We drove to the restaurant. It was about two tenths of a mile, not far, but I had to navigate around about a hundred giant potholes in the road. I got through the minefield intact and parked my car on the parking lot up above where I had parked a few hours ago, a solid, level asphalt parking lot with no structural deficiencies. This part of the Canyon Lodge area was nice like the rest of the park. The buildings there were all in very good condition, and the restaurant was downright fancy.
We entered through the double doors, and after reserving a table, we sat in front of the fireplace. Sitting here was the best part of the trip. The fireplace was magnificent and we were cozy and toasty here. Some strangers were sitting near us, looking into the fire. But I was more concerned with the fireplace itself, for it was massive and the brass outside made it look machine like. We could see through the fire and into the restaurant, and I watched fine people eat at their leisure, a cadre of actors and actresses in a slow, quiet play.
When we were seated, I said to my girlfriend, “Aren’t you glad you came?”
I was referring to Yellowstone in general, not just this restaurant.
She said, “I am. This place is spectacular.”
That comment brought a smile to my face. At this point, I started feeling like a couple again.
I looked around the room and sucked all the details in that I could, windows, lights, and people. The menu prices weren’t cheap, but they weren’t astronomical either. I ordered the chicken breast plate, which came with mashed potatoes and asparagus.
My girlfriend ordered a chicken salad. She seemed happy, and she even looked relaxed, something she rarely was in public.
We both had our coats on. It was cool in here, or at least, it felt cool to me. The ceiling was very high, close to twenty feet, and all the heat must have risen up there. The fire in the fireplace was too far away to be felt. Both of us decided to order coffee, and we drank ourselves warm before the entrees arrived.
I took off my leather jacket while I was eating. My girlfriend had ordered the salad, but I had a hotter dish, and by now I was plenty warm. She said her salad was good. By the looks of the huge bowl, I would have to be the one to finish it, and I gladly did. I swear, having a girlfriend always puts five pounds on me.