another day in Yellowstone

mammoth springs
This place reminded me of a version of Disney World. The hotel looked like one of the Epcot Center properties with well-kept period pieces scattered around. But the cascading thermal spring with a mountain backdrop was too God perfect to be manmade. Today was the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. People were everywhere. Unlike a trip to Orlando, space between people was the norm. However, I had my first I-gotta-get-outa-this-crowd experience on a viewing platform at Mammoth. And, I had my first huckleberry ice cream. Huckleberry must be a native delicacy. Every shop had huckleberry something for sale.

elk
One of the more unusual sites in Yellowstone is the wandering, sleeping, grazing elk on the grounds surrounding the hotel. Aware of gawkers like me, these deer-looking creatures have claimed the area as their designated hand-out. They amble around to find something to eat or a place to sleep or somewhere to be nosy, and they are given full access to any spot they pick. Watching the interaction, or actually non-engagement, of humans and elk made me philosophical. Maybe the world can live in harmony.

the entrance
It is big, the north entrance “gate.” It is old, too. This monument to American democracy probably does not illicit the same feeling of patriotism as standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. But, the emotions of thankfulness, humility, and affection for our country flooded me while I viewed it. “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” says the inscription above the arch.

also in yellowstone

my name is Caleb
Right outside the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park sits a small town called Red Lodge, MT. To get to it from West Yellowstone two things have to happen. Beartooth Pass must be open and driving must occur. This road on the season’s opening day presented more snow I had seen, ever. Spotting people snowboarding was akin to looking out for wildlife. The lonely whiteness of the landscape contrasted directly with the colorful variations of small town scenery which sported Caleb. “What’s your name?” “Pam.” “I have a Pam.” “How old is your Pam?” “I don’t know. I never asked her.” After addressing me, he peeped into an open shop door, “Hi! I’m Caleb.” I’m not sure which has been more gratifying….meeting a five-year-old uninhibited by social mores or momentarily locking eyes with a wild animal.

mountain goats
Think lederhosen, Alpine villages, Heidi, and you’ll have an image of the elusive animal standing on basalt rock. A non-native species the white-haired creature is difficult to spot. If not for a stand of visitors focusing cameras and binoculars toward a shelf of cliff, I would have never seen this mammal. Snow in crevices at the altitude where these creatures live and being white means locating them on a rocky ledge is a valued feat. Getting close is not gonna happen. I have new respect and admiration for any nature photographer who captures the face and eyes of this animal.

baby bears
Ever watched a film clip of bear cubs playing with each other? Cute, right? We automatically connect to the teasing personalities they exhibit. Yellowstone offers visitors the chance to view that behavior in real time. The trick is seeing them closely, which doesn’t happen often. Bison jams during the spring season is similar to Old Faithful’s scheduled eruptions. They are sure to happen. But a bear jam? Not so much. Traveling home from the highest altitude of the park, we encountered baby bears climbing and jabbing each other in a tree. We couldn’t see mama bear, but she was near. And so were the park rangers. Rangers protect people and animals. They reminded me of real estate agents. Their job is make sure visitors see as much as the park can supply and maintain the uniqueness of the park for future viewers.

in yellowstone

biscuit basin
Funny name for rocks that were suppose to look like biscuits. The geothermal plumbing of these pools and springs made sense when I thought about how many times my boiling water for pasta runs over the sides of a lidded pot. That water’s gotta go somewhere. This area deceives a tourist much like Bison conceal their agility and strength. One step off the boardwalk, provided for the safety and convenience of the public, and a person could be permanently maimed or die. One photo taken too close to a buffalo, and a human is a gored target.

old faithful
Guides will explain that this geyser is not the most spectacular example of geothermal eruption, but it wowed everyone watching it. The crowd anticipating Old Faithful’s plume presented a cultural lesson to me. A middle-aged couple of undetermined Asian ethnicity, a Mennonite family of ten, a solo business man wearing stiff shoes and a tie and sports coat, three motorcycle bikers, and a variety of people speaking their native language. All of us watching a geyser. All of us valuing a rarity of nature. All of us walking away thinking “that was something.” All of us more alike, than different.

grand geyser
We were lucky. Grand Geyser located at the top of the Old Faithful basin and the boardwalk vented with water and steam spewing in a show that was unexpected. Prideful, even elegant, this display was the perfect counter-comment to Old Faithful’s predictable behavior. Grand Geyser’s neighbors also delivered other unique versions of geothermal truth because thousands of years of belching steam and liquid has created diverse sculptures. At the end of this section of the boardwalk is Morning Glory pool, a victim of vandalism. Each year the park service has to “clean out” the tons of debris that visitors have thrown into its waters, thus changing its thermal activity. Definitely an entry for Yeah, They Did That (see yesterday’s blog), if someone vandalizing was caught on camera.

going to yellowstone

the grand tetons
Jackson Hole. Left for Yellowstone via Grand Tetons. What hasn’t been written about the massiveness and beauty of those mountains? Enough said. I was taking too many photos, my companion was viewing with her mouth open, and our tour guide sister was watching as an expectant parent waits for the reaction on children on Christmas morning. Still, today, I’m thinking, “Was that real? Did I actually see mountains, and clouds, and hugeness, and snow, and lakes, and streams, and such opulence of nature? Yes, I did.

grand prismatic
About a week before we arrived some mindless humans left the boardwalk of the paths that lead through geysers and geothermal pools of water to take selfies. These three males walked to the edge of Grand Prismatic Springs, a gorgeous, National Geographic favorite photographed spot. Immediately, they posted their success on social media. Yellowstone Park rangers and police believe their warnings to stay on the boardwalk are important. They arrested the intruders. Hearing of this risky act, the idea of a book titled Yeah, They Did That was born. Photos with short explanations would comprise the content of this book. Each time we saw someone doing something stupid, which was often, it was a note for our book. Big problem though. People tend to commit those acts of thoughtlessness too quickly for a camera to catch.

bison jam
The traffic through the park was steady, but not time consuming, until we were stopped completely. For a few minutes, why was the question. Then the answer appeared. A group of Bison, mamas, babies, aunts, sisters—don’t think any daddies, brothers, or uncles were with them—were ambling in the opposite lane toward us. Tour guide sister was ecstatic because this meant a close-up of this massive animal. I understand a human’s tendency to get too close, try to touch, or even rescue an abandon Bison. Close proximity renders a false Bison disposition. They appear docile, calm, not much of a thinking being, nice. Nothing could be more incorrect. Behind the animal parade was a park ranger driving slowly, deliberately keeping public (people) and private (Bison) separate.

Located on a page titled Photos of Yellowstone are other images.