AboutJohn Expertise My greatest passion in the natural world is Yellowstone National Park. I have been going there regularly since I was 2 (that was in 1953). I make a minimum of two trips a year there, and have visited in both the summer and winter. My area of real joy is studying and observing the geysers, primarily in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful. I belong to a group called GOSA (the Geyser Observation and Study Association) which has around 300 members. I have also acquired a passion for park history, much of it`s geology, I marvel every year at the wonderful canyon and experience such peace on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. I do love this park and if I can help make a families time there more fun and a greater learning experience I would love to do that.
Experience I am a founding member of both the Committee to Preserve Our Yellowstone Heritage, a group committed to preserving habitat and affordable accomodations, and I am a charter member of The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). This added to my years of study and enjoyment give me a valuable base from which to share what I have learned over the years.
Expert: John Date: 5/12/2008 Subject: Need help with planning trip in Aug
Question Hi John
I am planning to drive 9hrs from minneapolis on aug 16. Stop in Miles city that night. Drive 5 hrs onto cooke city aug 17. (not sure what to do in cooke city that day)
next day should i spend some time in cooke city or drive to mammoth hot springs have reservation there for 18 and 19 night. Needed help with planning what to do for 18 and 19.
20th aug planned to drive out back through north dakota stop in dickinson on way back to minneapolis.
Is this doable or should i change hotel from mammoth springs to somewhere else
Answer Hi Pravin:
I think you can get some extra time in the Park by driving all the way to Canyon on the 17th. Try and get a room there or at Lake. Both are more centrally located than Mammoth. Canyon takes about 1/2 day to see the highlights there. A drive south Through Hayden Valley and along the shores of Lake Yellowstone is very rewarding. 45 minutes at West Thumb is time well invested. If you are unable to get a room in the Old Faithful area, try Grant Village. Day 3 view the geyser basins (Upper, Biscuit, Midway, Lower and Norris.) Finish the day at Mammoth. From Mammoth head home. Lots of Car time but this route will help maximize you maximize your trip.
