"The Whole Interruption" Hike

There's a lone geyser about 4 miles from Old Faithful that requires a 2 and 1/2 mile hike in to see.  It's on an old roadbed that follows the river most of the way with lots of river side flowers.  We started in cool chilly weather with the threat of rain and a little bear anxiety.  It didn't last long though as a family soon followed us with twin boys about age 4.  Their chatter would have frightened any bear in a 5 mile radius.  It hastened our trip a little too.  After the river bridge crossing we took time for some photos.

The river became a little more distant and opened to a beautiful meadow where sandhill cranes and elk are sometimes seen.

By this time we were about a mile from the geyser and we thought it might erupt as early as 11 am so we had about 1/2 hour to hustle there.  We could hear the twins coming too so we didn't linger.  The roadbed soon ended at a clearing in the woods as the land rose to a geyser hill before us.  We had been there about 5 minutes when the twins arrived.  We were sitting on a log for a snack when one twin joined us full of questions about why this geyser was out here all by itself etc.,etc.  Before we could answer the geyser began to rumble and puff and spout.

The father of the twins offered to take a photo for us in the midst of the 22 minute eruption.  We watched in total amazement at the shower of water and steam that blew across the hill and filled the creeks running to the river.  In minutes the twins were running down the creek and checking the water temperature.  (Just like some other twins I remember so well!!!!)

When the water blasts slowed and the steam phase started the twins were hustled away to continue their hike to Old Faithful, but not before our new little friend yelled, "But I want to see the whole interruption!"    Even their distracted mother chuckled at this one and off they went.  We stayed for the whole interruption.

Even the steam phase was dramatic!  Our return hike was much more leisurely without an eruption timeline or anyone following us.  We only had to resort to loud conversation and clapping a few times at blind corners in very beary spots.  It was a wonderful hike and our first five miler together in a very long time.

Just down the road from the Lone Star Geyser Trailhead is Kepler Cascades.  My sister Ann  had seen great photos of this spot before we left home and had me put it on the list.  It is a beautiful canyon and very long cascade.  My photo couldn't begin to show it off, but it is a magical place!  Thanks, Ann!

This is the same river we had hiked along to the Lone Star Geyser.  It journeys on to the Old Faithful area after the Cascade.  We are beginning to get a map in our minds and under foot for all the river connections in the Park.  So much to see and learn!