Old Faithful Inn Flag Ceremony

The Old Faithful Inn is one of those magnificent old log lodges of the National Parks.  It has survived earthquake, wind and fire literally.  If you notice the roofline it has flags and pennants around a rooftop walk.  Each morning and evening an employee raises and lowers the flag.  One of the host couples we work with arranged a tour for us that included lowering the flag.  It was quite an experience!!!!

We waited for our guide in the chairs below the fireplace chimney.  He led us up to the 3rd balcony level and then unlocked the stairs to the 'Crow's Nest'.  The stairs got more and more narrow as we climbed and at the very peak of the roof he took us to the 'Tree House' included by the architect who always wanted one as a child.

Each twisty, curving log was selected by the builders and all came from the Park!  It was a total surprise to find such a space so high in the dark rooftop.  Some light from the top windows is visible in the background!  Before the 1959 Earthquake visitors were allowed to visit this area.  We were assured it was still safe for us - 56 years later!  Below is a view of it and the walkway to it from the lobby.

The stairs are on the far end wall and the Tree House floor and top are visible where the stairs end.  You can see how dark and high it is!  A little scary!  and one of our hosts has a fear of heights, but she pushed through to the flying colors on top.  From the Tree House level we went outside to climb stairs on the roof to the 'Crow's Nest' walkway and flags.

The view across the Geyser Hill is fantastic.  As you can see it was quite windy and cold up there!

After our guide took down the Montana Flag, our two veteran hosts lowered the American Flag, Dave and Terry.

After the lowering, they folded the flag properly and handed it off to our guide!  We felt so honored to be part of the daily ritual and appreciated being invited by our fellow hosts, Liz and Randy.

After we made the even more challenging descent, we headed right to the Lounge/Bar to celebrate the experience with a drink and pub supper!!  It was great to share such a fine time with our fellow hosts in a most unique Old Faithful Inn event.