G.A.S.P.

Old Faithful is undoubtedly the world’s best-known geyser and she attracts quite an audience. Minor earthquakes in recent years have extended her frequency to about 80 minutes, but she still goes off pretty much like clockwork. It’s a nice show and a "must" for any visit to Yellowstone. We had lunch at the Old Faithful Inn, then I checked out the rest of the Old Faithful Geyser Basin while Russ took a nap in a rocking chair at the Inn. Castle Geyser is particularly interesting in that it is probably thousands of years old (based on the amount of mineral deposit around it’s base) whereas the other geysers, Old Faithful included, may be only hundreds of years old.

Fire damage (1988) is very evident all around the Old Faithful area, and indeed throughout much of the Park. Supposedly, about 26 percent of the Park burned in 1988. It’s very evident, but does not detract from the beauty or enjoyment of Yellowstone.