We entered the West Gate of Yellowstone and drove across the park to avoid the flooded Montana highways, caused by the combination of heavy rains and Spring snow melt. We had planned to enjoy the park on our way back west in June. This gave us a quick preview of what the park has to offer!
Bubbling cauldrons of water, heated by pockets lava not far below the surface!Yellowstone is formed by a huge caldera....center of geologic activity. A 7+ earthquake in 1957 gave a hint of the potential destructive forces which lie beneath the ground in the area.....
Wildlife abounds! As we motored across the Northern route, we stopped to view bison, elk, antelope, cranes, and even a bear feeding on a distant hillside. The animals are hungry after a long winter, and pay little attention to the two-legged creatures. Bison herds routinely block traffic as they linger on the roads.....
Geysers are everywhere and are active year-round - - gurgling and belching steam and boiling water, like giant tea kettles forgotten on the stove! The chilly weather created thicker clouds of steam than usual. We braved the wet snow flakes to hike a short trail to view the geyser pool shown above. Old Faithful will have to wait until June!
At Mammoth Hot Springs, the elk graze right in the middle of the settlement. They look docile and tame, but don't be fooled! They are WILD and the run FAST! Signs caution the visitors to keep their distance.
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