Visitors 7
Modified 9-Dec-24
Created 6-Oct-24
48 photos
Reaching our final Yellowstone destination at dusk, Jameson and I walk down the wooden walkways of Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, after Rogelia drops us off. Despite evidence of current activity, desolation rules. Ghostly overflow from the depths buries a broad plateau, skeletal trees evidence of earlier forest. Muted pastels of descending terraces rival the gathering sunset in muted tones. Giant bosses rise above the landscape, composed of frozen minerals from deep underground. Jameson walks ahead; I wander in wonder.
Wildlife populate the surrounding lands. Two bucks graze the short grass as we begin our descent. As we reach the fertile valley below in gathering darkness, a frustrated bull elk trumpets his lonliness, as the dominant bull beds down with his harem nearby.
Our preferred road back is closed; the harem sleeps too close. Driving back to our cabin in Grand Teton Park after dark, we surprise Elk, Deer, Fox, Rabbit, and Owl: 13 encounters along the dark roads. A huge elk appears suddenly, right next to us – thankfully, not in front of the car. The stars are lovely, the Milky Way spread out above us through the moon roof.
Wildlife populate the surrounding lands. Two bucks graze the short grass as we begin our descent. As we reach the fertile valley below in gathering darkness, a frustrated bull elk trumpets his lonliness, as the dominant bull beds down with his harem nearby.
Our preferred road back is closed; the harem sleeps too close. Driving back to our cabin in Grand Teton Park after dark, we surprise Elk, Deer, Fox, Rabbit, and Owl: 13 encounters along the dark roads. A huge elk appears suddenly, right next to us – thankfully, not in front of the car. The stars are lovely, the Milky Way spread out above us through the moon roof.
Dan Quinn