I paid my first visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in Wyoming recently. Impressions, beyond the obvious “wow”:

• A week isn’t nearly enough for either park, never mind both. I spent a week in Yosemite a few years back and came to the same conclusion.
• I had to choose between hiking and driving within Yellowstone. It’s vast. My husband and I wanted to see as much of the parks as we could, so we wound up driving a lot and stopping for short hikes.  My week was filled with bike paths, boardwalks and easy strolls.
• The beauty of the west is so different from that of my familiar beloved New England that it’s hard to take in. Now I now what “Big Sky Country” means.
• The summer crowds must be oppressive. I was in Yellowstone as Memorial Day weekend approached, which marks the beginning of the summer season. Things were already hoppin’.
• Pelicans in Yellowstone? How did I not know about this?!

I felt very keenly that I was a mere tourist, not an adventurer. Adventurers spend more time away from their cars. But there was so much to see …!

The Yellowstone River cuts a stunning canyon.

Minerva Terrace near Mammoth Hot Springs.

I wasn’t surprised to see eagle and osprey, but these pelicans were unexpected.

In Grand Teton National Park: the view across Cotter Bay.

Meadow along the west entrance road.

I haven’t identified this flower. It was growing very close to the edge of a hot spring.

Grand Geyser. Far more impressive than Old Faithful.

Teton Glacier seen from the bike path along Teton Road.

Bison traffic jam: it was unusual to see calves at close range.