Traveling with the Jones

We have all heard about Yellowstone, but where is it really?

California?

No.

Montana?

Not sure.

Wyoming?

YES. Yellowstone National Park is located in the great state of Wyoming.

 

As some might know from previous posts, I recently traveled out west on a charter bus trip with my family.

Check out this post about what you need to pack for a bus trip. I packed everything on the list and found them all very helpful.  Yellowstone National Park was one of the stops on our trip.

 

Despite some contradiction, Yellowstone is the nation’s first national park and home to the ever-spouting geyser known as Old Faithful.

Located on more than 2 million acres, the park is home to various wildlife.

At Yellowstone, I saw most of the wildlife I saw on the entire trip. Buffalo, elk, eagles, black bears, grizzly bears, fish, bighorn sheep and wolves are just some of the creatures roaming the park.

What fascinated me most though were the natural thermal features in the park.

When traveling to the Lower Geyser Basin in Yellowstone, you are sure to not step off the wooden trail. Why might you ask?

In the Lower Geyser Basin is every kind of thermal feature in close proximity making it a very hot and dangerous place if you misstep.

I was able to see mud hot pots, geysers, pools, springs and fumaroles. The vibrant colors often seen in some of the pools are created from the microbes in the boiling hot water.

 

The images I was able to capture were outstanding.

I had never seen something like this before.

Granted I had been to thermal areas in New Zealand, Yellowstone is in a category of its own.

Now on to the star of the show: Old Faithful. With a four inch wide opening, Old Faithful spouts usually every 60 to 90 minutes give or take 15 minutes.

Hundreds upon hundreds of people line the seats around the geyser anxiously waiting to see the mysterious geyser come to life.

While waiting I was able to see an even larger geyser that does not spout as often rise up from the earth.

Soon after, Old Faithful spouted straight up into the air. It was a spectacular sight, but what Old Faithful is known for is its regularity not for its height.

After a few minutes, the geyser quieted only to silence for just another hour or so before coming to life again.

 

The destination of Yellowstone National Park has been discovered. Your job is to now discover what the destination has to offer.

This was just my short one-day visit. I will definitely be coming back to discover more of Yellowstone’s majestic beauty, wildlife and adventures.

Have you ever been to Yellowstone? What is your favorite wildlife animal to see? Tell us what you liked about Yellowstone in the comments below.

Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.

Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.

A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications.  Her blog,  RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.

To learn more about Yellowstone, you may want to check out these books:

Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler’s Companion to the National Park A Ranger’s Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes

Other posts related to National Parks and/or geysers:

• “National parks “;truly special, truly American places. All of them can steal your breath and touch your soul.” A Travel Chat with a Business Owner and a Family Doctor.
• Destination Discovery: The “Blue Eye” and Sarandë (Saranda), Albania
• Destination Discovery: Rotorua, New Zealand
• Destination Discovery: Glacier Bay, National Park and Preserve, Southeast Alaska

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Lately I have been thinking about how blessed I am by having traveled both nationally and internationally.

I do not see  that many other individuals my age accepting the challenge to travel, and hopping on a plane or getting in a car to Los Angeles.

Now, traveling does not always mean globetrotting around the country or world but even little day trips can keep you renewed, refreshed and appreciative of the world around you.

It bothers me to see people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and older say, “I wish I would have done this or went there.”

What frightens me even more is when people my age say they wish they had done this or that.

Wake up!

The time is now.

There is no time for excuses.

You are still young and have a world of possibilities ahead of you.

Here are four reasons why I think you should travel while you are still young.

1- Money. Everyone is always going to need more or not have enough. It is an endless cycle. You can say you do not have the money now, but will you later?

Make traveling a priority. Take out a loan or save a little bit of money on the side. This battle will be an endless fight so do not use it as a reason not to go somewhere.

2-Travel makes you appreciative. Travel might make you appreciative of the country, state or home you live in. It makes you appreciate the majesty and beauty of new scenery.

