Mammoth Hot Springs

Despite Joshua's better judgement we decided to venture into Yellowstone. We had been years ago on our trek across the country but have since found a few more things we would like to have seen. One of these was the Mammoth Hot Springs. As we pulled into the parking lot and resigned ourselves to the gobs of people surrounding us we headed toward the springs. 

The area was incredible and jarring. The contrast of the bland gray rock with the very alive bubbling, algae filled hot springs was arresting. I couldn't look away. And the longer we looked the more we found. The intricate structure of the shelves that formed from the springs running down the rock, the ombred color filtered down the hot pools of water, the dried up portions crystalline structure. It felt like you were one a different planet when you let it fill your whole view. Then of course you remembered you were at an insane national park full of tourists with no manners and selfie sticks but for a few moments you could shut that out and get swallowed in this phenomenon.

That night for camping we found a nice quiet spot near a creek. We made friends with the old men fly fishing nearby and chatted while they oogled at Roslyn. We also finally came up with a real way to wash our hair, only took us half the trip. It felt amazing to actually use shampoo and run the cool water over my head. I as a general rule don't wash my hair super frequently but this was luxurious.

Lassen National Park

We were ready for a more relaxed day, sans hiking, when we landed in Lassen Volcanic National Park. We secured one of the last campsites near a lake, and another Vanagon! Immediately changed into our suits and headed for the lake. Warm lakes are such a luxury, and then to have the sun beating on you after as you sit in a hammock and dry, heavenly. At this point Roslyn is getting pretty used to us dumping her into lakes and doesn't mind it, dare I say at times she likes it. Also we are now using dipping our bodies in lakes as showers.

We spent the day at the lake, had a slow evening with a walk around the lake at sunset. Then the next day we thought we'd do a small waterfall hike in the park but Roslyn was not having it. She was so so fussy all morning. She started screaming and wouldn't stop over and over again. We started to panic and looked up urgent cares because nothing seemed to calm her. After a small walk she fell asleep so we decided to drive on but when she woke up she was back at the screaming. Eventually mid afternoon she let out a bunch, like a bunch of toots and turned back into a happy baby. We were so relieved we hadn't broken her! Also can't blame the girl, gas makes me very cranky.

Badlands National Park & Hippie Hole

After Ohio we drove straight toward the Badlands. Took a night to camp in Iowa to get there, had to resist they myriad of Wall Drug signs, and some pullovers to feed Roslyn but we made it to the Badlands National Park as the sun was setting. We had the overlook to ourselves, national parks at night are the best. Joshua had never been and I was very excited for him to get to view the vast stunning landscape. He ran down the walkway with my camera getting more excited as he saw more and more of it come into view.

The striations and bursts of red running horizontally through the rock at exactly the same elevation all the way across these peaks of rock towers is a stunning view. They stretch out from this canyon for quite a distance and kind of take your breath away. After we had our fill of gazing we used the rest of the sunlight to get closer to some rock formations to climb on get up close to the texture.

The next day we went on a little hike among the landscape, soaked up some sun and soaked ourselves in sweat. We wanted to explore a bit more but the heat of the day started taking over and we had abort further exploration. Instead we headed to a place Joshua randomly found on the map called Hippie Hole. 

Hippie Hole was a hike down to a watering hole that you jump off of a cliff into. This activity was on my trip bucket list, and he was making it come true. The hike in was supposedly only 1/4 mile and we were still a bit novice at how to carry Roslyn. We figured it since it was a short distance the hike would be simple, it was popular with the locals, must be easy. Nope. Regretted not bringing the carrier, but not early on enough to want to turn back for it. The hike down was intensely steep down a slidy dirt forest. Roslyn was not happy and had quite the screaming bout. We had to walk down steep slidy portions, hand her to the next person, and so on, down this trail that was way more than 1/4 mile. Then we had to cross running water over big boulders. (It was safe, I promise! I'm being a bit dramatic to express our headspace in the moment) But we did have to think about it and we passed her back and forth as we wound to the watering hole feeling very dejected. Then we emerged to this sunny patch of rock with lovely pools of water and tons of kids and puppies running around, and the cliff jumping rock.

We afterwards admitted it was worth it and we had a fabulous time hanging out. The hike back up was not a problem at all, we found a different path, Roslyn was in a good mood, etc. Turns out maybe the hike down wasn't all that bad and was tainted by some exhaustion and too much crying. The excursion had been saved though and I got to do my cliff jumping. We then spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in the sun at a lovely campsite we found for free nearby. We were very glad we stuck with it and didn't turn around!

Black Canyon NP

Onto another national park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison was another I hadn't heard of. It is hard to photograph as the lighting is very tricky. That being said it was beautiful but not jaw dropping or awe inducing. The canyon is very large, has cool black rock and striations on the deep faces of the walls. We got very excited about a colorful lizard we found.  

Driving through Colorado Roslyn was having a bit of a grump day. We found this beautiful creek to hang out by and give her some space to whine. Joshua ended up taking a nap so we had girl time and she smiled at all the kayakers that went by. Moments and places like these were frequent on our trip and a great way to break up the day. We rarely drove more than 4 hours a day but when we did we filled them with little gems Joshua found to get out and enjoy water, a park, or grass.

Capitol Reef NP

This was the best surprise to me. I hadn't heard of this national park and it isn't quite as visited as the others in Utah which made it even more magical. Joshua and I mostly only do national parks in the evening. The crowds are almost non-existent on longer trails and the lighting is always a bit more breathtaking. The Cassidy Arch trail we did lived up to our assumption and we had it all to ourselves. 

The area had the similar red hues, varied textures, and layers common of the area but this park felt immense. The trail let us immerse ourselves in the huge rocks as we climbed to the arch. You can't see it for most of the steep hike up but then you round a corner and see the arch in the distance among the rocks. It looked large and cool as all natural arches do but then when we reached the arch we realized we could walk out on top of it. This was pretty darn cool. It wasn't dangerous and the arch was really wide but it was so cool to walk over onto it and then to look down at where we'd come from under the arch. 

After the hike we had just enough time to drive over to sunset point at sunset. The colors were incredible, Roslyn was in a good mood, and Joshua carried the baby. It was one of those evenings that feel long and warm and have only the good things in them.