Saturday, April 28, 2012

AK Missions: Yellowstone NP

Old Faithful gyser is the most recognized symbol of Yellowstone National park. It errupted on schedule at about 94 minutes interval. With the brilliant blue sky background, it was most impressive.
Evidence of one of several "bison jams". Herds of these magnificnet beasts roam the park and cross the roads at their discression. Autos and photographers beware.
Thermal pools produce hot, often smelly, steam that leaves mineral deposits with a rainbow of colors.
Fumeroils (spelling?) are steam vents that may be small gysers or just produce boiling steam. A strange sight on the sides of mountains and in the valleys.
We were walking on a boardwalk when this black bear passed close beside us and then under the boardwalk. fortunately the railing and his interest in the vegetation keept him from investigating us.
On another hike we discovered the tracks of a grizzlie. Notice the claw marks and the length of the paw print as compared to the pair of binoculars.  Glad we didn't run  into the bear!
Yellowstone contains many rushing waterfalls. Snow under the trees and in piled banks indicated the rate of winter snowfall providing the source for many of the falls.
 
Herds of elk roam the park, especially near Mammoth visitor's center. They are not allowed handouts, but are quite tame. As with all wild animals, we gave them a wide berth.
Yellowstone is a magnificant adventure. Unfortunately this early in the spring, only the west and north entrances are open. Most of the roads are still closed because they have not been plowed to remove the snow.
These photos are only a very tiny sampling of the over 100 pictures I took in this fascinating environment.
Follow us as we cross into Canada, travel through the Yukon and on into Alaska.

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