Monday, February 12, 2024

Gibbon Falls

 Yellowstone National Park

June 2023


Our trip to Yellowstone was brief and our last little hike was to observe Gibbon Falls on our way out of the park. The parking lot was overflowing with vehicles and people when were arrived, but to our shock, one disabled spot was open and we were parked and on our way without any hassle.

The picnic area is accessible and I would say the short, paved trail is questionable when it comes to access. It is wide and paved, but there is a serious decline to reach the end of the path. I was able to wheel Kellisa, but one slip or out of control wheelchair would end badly in this area.

The falls were roaring and we spent time at each overlook until we were all alone at the farthest viewing point from the parking area. We enjoyed the peace of being alone and I didn't want it to end because we would start our drive home as soon as we were done.


Sunday, February 11, 2024

Lodgepole Pines

 Yellowstone National Park

June 2023












Yellowstone Bears

 Yellowstone National Park

June 2023


Kellisa and I had a little daylight left on our last full day in Yellowstone, so we decided to go for a drive to take in the scenery as the sun begins setting and hopefully see a bear. We weren't disappointed in the vibrant landscapes under the approaching evening skies and were rewarded with several bear encounters, including a close-up with a mama and her two cubs. The only thing we missed was observing a grizzly bear in the wild. Maybe next time!




















Saturday, February 10, 2024

Tower Fall Overlook

 Yellowstone National Park

June 2023











Canyon Visitor Education Center

 Yellowstone National Park

June 2023


Kellisa and I enjoyed a nice picnic lunch after our boat excursion on Lake Yellowstone. We didn't have exact plans for the remainder of our day, so we just started to drive back towards our cabin. While looking for wildlife, we were enjoying the wide open views when Kellisa decided to have a seizure as she does too often when having fun. I pulled over and started timing. Thankfully, she pulled out before I had to administer the rescue medication, but half her body was paralyzed.

I gave her a few minutes to catch her breath before I started driving again. As we approached the Canyon Visitor Education Center, I asked if she wanted to check it out and she quickly signed yes with her not paralyzed left hand.

Kellisa always enjoys visitor centers, especially the movie that gives a history and guide to the park and any animal displays. As you can see below, she really liked the realistic picture of a bear and wanted to pet it before wheeling of to check out a bison.











Friday, February 9, 2024

Lake Yellowstone

 Yellowstone National Park

Lake Queen II

June 2023


I made our reservations online for our boat excursion around Lake Yellowstone without calling in advance to check on accessibility. I made sure we arrived early so we could evaluate the situation and adapt accordingly. Thankfully, everything we needed was already in place and the great staff knew exactly how to help us. 

Kellisa boarded first with the help of a small manual ramp between the dock and boat and we were guided right up front to sit next to the captain. They waited until we were fully situated before the other passengers were allowed to board. During the tour, Captain Mike made sure Kellisa could see all the highlights and she really enjoyed watching all the driving maneuvers up close. 

Kellisa was treated like a queen on the Lake Queen II and my blood pressure would really love it if all scenic excursions could be this accessible with outstanding staff helping in such a caring fashion. Highly, highly recommended! 



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