Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, opening in 1872. You can see why this is the place that started it all.

I often felt on another planet today. The geothermal activity, and all its visible features, makes one feel as though they’re embarking on a Martian journey. The color of the springs is spellbinding. You look out into the distance and see jets of steam everywhere, or if the timing is right, huge spouts of sporadic hot water.

There have been two bison hanging around the Old Faithful Inn the past two days. One has ironically posted up near the “DANGER WILDLIFE” sign, the other in the center of the main meadow right out front. These enormous animals have served as poster guides for all the tourists visiting.

There’s a lot of car time in the National Parks. I love looking out the window searching for wildlife, appreciating the beauty of the trees, streams and grasslands. The meandering rivers are absolutely picturesque, the epitome of America’s beauty and a far cry from the Martian landscape of Upper Geyser Basin. Even modern humans are drawn to the vistas, the open space, and the wildness of it all.

My daughter is too young to understand it, but I’m glad we’re showing her this magnificent place. I hope it will build a lifelong fascination with nature, the most powerful aspect of our planet. We are one with it, all the time. Even amongst the crowds of the national parks.