Left Yellowstone almost midday for The Teton Club at Teton Village, just outside of Jackson, Wyoming.
A trip to Yellowstone is not complete without seeing Old Faithful.
"Old Faithful, named by members of the 1870 Washburn Expedition, was once named "Eternity's Timepiece" because of the regularity of its eruptions. Despite the myth, this geyser has never erupted at exactly hourly intervals, nor is it the largest or most regular geyser in Yellowstone. It does, however erupt more frequently than any other of the large geysers."
Elevation: 7,349 ft (2,240 m)
Duration: 1½ to 5 minutes
Eruption height: 106 to 185 ft (32 to 56 m)
Coordinates: 44°27′38″N 110°49′41″W / 44.46046°N 110.82815°W
Discharge: 3,700–8,400 US gal (14,000–32,000 L)
"The famous geyser currently erupts around 20 times a day and can be predicted with a 90 percent confidence rate within a 10 minute variation. Prior to the 1959 earthquake, Old Faithful erupted 21 times per day. That’s a significant decrease in activity for geologists tracking each eruption, but to visitors seeing one or two eruptions… it looks just fine."
"During an eruption, the water temperature at the vent has been measured at 204°F (95.6°C). The steam temperature has been measured above 350°F!"
"Old Faithful is a cone geyser.. It was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and was the first geyser in the park to be named. It is a highly predictable geothermal feature and has erupted every 44 minutes to two hours since 2000. The geyser and the nearby Old Faithful Inn are part of the Old Faithful Historic District."
"In the afternoon of September 18, 1870, the members of the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition traveled down the Firehole River from the Kepler Cascades and entered the Upper Geyser Basin. The first geyser that they saw was Old Faithful. Nathaniel P. Langford wrote in his 1871 Scribner's account of the expedition."
"It spouted at regular intervals nine times during our stay, the columns of boiling water being thrown from ninety to one hundred and twenty-five feet at each discharge, which lasted from fifteen to twenty minutes. We gave it the name of "Old Faithful."
In the early days of the park, Old Faithful was often used as a laundry. "Old Faithful is sometimes degraded by being made a laundry. Garments placed in the crater during quiescence are ejected thoroughly washed when the eruption takes place. Gen. Sheridan's men, in 1882, found that linen and cotton fabrics were uninjured by the action of the water, but woolen clothes were torn to shreds."
The Old Faithful Inn
The red front doors welcome visitors.
Back of the front door with the original locks
"The Inn’s foundation is the creative genius of architect Robert C. Reamer, combined with the business savvy of hotelier Harry W. Child. Constructed between June 1903 and June 1904, the builders used raw materials harvested from the local area. Adapting sixteenth-century technology they produced a modern wilderness log cabin with electricity, steam heat, and indoor plumbing."
"A few years after it opened railroads and early automobilists embraced the idea to “See America First” – a campaign that successfully turned the tourist tide from Europe to our nation’s scenic wonders. The Inn’s first addition, known as the East Wing (1913-1914), grew out of this increasing interest. Its plain exterior and more generic plaster-walled interior, also the work of R. C. Reamer, reflect the practicality and speed in which rooms were added."
"Soon the gasoline-burners replaced the horse-drawn stages. The independence-loving automobilists embraced the privacy of cabins, and the park’s lodges grew in popularity. But five railroads still served Yellowstone. So the park’s transportation company, also under H. W. Child, motorized. Child again engaged Reamer to adapt the Inn with a new auto-centered front entrance and more additional guest rooms (West Wing, 1927)."
"Adapting to increased visitation was not the only thing the Inn has endured in its 116 years. The ups and downs of tourist numbers during both World Wars and the Great Depression meant temporary closures. Physical threats from the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, the 1988 fire season, and dozens of harsh winters and heavy snow-loading have all been met. In the 1950s, and again in the 1970s, human decisions threatened the Inn’s future."
"Since 1979, within the existing partnership between government ownership/oversight and concessioner financial commitments, the Inn has undergone three major periods of restoration/renovation – 1979-1988, 1992-1995, and 2004-2012. These included fire safety upgrades, two complete kitchen remodels, addition of bathrooms to guestrooms (except the original Old House), exterior re-shingling and re-roofing, and seismic stabilization. These necessary upgrades insure that we will enjoy this National Historic Landmark for decades to come."
