Any animal by the side of the road causes huge traffic jams. 20 minute waits while people stop in the middle of the road taking photos as they go by. Some leave their cars in the middle of the street and walk closer. Same animals, same places each day. They are photogenic animals though. Some buffalo in front of the lower geyser basin and some elk by the Madison river.
This is the view of Grand Prismatic spring. It is the most brilliant of Yellowstone's springs. It is 200 feet across and the temp of the water is 160 degrees. The intense blue color of the spring is due to sunlight being scattered by fine particles suspended in the water. The yellow, orange, and brown colors encircling the hot spring and lining the run off channels are caused by thermophiles -heat loving microorganisms. These microbes contain colorful pigments that allow them to make energy from sunlight and thrive in the harsh conditions of hot springs. The steam above the spring reflects the bright colors of the spring. Notice the pack of people around the spring. It is packed.
The blue steam on the hike out and a small deep blue pool.
Traffic is horrendous in the park. The roads are packed, there is no room in the parking lots and people are always stopping traffic to look at animals. We have reached the end of our patience so are leaving tomorrow. We stopped on the way back at this practically deserted picnic area for lunch by the river.
Another animal traffic jam, but at least these buffalo had the sense to hangout by a turn out off the road. So we stopped and I took photos of them. See the people walking around the buffalo. If they get too close they will be gored. But they seem to not know. Aspen trees have changed. In slow traffic to see the buffalo this raven was sitting on the branch saying 'Hey, I'm here too, take my photo too' So I did. Buffalo. Elk behind the sign that says No Stopping, parking or walking along roadway. View wildlife from pullouts only. People are stopped in the middle of the road, parking along side it and walking up to the animals. Guess the sign is invisible. Smoke from a fire that just sprung up over the ridge from the campground.
Another low 70's and sunny day. We went to Idaho. Teton Seed Potatoes, a truck full of potatoes, a potato shed- the potatoes are in an underground root cellar, this is the roof. Hay field, and the silos. Welcome to Idaho. The sign under the welcome which is shot full of holes says continental divide. The lower eastern border of Idaho is the divide. Historical marker at the hot springs- First Oregon Trail travelers detoured 400 miles to avoid Indians and camped here. September 1812. We are at Green Canyon hot springs. You can see the back side of the Tetons here.
Fall aspens in Green Canyon on the way to the hot spring. The bus in the campground. We have it to ourselves. Full hookups and close to the only shade tree.
Green Canyon Hot Springs, the front and the cool inside pool and the hot outside pool.
Sunset over Green Canyon. Not many clouds, but nice light.
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