6 Signs You May Be Playing on a Supervolcano

Our summer vacation was supposed to be all outdoorsy . . . where we could be together as a family in nature viewing wildlife and taking in the beauty of a national park. I knew we’d be exploring geothermal areas, but I didn’t realize we’d be in what Ranger Van Winkle called the “PURPLE CIRCLE OF DOOM!”  With every step we took, in every place we played – it became apparent this ground was different than the ground back home in our neighborhood.

6 Signs You May Be Playing on a Supervolcano

1. You suddenly feel thankful for your “Stay on the Trail” mantra.  It means you (and your kids) have absolutely no impulse whatsoever to go off the boardwalk. Heat rising from the ground and steam spurting from unexpected vents are extra motivators.

2. You are warned not to mark on “bacterial mats” when you didn’t even realize those colors beneath the boardwalk actually represent little organisms.

3. You start consulting the Geyser Predictions before you even wonder about weather predictions.

4. It takes you 5 minutes to interpret scenarios for a 13-word sign.  The ground is unstable. Check. The water is boiling. Check. Stay on designated trails. (See #1. Check!). And, finally, even though the water is boiling — the walkway can be icy. Huh?  Do you really want to walk here?

5. You are in danger of falling down at any given time. Usually, it’s no big deal.  But, here, warnings let you know you are either on the rim of a crater or the edge of a canyon.  Good luck with those hiking poles! (Like they’re really gonna help).

6. You drive through the historic Roosevelt Arch that reads: “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” It means you are officially in Yellowstone National Park. Where rivers boil, mud bubbles, waterfalls cascade, and boardwalks allow you to gaze at pools, springs and geysers gushing with proof that this must be Wonderland.