Itchy & scratchy

It was a case of high alert on bear sightings and certain trails were closed for safety. Not surprisingly, few people walked on their own, choosing instead to join an organised hike to Iceberg Lake with a Park Ranger. It would have been thoroughly enjoyable had the park's entire population of mosquitoes not descended on us! I say 'us' but there were only a few who seemed to be to the bloodsuckers' taste and who bore the brunt of their attacks!

Our destination Iceberg Lake was like a mirage; it was so strange to see a lake of icebergs when it was so hot and sunny. The water was incredibly cold but provided icy relief to bite-ridden skin.

Independence Day invasion

Yellowstone was a stark difference to the green forests we'd recently left behind. The steaming and bubbling landscape was almost alien. We, of course, went to visit Old Faithful, a huge geyser which spouted off as promised.

That day was also the biggest holiday in America, Independence Day, and we celebrated it by descending on the small town of Gardiner where we joined in (took over?!) their local barbecue, 'oohed and aaahed' at their fireworks display and did the 'hokey cokey'!