"There was risk – borrowing money from a railroad, inviting wealthy railroad travelers to engage in a multi-day stagecoach tour to marvel at the wonders of Yellowstone, and offering a rustic hostelry at the end of the day. The design drew inspiration from nature, but departed from the norms of the time. From its five-hundred ton massive rhyolite chimney to the whimsical tree house at its 76½ foot peak, the Inn both charms and welcomes."
While Old Faithful Geyser and other natural features draw visitors from around the world to the Upper Geyser Basin, there’s also a legendary man-made feature that is not to be missed: the Old Faithful Inn.
"The Old Faithful Inn was designed by Robert C. Reamer, who is said to have wanted the asymmetry of the building to reflect the chaos of nature. Completed in 1904 at a cost of $140,000, the enormous wood structure with its soaring, seventy-six foot tall lobby is considered a masterpiece of rustic “Parkitecture.” The hotel remains one of the largest log-style structures in the world and is a National Historic Landmark."
"The Yellowstone Volcano helped create the Old Faithful Inn. The building’s foundation and enormous fireplace were constructed from rhyolite—the rock produced by Yellowstone’s volcanic eruptions that now forms Yellowstone’s caldera. The fireplace alone is made from 500 tons of this native stone, reportedly quarried from nearby Black Sand Basin."
Local logs and rocks were used. The Inn is one of the largest log-style structures in the world. The towering lobby features a massive stone fireplace and a hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron serving as focal points.
The lobby is 77 feet when you look up to the staff.
"Many original fixtures and furnishings installed at the Old Faithful Inn when it first opened are still in use today. Notice the mission-style furniture and wall-mounted “candelabra” lights in the lobby, the hickory chairs and chandeliers in the dining room, the massive wrought iron and brass clock mounted on the lobby fireplace, and the red front door with its giant lock. All of these treasures have graced the Inn for more than a century!"
"On top of the Inn’s roof is a lofty lookout, referred to as the “widow’s walk,” with eight flagstaffs at its edges. At one time it flew colorful pennants and had a U.S. Navy searchlight to illuminate nighttime viewing of Old Faithful eruptions, but the light was removed in 1948. Today the flagstaffs fly the U.S.A. flag and Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho State flags, as well as four red and blue pennants that reflect the originals."
Evening meals in the dining room were accompanied by a string quartet, for early visitors to the Inn, and dancing was customary six nights a week. After dinner, the musicians would climb up a staircase from the second balcony and continue to play from the “Crow’s Nest,” a small, treehouse-like landing near the roof. Today, music can be heard in the main lobby each evening.
"A printing press located in the Inn’s basement printed daily menus for each meal through at least the 1950s. Sumptuous meals were served family-style at long tables and, in the early years of the Inn, could be purchased for around 75 cents. A dinner bell mounted atop the Inn alerted visitors when it was time to come inside and get ready for dinner.
Every year on August 25, guests and employees celebrate Christmas in August. The tradition dates back to the 1930s when park employees celebrated “Christmas in July” with homemade ornaments, visits from Santa, and a holiday feast. By 1955, “Savage Christmas” was celebrated by employees and guests on August 25th. Today, guests are invited to trim the tree, join in caroling, and welcome St. Nick as a celebration of friendship, family, and community.
The August 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, which measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and was felt as far away as the Pacific coast and western North Dakota, damaged the Inn’s roof and chimneys. Most guests fled the Park the following day, but none were seriously injured.
The Bear Pit Lounge was added to the Inn in 1936, not long after prohibition was lifted nationally. Original Inn architect Reamer designed the addition and commissioned Chicago artist Walter Oehrle to etch cartoon-like bears and other animals in fir panels to decorate the lounge. When the Bear Pit was moved next to the dining room in 1962 (the original location is now the snack bar), the panels were stored and apparently forgotten. During a 1980s restoration, they were found and five panels can now be seen adorning the walls of the relocated lounge."
"The Fires of 1988 destroyed some small buildings nearby the Inn, and the hotel was evacuated. But the Old Faithful Inn was preserved by the heroic work of firefighters, helped by the roof sprinklers installed the previous year and a shift in the wind."
