Trip report: MI to Montana and Yellowstone, Pt. 2

[MNNHFLTX]

It was fun to read your trip reports--thanks for sharing! How neat that you got to see OFI getting decorated for Christmas!

We got a couple of those little bear soaps when we stayed at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, they were cute.

You're right, it's hard to gauge how long it takes to get around the park on the loops, especially if you get stuck in a bison jam (or other traffic back-up due to animals sightings). On our first day in the park, we were driving from Bozeman through Mammoth and then out through the West Entrance as we were staying in West Yellowstone for a few nights. There was a motorcycle accident just before the Madison Junction that had cars backed up for a mile and authorities said it would probably be two hours before the road was open again. My husband (who allows me to do the planning on our trips) turned to me and said "Okay, what's the shortest detour?" I was like--um, there is no short detour! We ended up turning around, cutting over to Canyon and taking the entire South Loop around. Took us over two hours, which is what we would have waited if we had stayed on the other road, but at least we saw some pretty scenery and a wolf in the process!

[TheVBs]

Seeing Christmas decorations going up was a fun surprise! I definitely did not see that coming. It made sense when they explained it was because they close for the winter. I guess the lodges have a decorating competition too.

I'm with you, I would rather be moving for 2 hours than stuck. When we went to Canyon we came back along the east side of the South Loop to see the Mud Volcano and other attractions there. We were really disappointed to discover there was a controlled fire going on and we were not able to stop to see most things on that side. But at least it was a different view!

We did notice people up on the top of OFI in the evening a couple of times. It looked like a couple of guests and a staff member taking flags down. Does anyone know anything about this? Is the flag raising thing at WL in WDW based off this?

Also, this made me smile; when I first walked into OFI I heard someone say, "This looks just like the one in Disney!"

[NJGIRL]

Also, this made me smile; when I first walked into OFI I heard someone say, "This looks just like the one in Disney!"

lol...that is so not true.

I think I remember seeing the flag ceremony mentioned in the weekly paper that was given out.

[c&d]

I loved Yellowstone. I saw the wolves once and it was really cool. Surprised you didn't see a bear, when I was there 2 years ago most of Hayden Valley was closed because of bears. There was a grizzly walking right along the side of the road by Dunravens Pass. It was the coolest thing ever.

The first time I went I wasn't prepared for how really big the park is and how long it takes to get from point A to B. Between animal jams and the speed limit it takes awhile. By the 3rd day we started calculating in the drive time necessary.

Glad you enjoyed it. I can't wait to go back.

[NJGIRL]

When you check into the hotels they give you a paper that gives you approx. miles and drive time from each location. When you look at the paper it doesn't add up...that's because they take into account the speed limit and animal jams (to a point).

I suggest anyone going to call (like I did) and get a packet in advance. You really need it when planning the vacation, not just when you arrive. It has maps, the info I mentioned above, tours, restaurants, and a whole lot more that is valuable when planning.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Your trip sounds lovely. I hope to make it to Old Faithful Inn one day. Enjoyed reading your reports!