Yellowstone National Park

We made a brief stop to view the Sheepeater Cliffs  on our way to the Norris Geyser Basin.  The cliffs are made of columnar basalt which formed during a volcanic eruption.  These cliffs are named after a band of Eastern Shoshone known as the Tukuaduka (sheep eaters).  The Norris Geyser Basin was interesting; however, none of the geysers was up to our expectations compared to Old Faithful.  A 6 to 8 foot high geyser was the best we saw.  Still, it is amazing to see this geological phenomenon.  The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is an interesting structure.  It was built in 1930 and constructed of stone and log.  This rustic building is one of the first of many of this style which can be found built in our parks during the 1930s.  The museum is dedicated to life in the thermal areas of the park.

Norris Geyser Basin

Sheepeater Cliff

We found the Porcelain Springs Basin to be the most colorful of the sights today.  The milky blue pools reminded us of the colorful waters of the Exumas in The Bahamas.  One geyser in the basin was particularly interesting.  When it erupted, the water spewed around at angles and moved in a circular pattern.  We later learned it was called the Whirligig Geyser.  The streams running through the basin were very colorful in great part due to mineral deposits and micro-organisms that can survive in the hot water. 

We ended the day much like yesterday.  We drove through Canyon Village and headed out of the park via the Lamar Valley and exited through the Northeast Park Entrance.  Although we traveled the same route, we are not disappointed as one cannot take in all the beauty of this land in one drive through.