This was never the way I planned
Katy Perry
Not my intention
We had another change of plans today and decided to hike Mt. Washburn. We’ve actually done this hike previously when we were here four years ago. It’s also now the first mountain that we can say we’ve summited twice! The hike up is pretty easy and straightforward it’s all on a former road that was built when the fire tower that still occupies the top of the mountain was built. The hike is officially 3.2 miles and 1,300 feet.
We started early this morning, waking at 6 and getting on the road before 7. It seems like everything in Yellowstone is really far from everything else, so we had about an hour drive to the trailhead. We immediately remembered why we prefer hiking mountains. The views everywhere, but especially to the South were awesome. We could see all the way to the Tetons, we spotted Lake Yellowstone, and saw the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
We were among the first hikers of the day and reached the summit just as the ranger stationed there for the summer emerged from his apartment. We chatted a bit and had him take our picture. He also also complained about all the new communications equipment that had been installed recently but later happily answered a cell phone call.
Since the hike up was fairly short we decided to extend it a bit by taking another trail that led out into the neighboring mountains. We did a small part of this trail four years ago as well, but did more this year. Just like the last time we were here the mountain was covered in wildflowers. We also saw a large contingent of big Horn sheep and their babies. I’m pretty sure that every family member but me wanted to take one home. I’d rather take home a bison.
In fact, I’d like to have a bison so much that I composed a song about it today. I named it “If I Had A Bison”. Molly recorded me singing it, so hopefully I’ll be able to add that video at some point so you can enjoy it.
After the long drive back to the Old Faithful Inn we spent some time drinking and relaxing. We also had another successful dinner here. The Old Faithful Inn dining room may actually be there best lodge dinner we’ve had.
