Yellowstone! Gorgeous Geysers at Black Sand Basin and Bison! May 18, 2021

 While Grand Teton National Park was amazing beyond my wildest expectation, I was finally in Yellowstone!  I hadn't been since I was a child and don't really have many memories of it.  I've ALWAYS wanted to go back.  And I finally made it!

But before we get into that, be sure to check out my previous entries documenting the beauty and must see places in Grand Teton National Park!  

Click on the links below for easy access:

The Gorgeous Views of Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons with Elk Herd Cameos!

Jenny Lake and Foxes and Bears!

Wild West, Abandoned Cabins, and Bison!

Mormon Row - Beautiful Barns and Pronghorn Antelope!

National Museum of Wildlife Art - Amazing Sculptures in a Glorious Outdoor Setting!

Colter Bay at Grand Teton National Park & Snow! South Entrance of Yellowstone to Black Sand Basin!

As I mentioned in my previous posts, my anxieties were in my head a bit and I was worrying a lot about my reservation at Madison campground being messed up and whether not not I had a space reserved for that night (the confirmation email only said night of the 19th).  

So I was kind of rushing through southern Yellowstone and telling myself not to make any more stops in case the campground wasn't staffed when I got there and I had no space.  My fears weren't completely out of left field because of the confirmation email and also because when I had arrived at Jenny Lake the night before, the staff had gone and it was about the same time.  

But when I saw the steam rising from Black Sand Basin, I truly couldn't resist and turned right in.  

I was so glad I did!

Not only to get out of my car and see these crazy amazing geological features, but also because the first thing I saw when I got out of my car was a bison sleeping in the trees!  My first Yellowstone bison!  And it seemed so close!  But in actuality, I was far enough away that I couldn't get a great picture.  haha

And then it was time to explore the basin.  It was so beautiful!  Truly the blue sky, the fluffy clouds, along with the amazing features on the ground are too much for words to describe. I made a little video so you can feel what it was like from the moment I got out of the car.  The audio is from the Yellowstone Sound Library and is Black Sand Pool. 

It really sounded pretty much like that!  In fact, there is some of my own audio in the video, but I can't stand hearing myself breathe and talk in these so I cut most of it out. haha  I need to quit talking so much.  lol 

It was so gorgeous that of course I had to take a bunch of photos too.  

Here are a couple maps of the area:

This is Spouter Geyser which is also in the video. 

And this is the Cliff Geyser!  This round pool on the edge of Iron Spring Creek - forming a "cliff" over the water (hence the name) - fills with boiling water and then...

...it erupts! I think it can get as high as 40 feet, but this was obviously one of the more minor eruptions. 

I'm sorry that I can't remember exactly what each of these are named exactly, but I'm going to take my best guess.  I believe this is the Opalescent pool.  

I took this close up of the lovely gold runoff!  It doesn't do it justice as to how it looked like liquid gold shimmering in the sunlight. 

Rainbow Pool

And/Or Sunset Lake

Another close up shot of gorgeous, misty blue and pink runoff.

Here is a very short video of Sunset Lake and Rainbow Pool:

This is another view of Cliff Geyser!  This time with a bigger eruption and more of Iron Spring Creek.

So cool. 

So much fun to walk along the windy boardwalk and watch and listen as the water churns, boils, and steams!  I considered stopping at Midway Geyser basin, but my feet were a little bit sore and I was a little bit tired so I decided to press on, not knowing how long it might take me to get to Madison. 

I did get this amazing shot of Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk with the steam rising around the lines of people. I absolutely love this dramatic black and white edit!

Here is a version in color in case you prefer.  :-)  

The bright water in front is runoff into Iron Spring Creek.  

Along the way, I had a wonderful encounter with a lone bison.  I say lone, but he wasn't lonely as he was covered with little birdies!

After this amazing encounter, I made it to Madison Campground, were I confirmed that I had a wonderful camp site for both nights!  I went and got settled in, pitched my tent, etc., and then decided that I was going to head back out since there were a few hours of daylight left.

But, when I got to the main road in the campground, my plans were derailed by an entire herd of bison blocking the road and coming through in droves!  There were at least 20 bison and as I pulled up, one was butted by another one and stumbled down the small embankment! 

As I saw this, I put my car in park and grabbed a phone and started filming!  It was soooo cool!  Then I went back to my campsite and warned a few people that I saw out and about that there was a herd of bison coming through.  Some people who had the bison come straight through their sites had to grab children and dash into tents and RVs.  It was wild!

I put together a little video of my bison encounters - including a very short clip of two bison play fighting!  Wow!  Hope you enjoy!

See ya next post when I see even more bison, visit Grand Prismatic, and hike to Morning Glory Pool!

xoxo

Nikon D600 with Nikor 28-300 lens & Nikon D7200 with Sigma Contemporary 150-600 lens

Videos by LG V40 ThinQ & Google Pixel 3

From Gorgeous Grand Tetons National Park to Amazing Yellowstone!! It's Time to Cross the Border! 5/18/2021

My too-short twenty-four hours in Grand Tetons was coming to a close!  I was heading north towards the South Entrance to Yellowstone, but still had a few more sights to see in beautiful Jackson Hole.

