After guests checked in, they likely headed outside to explore the nearby travertine terraces and steamy thermal pools. Then, guests could actually climb on the chalky-white terraces and pose for photographs (strictly prohibited today!).

Guests also delighted in filling small souvenir bottles with thermal water or buying "coated specimens" from Ole Anderson. The concessionaire had an unusual business that no longer exists: transforming ordinary objects into travertine-coated souvenirs. Anderson took horseshoes, pinecones�even objects provided by guests�and placed them on a rack that he then positioned beneath the cascading terrace waters. The mineral-rich waters coated the objects and turned them alabaster white.

After absorbing the glories of Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Tour guests woke the next morning and gathered on the hotel's veranda to board the four-horse Yellowstone Observation Wagons. These bright-yellow coaches were specially designed for touring, each featuring a covered top; open sides, and four forward-facing benches (the driver, and two passengers, occupied one bench). Up to eleven passengers were assigned to each wagon, and they remained with that driver throughout the tour.

Excitement must have mounted as the coaches took off, headed for the Fountain Hotel in the Lower Geyser Basin. Coaches departed at intervals, to minimize dust, which could quickly cloud up the view during the summer. Passengers often wore linen duster coats (yellow for males, gray for females) to protect their clothing, hats or shaker bonnets to guard their hair, and bandannas or scarves to shield their mouths and noses.

Travel by coach had its share of challenges, especially on rutted or muddy roads; some stretches required guests to get out and walk�or worse, push. But the lovely scenery and frequent stops to observe animals and other natural features no doubt softened the hardships. It was all a part of the "Wild West" experience.

-from Chapter 2: "The Grand Tour (1891�1916)"