Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Steaming Stinkholes

Don’t let the sulfuric stench hold you back from exploring the magic of geysers. Yes, they smell like rotten eggs. But they look—oh they look—like liquefied gemstones. They appear so inviting, Mr. W and I kept joking about how we wanted to jump into one. But then we remembered that would melt off all our skin.


Mixed into the surrounding runoff near a lot of them, you see vibrant oranges and rusts and yellows. We learned that these colored areas are inhabited by thermophiles—microorganisms that live in extremely high temperatures. Given how hot it is in my apartment right now, I’m pretty sure a family or two of them have taken up residence here for the summer.


It was interesting to see dead trees standing in the vicinity of a lot of these hot spots. I can’t quite understand how trees grew there at all, given how old most of the geysers are. Perhaps the trees are really old too…or maybe certain geysers are really sneaky and conniving and they make the tress think it’s totally chill for them to sprout up nearby, then when they least expect it, the geysers shower them in liquid hot magma water…


One of our last stops in the park was Old Faithful. The last time I was in Yellowstone (16 years ago), OF was erupting every hour and six minutes. That has increased to about every hour and a half. Apparently, Old Faithful is getting older and having some trouble getting it up regularly…perhaps a little Viagra would help…sorry, couldn’t resist…


In addition to the scents that wafted our way as we trekked the wooden pathways of the various geyser basins, there may have been an episode in the hotel room when Mr. Wonderful walked into the bathroom after I’d been in there and immediately ran back out, doubled over with his arm slung over his nose, crying, “How does that smell come out of you?!” But I won’t tell you that part of the story.

Here’s the bathtub from our room, by the way. Rockin’ awesome.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous! I've always wanted to go there...I'm dying for a roadtrip. You've inspired me.

I still think it's awesome y'all are at the point in your relationship that bathroom smells are funny, but normal.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the trip, Sunshine. I'm glad you remember all the details of it for me.

5 more weekends until the next :)

Anonymous said...

Your trip sounded divine! What a perfect little getaway for you and mr wonderful! Oh & the bathroom story? Hysterical, me and the h go through that at least once a night. At least we ladies can make fun of ourselves :)

Anonymous said...

Did Mr. W hang one of those signs that warns tourists not to get too close around your neck when you came out of the bathroom?

Nilsa S. said...

Nature is indeed awe inspiring. Great pictures - beautiful part of the country!

Bretthead said...

I read the title "Steaming Stinkholes" and assumed you were writing about my son's potty training.

JustRun said...

Very cool!

And, LOL. :)

Anonymous said...

sounds like you guys had a great time...big sis did a great job holding down the fort on the blog front while you were away.

Anonymous said...

Some of those geyers and paint pots gagged me with their stench, but sounds like the bathroom in the hotel room might have also. Where are you going in 5 more weekends with the fabulous Mr. W?

Jenn Martinson said...

Why do men think our stuff smells different just because we're women?? The Hubster is on the hunt for Glade Plug-Ins for my booty.

Anonymous said...

So in all your efficient packing, you don't pack bathroom spray!
Perhaps, that needs to be at the top of the list or a sign for the doornob "Stinky" or "OK".
And do you really think Mr. W wanted you to post the photo of the tub!

Michael C said...

Damn, you made a sexual innuendo about Old Faithful. Now I got nothin'

;-)

Hannah said...

I am so glad you had a good time. Those are some beautiful pictures.

megabrooke said...

wow, that sounds really cool! great pics!

and the hot tub! mmmmm...

Melissa Maris said...

Jane - You must go! It's beautiful. You would love it. And yes, it is awesome that we're comfortable with the bodily functions stuff now. :P

Mr. W - Thank you. No YOU. Abooobooboo schnooky wooky poo. Can't wait until Napa! I'll try not to stink you out of the hotel room.

Semichrmd - It was divine! I tell ya, I think the sign of a good relationship is the ability to joke about potty happenings!

Dingo - Wait, did you read that somewhere? I didn't think anyone saw that sign...

Nilsa - Thanks! It was incredibly beautiful. I definitely want to go back and stay longer.

Wow TWA - Feel free to steal that title if you need to write about the boy's potty training. :D

JustRun - Thanks! My pictures don't compare to yours, though!

Laura - She did, didn't she? Hopefully one of our trips will include a day down in your neck soon!

Big Sister - You're one to talk. Mr. W is taking me to Napa on Sept 15.

Coconut - Glade plug-in for the booty! I love it!

Mom - I tried to warn him before he went in there! He just doesn't listen. He wasn't in the bathtub with me, so I think he could care less.

Michael C - Great minds think alike, right? :D

Hannah - Thanks, doll. You and Matty should try to get over there one day!

Brookem - Thanks! It was so pretty - the pictures don't even do it justice.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been to Yellowstone since I was a kid, and I miss it terribly. Fun fact that makes me odd: I actually kinda like the sulfur smell from the geysers. I mean, I'm not using rotten egg potpourri around the house yet, but walking along the boardwalk with that humid sulfur steam drifting over is a great memory from my childhood.

*sigh* I really need to win the lottery so I can travel more...

Girl said...

When I first glanced at the tub pic I though someone had drawn a face on it.

I am weird.