But first, why don't you click the links below to catch up on the drives through the amazing beauty of Grand Teton:

The Gorgeous Views of Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons with Elk Herd Cameos!

Jenny Lake and Foxes and Bears!

Wild West, Abandoned Cabins, and Bison!

Mormon Row - Beautiful Barns and Pronghorn Antelope!

National Museum of Wildlife Art - Amazing Sculptures in a Glorious Outdoor Setting!

After leaving Jackson and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, I once again traveled the beautiful Teton Park Road but this time I turned left onto the John D Rockefeller Parkway/Highway 191 to continue north towards Yellowstone.  This was previously untraveled road for me since, as stated in my previous posts, I had turned right before to head for Oxbow Bend  and South 191 to go back to Jackson.  

I was running a bit low on time as I wanted to be at Madison Campground by 6:00 in case there was anything wrong with my reservation (my anxiety kicking me in the ass as usual).  So I didn't really plan on making a lot of stops, but there were a few I just couldn't resist!

My first stop was at the Willow Flats Overlook. Such a beautiful, wide-open space filled with so many different ecosystems.  There is a trail through part of it from the Jackson Lake Lodge which is just down the road.  I really hope to do some hiking on my next trip and this will be top of the list. 

If you look just above the dip in the Willow trees on the left (just below the clump of pines in front of the lake), you can just make out a herd of Elk laying and grazing in the flats.  

If you hike the trail through Willow Flats from Jackson Lake Lodge, you end up in Colter Bay.  Obviously I drove, but was really happy I stopped in Colter Bay.  For starters, it's an amazing little village with grocery stores, a laundromat, campground, etc.  All tucked away so you don't even see it if you stay on the main road (except for signage of course). 

I pulled in as my last stop just to see what it was like.  I'm so glad I did.  

There is a "swimming beach" at Colter Bay and of course it was too cold for swimming on this Spring day.  

But there was a father and his son just checking out the beach.  The young man wearing his red shirt as he threw rocks into the blue water just popped to me - especially with the mountain towering over him.  Papa is off to the left - both just enjoying discovering nature. 

This was my last view of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake - as you get back on the highway, you find yourself in dense forest and foothills as you head north into Yellowstone. 

As I turned around near the campground, this cute little Uinta ground squirrel chewing on some grass caught my eye!  

Unfortunately, in my excitement and hurry, I didn't get the right focus.  :(  He's not perfectly clear but you can still see how cute he is with his little grass sticking out of his mouth!

So I took another.  He looked at me like I was the paparazzi.  lol  

He is not amused.  haha  So I left him in peace and headed north.  I soon reached the entrance to Yellowstone!  The line was pretty long for mid-May, but not too bad and it moved pretty quickly. 

As I'm driving up the now increasing windy, forested road, I start seeing SNOW!  So happy and excited!  This California flatlander (for the most part) doesn't get to see much snow.  And it was so gorgeous settled into the Snake River canyon!

I cannot even express how beautiful it was!  And my photos probably don't do it justice.  

And of course, I along with pretty much everyone else on the road, had to pull over at Lewis Falls, the first waterfall you can see from the highway. The sky was dramatic, the air was brisk, and the 30-foot falls and surrounding river were so beautiful and - even with the small crowd - peaceful.  I sat here for a little bit, I'm not going to lie.  

After stopping at Lewis Falls, I didn't really stop again for a bit.  I just enjoyed the windy road through truly stunning forests.  

Frankly, I was determined not to make many stops.  As I mentioned earlier, the anxiety that is becoming more and more of a driving force in my life was making itself felt.  I had received a confirmation email for my Madison campground campsite, but it only listed one night - not the two that I had reserved.  So my mind was pushing me to get there to make sure I had a place to sleep.  

I was tempted to stop as I passed beautiful Lewis Lake which was halfway covered in ice and snow.  I've never seen anything like that before and I actually do regret not stopping for even five minutes to enjoy it.  

But I didn't.  (I regret this.)

I was tempted again when I came to the turnoff for Old Faithful.  I should at least stop and see what's there, right?

But I didn't (I didn't regret this like I did Lewis Lake). 

But when I saw the steam from Black Sand Basin?  I couldn't resist stopping.  I squelched my anxieties and pulled right over.  And I'm so glad I did!!  

We'll explore Black Sand Basin geyser area and my very first Yellowstone bison UP CLOSE and personal!  In the next post.  :)  But I'll leave you with this little teaser. 

xoxo

Nikon D600 with Nikkor 28-300 lens & D7200 with Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens

Amazing Art in Grand Tetons National Park - National Museum of Wildlife Art

When you think of Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, the first and probably last thing you think of is nature, animals, and geysers.  But have you ever thought of art?  

