The tunnels we were about to go through to get into Yellowstone.
We were able to spend two days in Yellowstone National Park. Neither of us had ever been here before. We came in through the eastern entrance west of Cody, Wyoming and had a chance to see a couple of nice sights on the way.
Here on our first day we drove through a tunnel and came out viewing Yellowstone Lake. This is one very large lake and with the small breeze that day it had created waves that splashed the shore. Then we came upon our first herd of bison. Some were molting and losing their heavier winter coats, but all were just taking things easy.
In one tunnel and looking froward to the next one.
We drove on after getting lots of pictures of this huge herd. We passed another large meadow, but this one was barren of animals. We passed another lake on the way to Upper Yellowstone Falls. This is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the park and while we were there it was flowing with plenty of water. Lower Yellowstone Falls was next and it was just as pretty, and lots of water too and the large sloping cliffs made it great. Then on to our next sight, but on the way I managed to fling my camera out the window and get a picture of a large male elk grazing along the roadway. We were already past him and I was just hoping to get the shot. It turned out pretty well.
Then we came upon some smoke on top of the mountain.
Oops, a little shakey
You could tell it was a pretty good-sized fire from the amount of smoke. We were very worried, but later found out that it was in the backcountry and didn’t pose a threat to park visitors and although rangers and park authorities would keep an eye on it we and all tourists were fine. I got a couple of great shots of the smoke, and one with the sun shining through it.
We stopped and got some pictures of an area with large mud pots. The thermals made the mud pots bubble with the thick tan mud.
Then on to a noisy hot springs cave, named Dragon’s Cave. The hot steam gushing from the small cave entrance brought noises that sounded much like that of a dragon. The water bubbled and gushed and the steam billowed. Cool!
We stopped and got pictures at one of the mud volcanos next and watched the bubbling of the semi liquid gravy-like fluids and steam.
This is the ball that they lifted to flush water from the lake. :)
I’ve also added a few other shots we got of a bison walking along the roadway right in front on our car. He took his time and we waited patiently as he slowly made his way across the road. The a couple of shots of momma bear and her cub playing along the side of the road. Can you believe people were actually getting out of their cars and walking closer and closer to that momma bear to get pictures? I’m just so glad she didn’t turn and attack someone.
On our way out to our nights lodging I got a picture of what I think is the Elephant Head formation from which our nights stay is named. If you don’t see the Elephant, don’t feel bad, we probably got it from a bad angle. It is a very rustic lodge and cabin, so I put in several shots of the whole place.
