My Hiking Life: Thermopolis

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Thermopolis

Date 8-22-19
Day: 17
Start: 1997
End: 2013
Miles: 16
Hours: 8
High Temp: 67
Low Temp: 34
Thru Hikers Met: 6

Shoshone Lake

The interesting thing about our beach at Shoshone Lake is that is was comprised entirely of 1” diameter volcanic rock. On other shores of the lake the sand was volcanic but about 1/8” in diameter.

We woke to a dark, cloud filled sky. As we hiked to the lake outlet we again saw and heard the sandhill cranes. Today a mated pair flew right in front of us. They have a distinctive call that we easily identified with and Audubon bird app.

After the boots off ford we continued in a forest for several hours.

Shoshone Lake and wetlands

Today’s healthy forest

And another boots off crossing

The trail continues right along the beach if Shoshone Lake

When the trail came out at Shoshone Lake again we were delighted the heat and see an osprey perched in a fir along the shoreline. As we approached he left not caring for our closeness. Just another 200’ down the beach was a bald eagle parched in a fir along the shoreline He was not eager to have us close with as he took flight before a reasonable photo could be had.

The trail turns into a marsh area which at first seemed ok. We sat by some small trees in an open meadow and watched some Canadian geese forage.

There are geese in there

Then things got dicey as the tail turned into a “find you own way though it”. We both ended up with wet feet as there was no way we could figure to avoid it.

A stream crossing we just walked through as we are already wet

Now the interesting part of the trail begins as we enter the thermal section. Everywhere there is steam and bubbling pots of water combined with a sulfur smell. This is very fascinating and eerie at the same time

This little stream runs right through the thermal area. It’s too far off trail for us to test the temperature but I bet it’s warm now

As you can see the thermal section had many interesting features.

We continued on through our forest walk with a threatening wind at our backs. Will this bring rain?

These little bells are sprinkled along the trail side

Most of the wildflowers now seem to be fading with the colder nights. Some of the broadleaf plants are turning orange and red already. Yet the scents from the foliage are an uplifting herbal minty fragrance that delights the senses.

We arrive early to our scheduled camp for the evening. I’m happy to sent up my tent in a good location that will absorb water and flow it away from my tent. So for the first time on the trail it’s time for an afternoon nap.