I always think of nature and animals AS art, but I didn't expect to find an actual art museum in Grand Tetons National Park.  But there is one!  AND it's about nature so it totally makes sense. 

Before we head out to look at the amazing outdoor sculpture garden at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, be sure to check out my previous posts of gorgeous Grand Tetons NP and all it has to offer!

Click here!

And here!

Here too!

Definitely Here!

Okay, now that you're caught up, LET'S GOOOOO!  Back to Jackson, Wyoming - home of the National Museum of Wildlife!

I confess that, due to time constraints, I didn't go inside the museum.  But I spent a good hour wandering around outside on the sculpture walk where the art and views are just so awesome!  The museum is up on the side of a hill and the art is scattered all around the hillside. 

That's my Hina Hina (my car's name) to the left.  :-)  And it's only fair for Bison to take center stage as you're walking to the Museum from your car!

And then you begin your walk of discovery!  With the beautiful Wapiti! Which means Elk.  :-)  I absolutely loved the cloud-filled sky with all this beautiful art.  I really felt like the animals were coming alive as I watched. 

Another view of the bison sculpture.  Sorry about the butthole angle but it's nature! 

And now I feel like a 12 year old. :( 

And wow!  Right in  the middle of the hill was a furry friend!  A Yellow-bellied Marmot, just having a stroll and chewing some grass. 

Absolutely love these Spirit Totem sculptures.  Each one had it's own inspiration and meaning.  

This one was titled "Dawn" - and it called to me not only with it's shape but also because that's part of my daughter's name.  ;) 

This is one of my favorite shots of the sculptures (along with the moose and mountain goat).  I love birds and this sculpture is so graceful!  And the placement on the slope with the clouds visible though it's eye just made it come to life for me. 

Funny story about my Marmot friend. 

After I walked to the end of the trail up top, I headed back towards the museum and saw a couple gathered near where I had seen the marmot, but just downhill.  As I approached the sheep sculptures which are on the top of the hill just above where I saw the marmot, I saw a couple with their phones out excitingly oohing and awing while trying to lean in for a shot.

The marmot wasn't too happy about this.  They were about halfway down the hillside and the marmot began making his way away from the couple and towards me.  He hesitated a bit but I just kept still and spoke softly to reassure him and not startle him.  He kept coming until he was about 3 feet below where I stood on the sidewalk.

He slowly turned around so his back was to me while simultaneously keeping an eye on me.  Then he backed into a burrow until just his head was out - watching me all the time.  

I kept murmuring reassurances to him and he stopped with just his head out.  Then he watched me for about 20 seconds, then came back out, parked himself back where I had originally saw him (about 5 feet away) and resumed his meal of grass and insects.  

So cute!  This time I could actually see his bushy red tail!

I left him peacefully chewing and continued my walk. 

This is sad part of the exhibit.  These sculptures represent 5 bird species of North America that have gone extinct. 

And with one last shot of the eagle, it was time for me to get back on the road.  

Normally I like to change some things to black and white but with the bright blue sky and amazing clouds I just couldn't bring myself to do it this time.  

I think I missed a few of the outdoor sculptures, but I believe there are some temporary ones as well, so I'm not sure.  But I will be back anyway to see the inside and will be sure to walk the entire hillside art trail next time!

But now, it was time to head up the road to Yellowstone so I can check into Madison Campground before dark.  And I still hadn't been through a few areas of Tetons NP so who knows how many times I'll want to stop! lol  That's the thing with my road trips...I have a plan, but I also don't completely go according to plan.  And that's okay!

So of course I had to take one last shot of the Teton Range from Jackson Hole

As I was heading toward Colter Bay I saw a beautiful tawny fox trotting through a gorgeous meadow!  I had to find a safe space to flip the car around and by the time I got back, there was another guy pulled out with a big camera out.  

And the fox was gone.  lol  He had kind of startled it by taking photos of it and it had turned around and went back into the forest.  So he packed up and left.  I sat in my car for a bit, as I had a feeling that the fox had outfoxed us.  

I was right!  After about 5 minutes, the gorgeous fox crossed the road a bit further up and trotted up the opposing hillside.  lol!  Love it!  I didn't get a photo but I did get to see how a fox out thinks two photographers!

After that, I pulled into Colter Bay.  It's pretty crazy! It's really developed with stores, laundry, campground, etc. 

There is also a swim beach, which was amazing!  It was too cold to be swimming but I was so happy to see a dad and his son on the beach.  I love this photo!  And I'm so glad the kid was wearing red!

This was my last view of the Teton Range during this visit.  Jackson Lake with the mountains fading into the distance was a truly impressive sight!

I found another grass-chewing friend at Colter Bay - this Uinta Ground Squirrel

Next stop Yellowstone!!

xoxo

Nikon D600 & D7200