It was on from Livingston through the scenic Paradise Valley to the fabled Yellowstone National Park.
We were among those opting to pass through the old Roosevelt Arch that has welcomed so many visitors from around the world since the park opened in 1872 as the world's first.
We were anxious to see the elk that nonchalantly walk the streets at Mammoth just inside the park. There were some evidences of their recent visit, but none to be seen.
Maybe it was the hot weather that still lingered.
Or maybe it was the Facebook post that Mert had read prior to the start of our trip about an alarming exodus of the animals from Yellowstone - as if they know something about the ever-dangerous cauldron that we humans don't. Maybe they can sense that it is about to blow.
Hopefully, not in the next couple of days.
The Mammoth Hot Springs features are always fascinating, including the intriguing formations that have been left behind. The warnings are ever present of the dangers of stepping off the boardwalk that leads far up the hill. More than 20 who have not heeded the admonition have died and hundreds more have been burned.
On through much more spectacular scenery and side stops like Tower Falls and the multiple views of the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, spiraling through a yellow and incredibly steep volcanic canyon.
We reached the immense Lake Yellowstone and the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, where I had surprisingly been able to secure two rooms at late notice - I hoped. The charming Norwegian girl at the front desk assured me that we indeed were reserved. In fact, in an abundance of caution, there were three rooms. She canceled one.
We had sturdy Zef to carry up the bags, but were told we needed to use the hotel porter, a daunting young man who stood tall over Zef. The hotel also has a concierge, a knowledgeable lady who was giving history of the charming and vast hotel to two tourist couples.
Min said staying at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel had been on her bucket list so we were glad to fulfill that one. It was a fine accommodation, though it would have been even better if it had been on the lake side.
Still there were rows of rocking chairs in front of the hotel and the nearby Lake Lodge for idling admiring the post card beautiful lake.
Facebook - once again - had brought us a Yellowstone connection. A Chattanooga couple we once knew noticed Mert's trip blog and said she and her husband were doing short term work at Old Faithful Lodge. A dinner date was arranged for the six of us at the lodge that to me is even more charming than the lake one.
Just as I walked up from parking the car all the way down at the stores, there was Old Faithful, beginning its rhythmic display. We were told that until 1975 it came on the hour like clockwork. An earthquake caused some alteration, but Old Faithful still spouts quite often.
The buffet price was $49, but what the heck, how often do you get to Yellowstone? With a delicious variety of vegetables and meats, it was worth every penny.
And Yellowstone does still have animals. On the long ridge from the lake hotel to Old Faithful Inn, we saw a number of bison in Hayden Valley.
Then in a wooded section, two black blobs emerged on the left side of the road. Mert saw them first and had first thought it was a horse. (Min said when we get back she needs to show her a horse). It was two bear cubs who skirted across the road and ran into the woods on the other side.
We were glad they had not gotten the word about the animal exodus from Yellowstone National Park.