Honeymoon-day 6-July 30, 2023
We packed up camp after an amazing night’s sleep in Custer Gallatin National Forrest in Montana and headed toward Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. We spent the day taking in the views of steaming geysers, magnificent mountains, rushing rivers, and an overwhelming abundance and variety of wildflowers. Both breakfast and dinner were eaten from our food supply in the car. It’s incredible how satisfying peanut butter and crackers can be.
Some highlights for the day in Yellowstone included:
Norris Geyser Basin-the park’s hottest, most dynamic basin
Old Faithful-world famous geyser
Roadside swimming in Lewis Lake
*I have to mention how fun Chris and I have found it to have our “Just Married” note on the back of the Subaru. We have so many people congratulate or honk at us. I know this is something we will forget years from now, so I have to constantly make note of how special this newlywed time is.
Our evening was once again an adventure. If you have read my past posts, you know we wanted this trip to be flexible and all the campgrounds and hotels in Yellowstone and Grand Teton book out months in advance during this peak season. However, there are several campgrounds just outside the parks that are first come, no reservations. So we decided to try our luck at Grassy Lanes Road, at the junction of Flagg Ranch Info Station. It’s part of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. There are 20 primitive campsites along the gravel road. As you drive along, you may come upon 1-4 spots at each campsite. Each has a stated number of spots and are miles apart on the gravel road. The drive was breathtaking. Before we even found a spot, we knew the journey was worth it even if we drove all night. We passed several sites that were full before stumbling upon one that had only 1 spot and it was empty! So we had a private campground equipped with a picnic table, pit toilet, trash can, and food storage box. We were just outside Yellowstone National Park and miles from any other humans. It was exactly what we had pictured when thinking of camping in Yellowstone. Not to mention, it’s free!
We set up camp and were so giddy with our luck that we decided it was the perfect place to exchange our third set of vows. I quickly noted that we should eat first because we had eaten nothing but power bars and snacks all day. I cooked dinner for us on our propane stove. I did get too distracted to take the photo of our rings to mark the moment, so this one will be noted with our campfire meal instead.
Paradise did come with a few drawbacks including an abundance of mosquitos and the most silent woods I’ve ever heard. Being alone in the woods also reminded us of the reality of wildlife and the seriousness of all the bear warnings. We did have our bear spray at the ready and stored all our food properly. The night was silent and without any action but I think we both slept with our ears wide awake.
Cundiff Creative 