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Ok, so my last newsletter centered on the wildlife of Yellowstone Nat'l Park and Badlands Nat'l Park. Believe it or not, I also focused my attention on the scenic aspects of both parks, without any wildlife in the images. Working my way towards Lamar Valley, I stopped to photograph this lone tree. Fortunately, the clouds parted enough to add a few shadows in the scene.
The next three images were all taken within close proximity of each other. Yet, all three have a completely different look. A common theme in the images is the heavy frost, thanks to at least 3 days of cloud cover and cold temperatures in a geyser basin. The steam from the geyser basin put a beautiful white coat on everything.
I love the stark beauty of this scene, with the fire-scorched trees.
The fresh snow and frost really simplify this scene.
We departed Old Faithful at 7:00 a.m. (we could not be on the road any earlier) on the last morning of our chartered snowcoach trip into the interior. We headed towards West Thumb and were treated to a wonderful sunrise over Yellowstone Lake (covered in fog).
Then, it was on to Pelican Valley via Fishing Bridge. This image is looking across Yellowstone Lake, south towards Mt. Sheridan.
Next, it was on to Hayden Valley. The missing bark at the base of the trees is the result of Bison rubbing throughout the years.
Of course, no trip to Yellowstone is complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. A huge cap of ice can be seen in front of Lower Falls as a result of all of the spray at the base.
The last day of our photography trip started out cold, windy, and cloudy. Yet, we headed into Badlands National Park. To our good fortune, the sun broke out through the clouds periodically. Being in the right place as the clouds parted briefly, I was able to photograph the Yellow Hills under nice lighting conditions.
I love even the most desolate country. The scene below leaves me yearning to traverse throughout the landscape. I long to see what is over the next hill.
Thankfully, our forefathers had the foresight to set aside vast areas to "conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations". I am glad I have the good fortune and opportunity to visit these grand landscapes. |