"The original Inn, now called the “Old House,” housed 140 guest rooms, each with its own character and accents. First-floor rooms featured peeled log walls, and some rooms had cushioned window seats. When it opened, a room with a bath down the hall could be booked for $4 a night. Today the Inn has more than 300 rooms, after expansions completed in 1914 and 1927, but the 87 Old House rooms still available for rent—most of which without a private bath—are always in demand."
A clock is posted in the lobby so you will know when the Old Faithful Geyser will erupt.
Local logs were used in building the original inn.
Oh, I almost forgot to talk about the kitchen fire in the Snow Lodge. When we went down to breakfast the receptionist said the dining room was closed for hot food due to a kitchen fire. The nozzle on the gas stove should have been pointed upward but instead it became loose and shot the flames sideways which caused the fire. Thankfully, it wasn't serious and they were hoping to get everything fixed for the evening service. They were serving a complimentary continental breakfast, though. Most of the staff from the Snow Lodge was sent to the Old Faithful Inn but there was a long line to get into the dining room. So we opted for the continental. The blueberry muffin was my favorite along with the bagel and cream cheese. The manager was so apologetic. She was dealing with a new seasonal staff, too.
"Wait.....I just want to cross the street," said the bison.
A small bison train
The bison rub against the trees.
Leaving Yellowstone was a nightmare. We traveled more than 8 miles going 3 to 5 mph. We thought we were following a herd of bison. All of a sudden travel freed up but no bison were in sight. Also, no tow truck was seen either so it couldn't have been an accident. Don't know what the hold up was, though.
The trip took us through a small section of Idaho. Fields were being prepared to put in the seed potatoes. Fields stretched for miles and miles and miles.
"In the United States, Idaho topped the ranking of leading potato producing states, with an annual production amount of about 145 million cwt of potatoes in 2023. Washington and Wisconsin were the next largest producers with production amounting to about 99.7 million cwt and 29.4 million cwt, respectively in that year."
"The potato is about 80% water and 20% solids. An 8 ounce baked or boiled potato has only about 100 calories. The average American eats about 124 pounds of potatoes per year while Germans eat about twice as much."
According to the Idaho Potato Commission, about one in five potatoes grown in Idaho is exported, and top destinations for fresh Idaho potatoes include Canada, Mexico, Malaysia and Singapore.
"The US Department of Agriculture has stated that “a diet of whole milk and potatoes would supply almost all of the food elements necessary for the maintenance of the human body.”
The potato itself is 99.9% fat free, and yet it is a nutrient dense food. It is an important dietary staple in over 130 countries."
Idaho's agricultural sector supplies many products, but the state is best known for its potato crop, which comprises around one-third of the nationwide yield.
Small Idaho Potatoes are best for use in salads, while medium-sized Idaho Potatoes are quite versatile and can be used baked, mashed or fried.
Idaho leads the nation in potato production – producing nearly 1/3 of all U.S. potatoes. Growers produce more than 100 million hundredweight of potatoes annually on more than 300,000 acres.
Came upon stormy weather as we were leaving Idaho toward Wyoming.
Here are some interesting facts about the potato.
"In October 1995, the potato became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, created the technology with the goal of feeding astronauts on long space voyages, and eventually, feeding future space colonies.
Potato blossoms used to be a big hit in royal fashion. Potatoes first became fashionable when Marie Antoinette paraded through the French countryside wearing potato blossoms in her hair."
Climbing and climbing and climbing the hill toward Wyoming. Thankfully the road was sanded.
Saw the turn off for Teton Village, where we are staying, but we drove on into town to charge the car and to buy something for dinner.
Staying at the Teton Club at the Teton Village.
"The Teton Club is located at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, WY. Just one mile from Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles South of Yellowstone National Park.
Nestled in the heart of Teton Village, luxurious 2 & 3 bedroom condominiums provide unparalleled access to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks."
Located just steps away from the Aerial Tram and less than one mile to Grand Teton National Park.
Lobby area
After dinner, we went down to the lobby for some tea.
Anyone can use this work area.
Our "home" until Saturday morning.
They refinished the tabletop today.
Washer/dryer
Bedroom one
Bedroom two
Excited to be here but Michael and I are more excited for breakfast in the morning at Persephone Westbank. Our favorites are the kouign amann (a florette of laminated croissant dough coated in caramelized sugar), cinnamon brioche, almond croissant, or anything with huckleberries.