We had big plans for this FTF. We were going to hike up Mount Washburn to the fire lookout. The boys have been really into firefighters and smoke jumpers and all fire putter-outers. I knew they would love to check out a real lookout.
When we got to the trailhead it was pouring rain, gusting wind and 45 degrees. Not exactly the weather I wanted to be in with two boys.
We drove back down the mountain to the Self-Guided Trail (formerly known as the “Children’s Fire Loop”). It’s a short walk on a board walk through an area burned in the fires of 1988. We donned our rain gear and ventured out.
For some reason, Yellowstone was crazy-busy on this FTF. Like summer-busy. Even the ranger at the entrance station was surprised. We decided to embrace it and emerge ourselves in the chaos.
Our next stop was the Mammoth Terraces.
Turns out it’s fun to be a tourist in Yellowstone.
It was crazy busy the next day too….we also thought that was strange!