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Joanna LeMasters

Joanna LeMasters

Florida

Traveling and Photography are my favorite! Tag along as I cross each of the 50 states off my list and lots of other awesome places. Check out my instgram for more fun!

July 30, 2016
Rated 5.0

But of course, you have to go to Old Faithful! Yes, it's crowded, but it's a huge geyser. You'll see it when it happens. I was about 5 people deep towards the back, and I was able to enjoy it and get photos with out any people in the shot. The welcome center keeps an updated sign with the next time that OF will erupt, so that is helpful. There's also some interesting things to see in the welcome center as well as (you guessed it--real bathrooms with running water). The boardwalk has a number of adorable chipmunks and ground squirrels who will brazenly demand food. Don't feed them. Just use their bravery to your advantage and take some photos.

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July 30, 2016
Rated 5.0

Yellowstone is massive. I am positive that I could happily spend a month there. The views, the nature, the wildlife. I absolutely loved it. It is great destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and ability, provided people make responsible decisions (hold on to your kiddos the water really is scalding, folks). You can see so much from the comfort of your vehicle, while knowing there's even more to see on foot. The various views could require very little walking to a moderate amount of walking or hiking, but many of the trails and paths are clearly labeled. I loved my time in Yellowstone and cannot wait to return one day.

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July 30, 2016
Rated 4.0

This was a scenic view at the West Thumb Basin and the first time I saw geysers in the park. We strolled the boardwalks and took the path that splits to the LEFT from the main one that leads to the parking lot. We did not complete the entire loop but saw most geysers up close and the rest from an enjoyable distance within 45 minutes. The restrooms here are "outhouse" style with hand sanitizer, as many in the park are. (this review is similar to the West Thumb Review because it's the same place)

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July 30, 2016
Rated 4.0

This was a scenic stop and the first time I saw geysers in the park. We strolled the boardwalks and took the path that splits to the left from the main one that leads to the parking lot. We did not complete the entire loop but saw most geysers up close and the rest from an enjoyable distance within 45 minutes. The restrooms here are "outhouse" style with hand sanitizer, as many in the park are.

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July 30, 2016
Rated 3.0

A pleasant little stop on your way through the park. (HAS REAL BATHROOMS WITH RUNNING WATER) The museum is small but helps you identify many of the wildlife you will see. Be sure you step out the back doors for a scenic overlook of the lake.

1 person found this review helpful
July 30, 2016
Rated 4.0

A lovely stop not too far inside the park. The rocky shoreline is a good place for a quick walk and there are lovely views of the lake.

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July 30, 2016
Rated 4.0

I visited on a very windy day, so my experience was a bit effected by the fact that I was taking everything in with strong gusts of wind knocking me about. But here's what you'll see, rows upon rows of white grave markers in front of the parking lot. Each one for a soldier, and the impact will take your breath away. Next, I recommend that you go through the visitor center and see the little museum--there is a fair amount of artifacts. Next, hop back into your car for a drive down a paved road through the historic land. There are a number of stops with notable historic markers. You'll see lots of headstones marking where soldiers and warriors alike fell in battle. You'll drive through several confusing fences that seem to imply you are on private land, but keep driving until you reach the turn around point. Once you return to the parking lot, I recommend that you then get out and walk to the Monument (you will have driven past it by now but the impact will be greater because you saw the land). You'll see the marker for where Custer fell, the marker where Crazy Horse fell, and countless others. Entering the circular cement area, you'll see a sculpture of native americans on horseback. But I was most impressed with the lovely portraits etched in the cement. Look closely or you might miss how artfully these were done. All in all, it was an interesting and historic stop on my trip out West.

10 people found this review helpful
July 30, 2016
Rated 5.0

There was a bit of a line to get into the park, as it seems they only have one ranger admitting vehicles into the property. But it was well worth it. This mountain/volcano is awesome to behold. The first stretch of the hike is minimal and easy and leads you to the base of the monument where you can view it from a shady area. Keep an eye on your footing, snakes love to sun on the rocky area and we saw one at the first viewing area at the base. The hike around the monument is easy/moderate depending on the temperature and ability of the hiker. They should really paint the "speed bumps" as they are the same color as the path and easy to stumble over. There are several scenic overlooks along the way and overall the hike is totally worth it. (Thought it was about 98 degrees during my hike). Oh and if you are up to it, you should wear shoes worthy of light rock climbing. All visitors are welcome to climb on the rocky base until a clearly marked yellow line. (If you want to hike further up you have to check in.) All in all this was an awesome stop along my trip out West!

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July 30, 2016
Rated 5.0

If you are in South Dakota, you should go to Mount Rushmore. End of story. Stand in awe at the base of a mountain with the faces of early America. (Each eyeball is 6 feet across!) Walk through the museum and history building to learn more about the construction of this massive monument. Once you've spent some time appreciating all of the above stop and take a moment to people watch. This historical monument attracts a lot of tourists and I enjoyed watching others enjoy the view. Finally, look around for nearby nature. I watched a few chipmunks sunning themselves, saw a group of mule deer run through the trees to the lower right of the mountain, and took photos of some of the lovely flowers they have near the viewing area. I am so glad we made this a part of our trip out West!

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June 29, 2016
Rated 4.0

I enjoyed visiting the ranch in the summer of 2015. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I've heard a few people mention the price, and to that I say--the tour is thorough and you get to see animals up close. Also this is in LAKELAND--you're going to either pay for gas money to go the distance to another zoo sort of place, or you can pay and go local. I had a great time and so did the kids I took, I would go back.

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