In Karl’s research he found that there were several places you could swim in the park. He mentioned it to Lucas, and that is all he wanted to do the whole trip. Any time we set off, or headed over, or stopped, Lucas asked, “can we go swimming now?”

One of the most popular places is the Boiling River. There is a mile hike out, and it was super flat and easy.

We hiked out together in our suits, after changing in the car in the parking lot.

It was starting to cool down. Which was perfect for the hike.

We arrived above the river entrance.

Got all kitted up.

And stumbled into the water. It was much harder to walk in than I thought it would be. River shoes would have been really helpful, maybe. When they said boiling, it was boiling. It was SO hot, then so cold, then okay. We stumbled into an area where we could sit down. But it was a river, and it was moving water, and our kids were not great about helping us.

Once we got settled, it was pretty nice, besides the sea of people all around us, and the others stumbling by trying to find a place to sit.

 

Someone would walk by and a giant flow of ice cold water would wash over you, then suddenly you would be covered in boiling water you were sure would leave a mark.

Here is Mirah experiencing such a change as we tried to take a family picture.

There we times of relaxation and comfort.

 

My boyfriend. Happy to be out here.

 

Adjusting.

Then smiling through the discomfort.

Because the water could sweep a baby down the river at any moment, we had to be all hands on deck at all moments in the water.

 

Grumpy Selfie.

Me and my boy.

Mirah and Dad.

Grumpy Selfies.

 

A cute Asian Group took this one for us.

After about 30 minutes, we stumbled out, and started our walk back to the car.

Karl was told by someone he passed that there was a snake. He went to investigate.

We stayed back, and he joined us after almost stepping on it.

Look a deer!!

It was getting late, and we were already almost dried off by the time we got to the car.

The drive out of the park was long, and stopped with traffic and construction. But it was a beautiful day.

We were all beat, but with a stroke of luck we were able to snag a table for four pretty quickly at Wild West Pizzaria and Saloon.

Lucas had fallen asleep in the car, and it was work, but we were able to get him to wake up eventually.

It’s not pictured but or table was right under a huge bust of a bison. Mirah hated it.

The pizza came and was delicious.

We were all totally beat, and ready for bed.