The Morning Hours
Since we didn’t have to cross state lines or a time zone change, we decided we might be on time for church today. We decided to not have ice cream today and, instead, stop at Ernie’s Deli and Bakery for a cinnamon roll while on the way to the 10 a.m. service. Instead of a cinnamon roll, we opted for a large sticky bun with pecans. Our eyes changed our minds. They were delicious but rich! Big, too!
From what we saw there are four churches in West Yellowstone; Baptist, Catholic, Mormon, and a non-denominational church. We went to First Baptist of Yellowstone. It is a small church but a church with a big heart. Martha’s daughter, Ashley, spent the summer of 2006 working in Yellowstone through a program the church calls “Innovators.” It is a college outreach summer program. Students from all over the country apply to be are a part of this program. They work during the week and do ministry outreach on the weekends. First Baptist is the home base for this group. The church’s sponsors remembered Ashley so, in a way, we had a connection to this church beyond just a place to visit. The pastor asked that the resident members in attendance stand. Then he asked all those visiting for the first time to rise. It was obvious that visitors outnumbered residents. There were visitors from all over the country and even a couple from Scottsville, Kentucky who know many of the people Byron knew when he was Associate Pastor at Scottsville Baptist Church in 1971-1975. Of course, they struck up a lengthy conversation after the service.
The service was quite interesting though somewhat informal. We sang five hymns — all from the hymnal. Yes, folks, it is possible to sing without projection of text. The pianist played an array of things giving evidence that she had been classically trained. The pastor was attentive to the variety of concerns expressed. His message, though brief, was to the point and delivered with sincerity. It was a worshipful and enjoyable experience. Above all, it seemed that the entire congregation didn’t mind that we were going over the customary limit of 60 minutes. We felt “at home” though we were worshipping with people we hadn’t met. It was a great way to start a beautiful Sunday.
Some History in the Middle of the Day
Before heading into the park for the afternoon, we visited the Yellowstone Historic Center and Museum located in the original Union Pacific train station. The building has been renovated and is well kept. The museum displayed a great collection of things from the past, all very interesting and a part of the story of this great park. The exhibits, however, mainly center around the history of transportation into the park. Among the holdings are a 1930’s White bus that is in original condition. It is similar to the buses that have been refurbished for use by Yellowstone today. There are also a few stagecoaches and wagons that were used to escort visitors into the park. (Originally, visitors to the park were escorted by park personnel).
After spending some time in the Historic Center we returned to the IMAX Theatre for the film about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was a fascinating film that documents the difficulties and hardships faced by the team as the explored the Northwest. It is a great production and a reminder of the part the Native Americans peacefully played in our history.
The Yellowstone Historic Center in West Yellowstone.
Pilgrimage to Old Faithful
Today was the last day we’d spend visiting locations within Yellowstone. Our ride into the park took us to the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser.
When we arrived at the geyser basin Old Faithful had just erupted. Knowing we’d have some time before the next eruption we started walking toward the original Old Faithful Lodge. Along the way we saw Beehive erupt. It was quite a surprise because it only erupts about twice a day during the summer months and, even at that, it is unpredictable. Though erupting longer and taller than Old Faithful, it isn't as popular.
Beehive Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin about 150 yards north of Old Faithful. The 4-foot tall cone from which is spews resembles a beehive. Eruptions of Beehive Geyser last about five minutes and are about 200 feet high; higher than Old Faithful. The fountain maintains its full height for the duration of the eruption, dropping just slightly near the end before quitting. The intervals between eruptions range from eight hours to 24 hours during the summer. Yes, the plume of hot mist can drift to the observation walk and cause spectators to move on. It is along the edge of a creek, unlike Old Faithful which sits atop a mound.
After a short visit inside the renovated Old Faithful Lodge we headed to the newly erected Visitors Center were other highlights about geysers are displayed. Then we headed out to the observation deck to sit while waiting for Old Faithful spew forth water and steam once again.
Here’s the obligatory photo of Old Faithful which was taken about a hour after being surprised by the Beehive eruption. In comparing to the Beehive photo, Old Faithful was less than half the distance away from us.
Old Faithful was the first geyser in the park to receive a name. It is also called the most predictable geographical feature on Earth erupting almost every 91 minutes. It’s eruptions shoot boiling water an average of 145 feet. Over the years, the length of the interval has increased, which may be the result of earthquakes affecting subterranean water levels. With a margin of error of 10 minutes, Old Faithful will erupt 65 minutes after an eruption lasting less than 2.5 minutes or 91 minutes after an eruption lasting more than 2.5 minutes. The reliability of Old Faithful can be attributed to the fact that it is not connected to any other thermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin.
And Yet More Geysers
Our last stop in the park for the day was the Middle Geyer Basin, home to Grand Prismatic Spring. Ashley had told us of its beauty, so we decided to check it out. Again, words just do not express what our eyes beheld. Photos cannot capture what has to be witnessed in person. This basin holds four pools of water; the largest being Grand Prismatic Spring. Next in size is the crater of Excelcior Geyser. The other pools also can be seen shimmering across the horizon with water making it’s way to the streams that build in size because of the water rushing down rocks into the Firehole River.
We had the pleasure of sharing our hike around the Midway Geyser Basin with a lovely lady and her daughters from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She said this was her third visit to the YNP and she still had not seen it all. “After all,” she said, “you have to leave a reason to return.” She is right, we hope to return again in a few years to this lovely place full of God’s handiwork and creation.
While approaching the Excelcior Geyser (Midway Geyser Basin) one begins to see the various colors created by variety and interaction of minerals. There are several places in this geyser that put forth bubbling activity as hot water makes it way to the surface.
The Grand Prismatic Spring is a large spring at the top of a relatively flat plateau. The water emitting from the spring flows in all directions creating terraced levels all around the two-acre area. Well, Martha says two acres; Byron thinks it’s a bit smaller — we have to argue about something.
Water flows from the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyser Basin at the rate of 400,000 gallons per minute. This is a view of one of the streams that dumps into Firehole River.
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