Three years ago, my family, journeyed from our suburban home in Frankfort, Illinois, to the beautiful, stunning wilderness of Yellowstone National Park—by car. It took three full days to make the entire trip. But it was worth it! Oh, it was worth it! To see Old Faithful blast skyward, to hike through somber pine forests by clear, cool streams. It was a vision of superb beauty that a suburbanite like me usually sees only in the pages of a book.
QUARTER-FINALIST 2015 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
As we began our westward trek, the surrounding landscape was shapeless; all flat through Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. On the second day, we crossed into South Dakota, but still the same vast prairie-land stretched to the horizon. Looking at the map, we saw the Missouri River ahead. As we crossed it, a great shout went up from all of us. Hills were on the other side: rolling hills, grassy hills, hills upon hills upon hills! We no longer tired of looking out the window. The third day, though was even better. Crossing into Montana, nothing much had changed. That’s when we saw them—mountains! Rearing up their heads like proud giants, with sunshine glittering on the distant snow-covered peaks, they struck awe and wonder into my heart and soul. To this day, I have never seen any earthly sight so wonderful yet terrifying, magnificent yet frightening, beautiful yet fearful. Our journey from Illinois was almost over.
At last we arrived at Yellowstone Park. Although it seems safe enough, the reason for the park’s effervescent geysers is that most of the park is in the caldera of one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The result is what draws most of the crowds: hot springs and geysers that bubble and steam. However, not all of the springs are so active. Many are inconceivably deep, still pools, bottomless mirrors whose water is scorching hot and fatally poisonous. Such deadly fascinations were only a few of the wonders of Yellowstone.
Because most of the park resides in an ancient super-volcanic caldera, it is one of the most beautiful, dazzling, and fascinating places on the face of the earth. One breath of the clear mountain air is like a drought of cool, fresh water. Hiking the well-beaten paths, we felt wonderfully alive and invigorated. Above was the bluest sky, and bubbling and laughing at our side were the clearest streams. We trekked broad, grassy valleys where herds of bison grazed, and threaded our way through forests of towering pines. Arriving at the edge of a canyon, we beheld a shimmering waterfall, plunging into a many-colored mist. This was the famed Artists’ Point, the glory and grandeur of which surpasses Niagara, even if the size does not. But constantly surrounding us were the mountains. They constituted the ground we walked on, they flanked our sides, and they towered high above. Encircled by the beauty of pristine creation, our hearts praised the divine genius of the Creator.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Encircled by Beauty”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!