jerry said:

Oh, and if you make it to the Old Faithfull Inn, be sure to have a toast with Three Legged Red for us OK?

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In past years, Mom and Dad would have left the Upper Geyser Basin much earlier and be settled down in the trailer with Allie and me. The threat from a severe rain storm that had skirted the basin had sent a majority of the seasoned gazers and uninitiated off for shelter. Dad was in his usual position standing on the back benches at the center of the crescent timing Turbin and watching the pool very carefully. Then he lifted is radio and broadcast “There are waves on Grand”. The excitement grew among all there as this was the last signal that an eruption was imminent. Moments later he again lifted is radio and broadcast “Grand 18:43 – Repeat – Grand One Eight Four Three”. Quickly the rangers at the Old Faithful Visitor Center replied “Confirm Grand 18:43”. I am sure that they began to change their board to reflect the next Grand prediction approximately 8 ¾ hours later and we watch the worlds tallest predictable geyser – Grand. As a pool geyser, Grand started as a small fountain and continued to grow to maximum height over a short period of time. Bursts from Grand have been measured as high as 200ft but today’s was somewhat shorter. At the 8 minute mark Grand hesitated for a very brief period of time appearing to nearly stop. We seasoned gazers sighed with disappointment while the uninitiated stared at us with curiosity. Then at the 10 minute mark, Grand slowly died away and stopped sending jets souring into the air. However, both Polly and Dad saw that the pool still had water – 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds. Some had applauded, but all the uninitiated were starting to head for shelter from the impending rain. Dad shouted “do not leave!” 25 seconds and the pool started to pulse like a base drum. “Get your cameras ready”. Then Grand rewarded those that had waited with a “second burst”. Unlike the first burst, second bursts are know for lifting to full height, one sheet, at the very onset – truly a reverse water fall. This “second burst” continued for another three minutes but there was not to be a third. As we walked from the view area, many came over to Dad to thank him for letting them know to stay and asked how did he know? Little did they realize how much of a kick Dad gets from both watching these “second burst” and watching the reaction to others as it lifts so quickly.

Now we headed over to the Old Faithful Inn to perform one last task before leaving the basin for the last time on this trip. Heading directly to the second story balcony we stop briefly to gather the necessary “drink”. The outside portion of the balcony was deserted because of the slight drizzle just before. With camera in Dad’s hands, Mom lifted a glass of Three Legged Red in front of Old Faithful (not in eruption) and toasted all our TriPawd warriors – past, present, and future. It was a very moving moment for all of us.
[Image Can Not Be Found]The next morning Dad took a photo of some of our “required” traveling equipment. (in the same place as last year’s photo of Mom and I) This includes – ICE CREAM in preparation of ampuversary celebrations, the Hypoalergetic biscuits that I became so fond of after my appetite improved and that Magic loved so much as his appetite waned, and jerky treats in honor of Emily. Dad made a mistake and grabbed beef jerky treats rather than chicken jerky treats, but Emily assures me that it was more of the intent rather than the actual formulation. We did have some green beans in the freezer until midway through the trip and from what Dad tells me, that will have to be added to the list.[Image Can Not Be Found]

I hope that you have read the Boston Globe article about Dad that I mentioned in an earlier post. Also, Dad has a web page dedicated to Mom & Dad's best photos of Yellowstone's Geysers if one would like to see what we watch on these trips. One last thing before I close. Steamboat is the world’s largest geyser. It erupts to heights exceeding 300 feet and has not erupted since 2005. I have heard Dad say to many of his friends that he would gladly give up any opportunity of ever seeing Steamboat for just one more Cherry hug. I have to agree!

Spirit Cherry