Road Trip to Yellowstone
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The Lower Falls
Not entirely satisfied with the view offered from the trail, I wander a little ways further, through the lodge poll pines to a view untouched by the foot path. Peering out between the tree branches, I feel what it must have been like for the first people who discovered this land.
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Looking Down
White water rushes between sheer cliffs of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon.
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The Precipice
Trees stand at the edge of a precipice. Some appear to be falling into the pit of abstracted colors bellow.
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Lichen a Pioneer
Lichen is really cool! It can grow atop frigid mountain peaks or in burning desert valleys. Lichen is a pioneer species and likely one of the first inhabitants to recolonize Yellowstone after it's most recent eruption.
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Painted Cliffs
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Void of Color
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Split Earth
The distant sky flows down walls of split Earth, becoming one with the river.
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Faces in the Mud
The consistency of thick pudding or potters slip. I hold the shutter release down, shooting at 7 frames per second not knowing what forms will manifest themselves in the blink of an eye. Later scanning the images I discover this mischievous face. The spirit of the paint pots perhaps.
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Suspended Chaos
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Fire on the Mountain
Signs of forest fires become a common site in Yellowstone. Generally perceived as destructive, fires are actually an important part of the ecosystem.
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Happiness is a warm Beanie
The first two nights were spent in cabins, but tonight we camp. As we finish getting the tents up a woman stops by our site with a big box of knitted beanies. She starts handing them out! For Free! Her name is Bonny and in her many years of knitting she has gifted out 4,000 beanies and counting. Thank you Bonny you not only warmed our heads, you also warmed our hearts.
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Firehole Drive
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A Young River
Born in the mountains this young river flows thousands of miles, gradually growing and slowing on it's way to the sea.
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What's That Sound?
I scan the surroundings, ok no antlered males in sight it should be safe to grab a quick shot of this grazing female. How beautiful, I'm so lucky to get this photograph. What's that sound behind me? An enormous Bull elk rising out of the high brush a mere 15 feet behind away, and he's staring me down with grim intent! My face pales and I literally leap back to the trail. Safely leaving the scene I consider going back to photograph the male. Luckily my better half was there to help me make the smart decision to continue walking while I still have working legs.
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American Classic
I'd like to thank the owner of this vehicle. I'm certain they are unaware of the iconic scene they created simply by parking their car.
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Warning Signs
A sign warning travelers to tread lightly. Breaking through the crust of a geothermal zone presents a serious health hazard.
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Mamoth Hot Springs
A strange and alien landscape erupts from the ground. Terraces of mineral deposits slowly build into a mountain.
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Entombed
Minerals in the scalding water build on grass unfortunate to be caught in the path of the hot springs flow.
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Secrets in the Water
The mineral rich water of hot springs empty into the rivers that flow from Yellowstone. The minerals provide an abundance of food for bacteria in turn bolstering the entire aquatic ecosystem. This unique environment creates excellent trout waters and an ideal region for fly fishermen.
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Grotto Geyser
A bizarre sculpture by mother nature. To my eyes Grotto Geyser resembles a melted elephant.
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Heartbeat
Buh Bumb, the ground pulses under your feet. Here at the black sand pool can be felt the heartbeat of yellowstone.
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American Bison
Although Yellowstone is currently home to over 2,000 wild bison. Their population across the continent once reached into the tens of millions, commercial killing was a major contributor to the Bison's dramatic loss in numbers. There are even more somber stories behind the slaughter of this majestic giant. Train companies once offered tourists a chance to shoot American Bison from their coaches and buffalo killing contests were held merely for sport. Some government officials encouraged the eradication of the species as a way to starve out the resisting Native Americans.
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The Grand Tetons
A short drive out of Yellowstone brings us to Grand Tetons National Park. Towering peaks seem to mark the edge of the globe, as if on the other side lies the domain of the heavens.
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Mountain Path
Yellows and reds great the eyes along the path around String Lake in the Tetons. Fall is on it's way.
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Eyes Off My Pine Cone
I confess, I stole something from a squirrel. I snatched up her King Bolete mushroom after she dropped it from a tree right at my feet. I could not help myself, such a delicious mushroom landing within inches of me so I picked it up and added it to the stash. This guy clearly learned of my misdeed. He stairs me down barking. Don't worry my furry friend I have no interest in eating pine cones.
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Stormy Ridge
The Grand Tetons tower in the distance, shrouded in a passing storm.
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A+
A note from our ranger. We are so proud :)!
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What Mushroom Hunters Dream Of
Our foraging has turned up an abundance of highly prized mushrooms. A sweet earthy aroma caresses the nose as we unpack the stash. Porcini, Matsutake, and the appropriately named Hedgehog mushroom. This is a haul that any mushroomer will be proud of.
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Improvise
A fairly successful attempt at drying mushrooms by fire side.
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Heavens
One last look over Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons. Soon we will be heading back East to our home in Pennsylvania.
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Good Place to Take Shelter
Heading East we pass through the Big Horn mountain range, caves can be seen in the rocky cliff sides. A good place for weary riders to take shelter from a storm.
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