mammoth springs
This place reminded me of a version of Disney World. The hotel looked like one of the Epcot Center properties with well-kept period pieces scattered around. But the cascading thermal spring with a mountain backdrop was too God perfect to be manmade. Today was the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. People were everywhere. Unlike a trip to Orlando, space between people was the norm. However, I had my first I-gotta-get-outa-this-crowd experience on a viewing platform at Mammoth. And, I had my first huckleberry ice cream. Huckleberry must be a native delicacy. Every shop had huckleberry something for sale.

elk
One of the more unusual sites in Yellowstone is the wandering, sleeping, grazing elk on the grounds surrounding the hotel. Aware of gawkers like me, these deer-looking creatures have claimed the area as their designated hand-out. They amble around to find something to eat or a place to sleep or somewhere to be nosy, and they are given full access to any spot they pick. Watching the interaction, or actually non-engagement, of humans and elk made me philosophical. Maybe the world can live in harmony.

the entrance
It is big, the north entrance “gate.” It is old, too. This monument to American democracy probably does not illicit the same feeling of patriotism as standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. But, the emotions of thankfulness, humility, and affection for our country flooded me while I viewed it. “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” says the inscription above the arch.