We hit the basin on a very good day. We saw 5 geyser eruptions in just 4 hours. I heard one of the faithful geyser watchers comment to his friend, "If folks here today knew that seeing more than 2 geysers in a day is unusual, they would appreciate what they're seeing even more." I didn't realize that but they were all a sight to behold.
Here are photos of the geysers. Each is unique.
Beehive geyser is named after the beehive shape of its spout. On a day with calm winds Beehive can spout to over 200 feet. A knowledgeable geyser watcher told us that beehive reached about 170 during the eruption we witnessed.
Grand Geyser doesn't shoot quite as high but its fountain is very wide. Occasionally it will spout more than once during an eruption. On our day we witnessed two back to back eruptions. That is really a treat. Kind of like an encore.
This is Old Faithful at sunset. We saw Old Faithful go off 3 times. Once just after we arrived, again after watching Beehive and Grand, and then another time at sunset (above) just after eating dinner.
It is interesting to met other visitors and hear their stories about Yellowstone. One lady, somewhat disabled, told us that she and her husband had been coming to Yellowstone for years. She has never visited in Winter and wants to do that some day. She likes watching Old Faithful (she would have some trouble getting to other geysers due to the walk) and says each time is a thrill. I agree.
Nan commented that it is so nice that much of Yellowstone can be enjoyed by people whose physical condition doesn't allow them to hike long distances. Much of the wildlife, hot springs, geysers, and just landscape beauty can be seen from the car or just a short distance down a level path.
If you have never been to Yellowstone, you ought to visit. Since the Tetons are close, be certain to see them as well.
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