Edge of Yellowstone and Beyond

Yellowstone River Motel – Gardner, Montana

We had stayed the night at the Yellowstone River Motel—Creekside View—in Gardiner, Montana, right near the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. We arrived late—after 10 PM—and didn't realize until we were already out of Yellowstone that we’d missed a text from the motel. It said their office closes at 10, but not to worry—they’d tape the key and check-in information in an envelope on the door. We couldn’t help but laugh—it was funny, but also just so incredibly trusting and small-town sweet.

When we pulled up, sure enough, there was our envelope taped to the door. And we weren’t the only late ones—another families keys were taped up too.

The motel itself? Absolutely gorgeous.

We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the creek that night—we were exhausted from a long day of driving and soaking in all the jaw-dropping views in Yellowstone. But the next morning, after we packed up the SUV, we took a stroll down to the creek. You could hear the water before you even saw it. It was peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect way to start the day.

We met a family there, took their photo for them, and then they offered to take one of us. We sat on the edge of the creek for the shot, and that’s when Janet tried to push Peg off the edge.

(Just joking—she didn’t succeed. We're still alive. Barely.)

We’re always clowning around. To make up for her “almost murder,” she bought me dinner.

We went to Ruby Tuesday, which turned out to be a surprisingly perfect pick—their salad bar was amazing, especially when you’ve been living off road trip snacks. Fresh veggies felt like a luxury.

Earlier that day, just before we arrived, the area had been hit by a hailstorm, and later that evening there was this wild lightning storm—bolts flashing over and over, hitting what looked like the same spots across town. It was surreal.

But honestly? Even with the weird weather and the tiredness, everything was beautiful.

And that… is a wrap.