Tuesday, October 01, 2019 -
Today we signed up for an animal excursion on the East side of the park near Yellowstone Lake.
we had to get up very early to make it to Lake Lodge at the North end of Yellowstone Lake.
We went to Fishing Bridge to watch the sunrise. This view is down the
Yellowstone River.
The mountains across Yellowstone Lake at sunrise.
A doe wondering why a van of people is staring at her.
We saw several elk prior to sunrise - then they disappeared into the trees at sun up. This one was
feeling photogenic.
Our guide knew where a grizzly was feeding on an elk caracas, however, it had been several days, so he was
not sure the bear would still be there. Of course, we all wanted to check it out. He was there!!!
This picture is with my longest lens and then cropped - he was so far away. There were several
people there with spotting scopes just watching him.
Snow covered trees and the mountains in September.
We stopped at Sylvan Lake for pictures of the snow, trees and water.
Another big bison - they are so big!!
Our sharp eyed guide spotted this Bald Eagle high in the trees.
Later on the Yellowstone River we spotted swans and pulled over - leaning out of the van we
were able to take pictures of the beautiful birds on the cold water.
Our second day at the Yellowstone River falls. The weather was much better this day than it was several days
ago.
This is Lower Falls of Yellowstone and is a 308-foot waterfall.
Lower Falls of Yellowstone and the yellow rock of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
A tight view of Lower Falls and a small tree hanging onto the cliff.
Virginia Ann, Cal, Angie, and Joe and in the background our tour van - a yellow bus.
After lunch we returned to the hotel to walk the Upper Geyser Basin.
Fortunately, Old Faithful erupted soon after we returned.
Old Faithful shoots water 100-180 feet in the air. It is fun to watch and so close to the hotel.
We left Old Faithful and began our walk through the Upper Geyser Basin. First on the trail was a
hot water pool - Blue Star Spring. A beautiful pool.
Little Anemone Geyser did not erupt but was an alluring shape.
Another deep green/blue hot water spring - this is called Heart Spring.
Castle Geyser is a cone geyser. It is noted for the particularly large geyserite sinter deposits,
which form its cone. These deposits have been likened in appearance to a castle. Joe
did not agree with many of the geothermal feature names and began suggesting alternative names he thought
were much better descriptions.
A deep hot spring.
Firehole River with various steam plumes along its banks.
A hoof print where a bison walked through a hot water stream and disturbed the algae.
We hurried over to Daisy Geyser as it was scheduled to go off in a few minutes. The algae
covered streams lead to the geyser.
This is Spa Geyser which began spouting as we walked by.
Closer view of Spa Geyser.
At the far end of the Upper Geyser Basin is a beautiful hot springs - Morning Glory Pool.
This was one of the favorites in all of Yellowstone Park.
The distinct color of the pool is due to bacteria that inhabit the water. Unfortunately,
people have thrown stuff into the pool. I could see coins even now. Why people
want to destroy something so beautiful is beyond me.
Morning Glory Pool - the colors have changed over the years as
people have thrown stuff into the pool. I could see coins even now. Why people
want to destroy something so beautiful is beyond me.
Link and Culvert Geysers causing steam in the setting sun
I spent almost 2 hours watching these geysers while waiting for Riverside geyser to erupt.
Firehole River with all the geothermal features steaming away.
Riverside geyser erupts over the Firehole River.
Closer to Riverside Geyser arching over Firehole River.
Grotto Geyser after an eruption.
Pine Springs steaming near the forest.
Beautiful Castle Geyser with a plume of steam as the sun sets.