I sat by the beach and just sat for awhile. After a bit, I heard some noise and an 8 point buck elk came out of the woods and stood by the water, probably 30 yards from me. I went to point my camera at him and he took off running, so I didn't get the best pictures, but the experience was awesome. After that I walked back up to the West Thumb geyser area and did that walk again. Right as I got in, there was a small crowd. There was another large buck standing in the middle of the boardwalks and in between two hot springs. That might have been the picture of the trip, but I'll have to remember it in my head, because by the time I changed lenses, he had moved from that spot. Beautiful, though. There was also momma and baby grazing in a field nearby.
Went back to camp and made bacon and eggs again. Tore down my tent, did my dishes, packed everything up, and remembered I had a note waiting at my site the night before saying they only charged me for one night, so I drove to the registration desk and gave them $21.80 more dollars. I thought it seemed cheap when I paid previously. Totally worth it. Changed my clothes and brushed my teeth at the shower area. By this time, it was about 11:15, about three hours after I woke up, and all I needed now was a t-shirt and shorts. Crazy weather shift. Wanted to drive up and see the canyon area and maybe take a hike, but when I got there, it was more just a shopping area, so I thought I'd do the south rim canyon drive and go to artist point, where my Transylvanian friend had recommended the night before. That was very stunning. There was a beautiful, large waterfall in the back and a blue river below and the canyon surrounding it just looked painted by a master.
After that, time to head out. I wanted to check out the color in Grand Teton NP, and it didn't disappoint. Everything was yellow, with some golds, reds, and oranges mixed in as well. I could go on, but I'd probably bore myself trying to explain the beauty, just ask me to see the pictures. I went on one hike and headed out down to Jackson where I ate ate a combo pizza at Mountain High Pizza Pie. Looking at the staff, I could see why they called it that. The pizza was good and fresh, and I typed my next destination into the GPS and found out the fastest way was not out of Jackson, as I had assumed, but I had to head 70 miles back up where I came from and then head east! I lost about 2.5 hours there, but c'este la vie. It was a beautiful sunset and all the colors were unreal. Had a little construction hold up, but the drive was mainly straight with very slight curves, so, even in the dark, I just pinned the cruise control on 72 and went.
Stopped at about 4 stores to try and finish buying my souvenirs for family and friends with no luck, so I just waited til I got into Casper, which seemed to be a large enough town. I think Wyoming University is here. Hit a gas station and got the gifts out of the way, and checked into my Motel 6 for the night. Ate my last two leftover pieces of pizza. Blogged. Charged batteries. Super tired, it's about 1 am mountain, and I'm running on Dr. Pepper fumes. Night. Hopefully home tomorrow night!