MOTHER NATURE’S SON
We ventured into Yellowstone National Park. What an amazing and beautiful place. At times we saw unearthly landscapes. First though … we have to talk about the mosquitos. They swarmed constantly and were unrelenting in their vicious attacks on us. I have to ask … what is the purpose of the mosquito? As I understand it, one reason the Great Spirit placed them on this earth was to be a food source for animals such as birds and bats. All I can say is the birds and bats need to get busy. That is one species that I can live without. And listen, we are cats from the South. We know mosquitos, but I had never encountered such evil insects as these. First, we spoke harshly to them; e.g., get out of here you little ******s. Second, we tried to use the swatter on them. That worked for a few of them. Finally, we spoke harshly and used the swatter on them; e.g., I’m getting you, you little ******s - SPLAT!!!. The game was afoot. Bloodlust set in.
Once we went into Yellowstone, we were immediately amazed at the beauty of the vast landscape and wildlife. We saw dozens of bison; some were just feet away from us. They were mostly grazing and trust me, we did not disturb them. We’ve heard the stories of some humans who thought it would be cool to get a picture with a wild bison. It didn’t end well. Sometimes humans aren’t very smart. Also, there were lots of deer and antelope … but we didn’t see any bears.
Yellowstone is also home to hundreds of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. At every turn we saw steam rising through crevices in the earth and bubbling mud pots. It was quite the experience to hear and smell the earth belching up gases from underneath the ground. Of course, no trip to Yellowstone would be complete without seeing Old Faithful erupt over 100 feet into the sky. As its name implies, you can count on Old Faithful to erupt every one or two hours. It was quite the spectacle. The Great Prismatic Spring was one of the most incredible sights we have ever seen. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and its bright, vivid colors are the result of microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water.
We were only able to scratch the surface of Yellowstone as it covers almost 3,500 square miles, but what a scratch it was!
As we left Yellowstone, we drove by the Grand Teton National Park. Amazing vistas. We may need to go back in one of our next lives! If you ever get the chance (or have already been) you will understand our song choice for the title. It’s a beautiful tune by the Beatles. “Sit beside a mountain stream / See her waters rise / Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies.”
Your friends,
Betty and Buster
