Sensory Overload

The Smells
“Yellowstone is the only place in the world where I can fart with impunity,” said Stephen as we drove toward Mammoth Hot Springs.

I’m laughing as I write this, as his statement, at the time, was one of the most random statements he’s ever made to me (and still makes me crack up). Was I supposed to respond to his query? I decided to congratulate him on his awareness of Yellowstone’s smells rather than comment on his farting abilities.

Yes, the various mineral basins and hot springs throughout Yellowstone often smell like sulfur or “rotten eggs” as Stephen so vividly describes it. And, well, he really was right about human smells being of complete insignificance as we viewed the various sights. Steve even tooted several times to prove his point.


The Touch
I so badly wanted to reach out and stick my hand in the various hot springs around Yellowstone, but instead I heeded the various warnings and kept my “arms and head inside at all times.” Stephen nearly dove into the Firehole River at a specific (allowed) swimming hole, although after consideration that the ambient temperature was 60 degrees and his leather seats might be impacted by this decision, he aborted his original mission.

As we walked on the boardwalks directly into the steam emitted from the geysers and pools, we experienced a complete facial, if you will. Someone in Yellowstone should market such body treatments. I needed the 15 seconds of warmth, as Yellowstone’s temps are nearly as crazy as the switchbacks through the mountains.

Although I couldn’t actually touch the hot springs and “hot tubs,” I was able to stick my fingers in the various lakes around Yellowstone. Anyone who swims in Yellowstone Lake, Jackson Lake, or Jenny Lake has a tolerance for cold water well beyond the normal individual.

The Sounds
Babbling brooks. Complete serenity. The clicks of a camera. Stephen tooting.