Geothermal Features

photograph of geothermal features near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

The constant bubbling of mineral infused, hot water leaves colorful, thin layers of sediment throughout the geothermal areas of Yellowstone National Park.  The hot spring in the foreground of this photo reminds me of a lunar crater while the colorful cliff and distant steam behind it add to the other-worldliness of the scene.

Alpine Meadow

photograph of an alpine meadow in Yellowstone National Park

 

The boulders you can see in the this photograph were most likely deposited by glaciers quite some time ago.  Boulders like these are pretty common throughout the glacially carved valleys and meadows in Yellowstone National Park.

Blondie

photograph of a blond bison in Yellowstone National Park

 

This bison sat resting on a hillside in Yellowstone National Park when we saw it.  Since most of the bison are dark brown we nicknamed this one Blondie.

Dragon's Mouth

photograph of the Dragon's Mouth steam vent in Yellowstone National Park

One of the geothermal features we liked best at the Mud Volcano in Yellowstone National Park was “Dragon’s Mouth”.  The combination of steam and the deep, hissing and gurgling sounds that occasionally come from the vent make the name somewhat self explanatory when you’re there.

Western Tanager

photograph of a Western Tanager in a pine tree in Yellowstone National Park

While hiking in Yellowstone National Park I noticed flashes of yellow in the pine branches overhanging the trail.  I stopped to check it out and saw a small group of Western Tanagers flying through the pines.  They didn’t remain in sight for very long so this was the only worthwhile photo I was able to capture.