The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
enjoyed the Thermal Geysers at Yellowstone - in 2009

The two RV Gypsies entered the hottest, most changeable geyser basin on this continent, if not in the world. Nowhere else can you find the diversity and changeability that occurs at Norris. The highest temperature yet recorded in any geothermal area in Yellowstone was measured in a scientific drill hole at Norris: 4590 just 1,087 feet ) below the surface! Most springs and all geysers here are hot enough to release boiling water.

Norris is the oldest of any of Yellowstone's active geyser basins. Hot spring waters, mostly originating as rain and snowmelt, have flowed here for over 115,000 years. The world's tallest active geyser is but one of the many attractions of this fascinating area.

September 5, 2009

In Emerald Spring, the blue of clear water combines with the yellow of the sulfur-coated crater to create a magnificent green color. The temperature of this 27 foot deep pool is usually within the 1900 range. The boiling point at Norris is 1990.

Below: STEAMBOAT GEYSER

The world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat, can erupt to over 300 feet, showering viewers with its mineral-rich waters. For hours following its rare 3-40 minute major eruptions, Steamboat thunders with powerful jets of steam. As befitting such an awesome event, full eruptions are entirely unpredictable. Recently, Steamboat had one major eruption in 1990, one in 1991, but none between 1992 and 1995. More commonly, Steamboat ejects water in frequent bursts of 10 to 40 feet.



Below: CISTERN SPRING

Cistern Spring and Steamboat Geyser are linked underground. During a major eruption of Steamboat, the water in Cistern Spring's pool drains. Normally, Cistern is a beautiful blue pool from which water continually overflows. It is quite creative, depositing as much as 1/2 inch of grayish sinter each year. By comparison, Old Faithful Geyser and other adjacent thermal features may build deposits at the rate of l/2- l inch per century. Cistern Spring's influence expands throughout the lodgepole pine forest below; this forest has been slowly flooded with silica-rich water since 1965. The pioneering lodgepole forest at Norris is in constant flux, retreating here and in other areas of increasing heat while advancing in places of diminished thermal activity.

Below: VETERAN GEYSER

Is this a giant marshmallow on the BBQ ????

Below: A bridge over a river and the view from each side of the bridge


Below: PEARL GEYSER
Pearl Geyser's eruptions can spray water eight feet high. When it is empty, you can view its colorful formations and listen to its underground gurgling.

Below: PORKCHOP GEYSER
Dramatic behavioral changes have characterized Porkchop Geyser during the last decade. Once a small hot spring that occasionally erupted, Porkchop Geyser became a continuous spouter in the spring of 1985. The force of the spray caused a roar that could often be heard at the museum. On September 5, 1989, Porkchop Geyser exploded. Rocks surrounding the old vent were upended; some were thrown more than 216 feet from the feature. Porkchop Geyser is now a gently boiling hot spring.

Below: Mellow Funnel Spring

Below: BLUE MUD STEAM VENT
Blue Mud Steam Vent, which began as a powerful steam vent, can still be muddy and dry, or muddy and overflowing

*Below: VIXEN GEYSER*
*Vixen Geyser is a slightly steaming hole in the ground. If active gurgling can be heard, steam rises. There may be a brief, narrow and tall eruption.*

*Below: Puff 'n Stuff Geyser* often chugs and sprays water a few feet.

The two RV Gypsies did not get to Old Faithful Geyser in 2009 - construction in Yellowstone made the trip not do-able. But they did get there in 2012. If you did not see that page, you may go there now. But try to get back to this page.