It makes you appreciate other cultures, religions, customs and history of places. It is invaluable to learn to be appreciative at an early age rather than later in life so you can take those moments with you everywhere you go.

3-You need to travel now so you know what you do and do not like later. You need to travel at a young age numerous different places so you know where you want to spend your millions when you retire.

You do not want to waste your time on the beach if you are more of a Wyoming mountain lover. You will find out what you like, where you want to visit again, and who you really are in the process.

4-Take advantage of your health and wellness.

Last but not least,  most people that are young are of able body and mind so now is the time to go bungee jumping in New Zealand or swimming with dolphins. You name it. You can do it now so why not?

What is your excuse? Do not make one. Enjoy the time now. Tomorrow is never promised so why not spend it traveling?

Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.

Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.

A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications.  Her blog,  RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.

You will want to check out these other posts by Morgan to learn more about her travels “;.

• 8 Views of New Zealand’s North Island
• 14 Fun Facts about St. Augustine, Florida
• 5 Things I Love About Wilmington, North Carolina
• Mother’s Restaurant – A True New Orleans Gem

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Last Summer I spent about a month in the most beautiful European country – Belgium.  Before this trip I knew very little about Belgium and it was honestly not on my list of Top Places to Visit; but it surprised me.  Belgium is this bright green playground full of friendly, honest people. 

If given the chance I would definitely go back.  During my adventures there, here are the sites I suggest you don’t miss. 

9 Things You Must See While In Belgium:

1.  Downtown Gent – Walking down the cobblestone roads you will cross over a bridge with a peculiar sight.  The words Search and Destroy were placed by the water’s edge as a part of TRACK, a series of art exhibits seen around the city.

2.  Bruge Boat Tours – Although I missed out on this experience, we tried several times to catch a boat tour in Bruge that would take us around the city.  Since so much of the town is built around water, the tours are a unique way to experience all Bruge has to offer.

3.  Bikes – Biking is a very popular way to get around in Belgium, and most places you go, you will see many people biking through the cities.  You will be amazed at the substantial amount of bikes left near the train stations.

4.  Cafes- There is something magical about the quaint little cafes you find lining the streets in Belgium.  They are just what you would picture for a relaxing summer afternoon.  The tables and chairs are set up outside as well as inside and you are able to just enjoy yourself and take in the fantastic views Belgium has to offer.

 

5. Residential Areas – The houses in Belgium are very different than those in New Mexico.  They are all so close together with as many as two or three houses located in the same building.  Everything is very close together.  The beautiful brick houses with their red roofs are truly a part of the Belgian experience.

6.  Statues – Belgium seems to have a different statue on each corner.  Many represent a part of the country’s history.  Each is unique and you cannot help but spend a few moments just staring at their beauty and trying to depict the story that they tell.

7.  Ocean – Visiting the Belgian Coast is truly the first time I remember visiting an ocean.  While on the shore, the temperature seemed to have warmed a bit and we were almost able to forget just how cold it was that day.  While driving through the city towards the beach, you would never know the city was next to the ocean.  The buildings literally stop at an edge and just beyond you realize you can see the water.

8.  Castles – The Gravensteen castle in Gent provides a glance into the medieval history of the country.  The design of the castle is truly breathtaking.  But behind the stone walls holds a whole new experience; the castle is now home to a torture museum.  As you make your way down long hallways and up winding stairs, you see the devices used in historic torture rituals and learn the history behind it.

9.  Churches – Belgium has its fair share of tall, breathtaking churches.  They definitely demand attention as you walk down the busy cobblestone streets.  Many offer tours where you can see famous artwork and learn the history of both the church and religion.

What would you add to this list?

Taysha Ham hails from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism.

This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.

Why not check out these other posts by Taysha “;.

•  Top 6 Fun Things To Do in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
• 8 Things You Must Do While in London, England
• 7 Steps To Prepare For Your First Trip Abroad

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