Our Yellowstone

June 14, 2018

In such surroundings – occasional as our visits may be – we can achieve that kind of physical and spiritual renewal that comes alone from the wonder of the natural world.

~Laurence Rockefeller

To celebrate our wedding, Melissa and I did something we have never done – went to our favorite place, without a group. While we have had a day or two to ourselves here and there over the years, we were always prepping for a group’s arrival. This time, it was just us, and we were going to do another first – camp and backpack in Yellowstone. Even though I have been there over 40 times, I had never camped in the park or backpacked. So, this was going to be something special…except the weather decided maybe we needed a reminder of our inability to control things in this amazing landscape. It decided to rain, and rain, and rain a bit more. An entire day of rain on our first full day in the park and that was something I had never experienced in all my trips. But, it turned out to be just fine as we had a chance to spend time with friends and relax a bit, which has always been tough when leading a group.

Here are a few of the highlights of our time in our shared paradise (oh, and I just returned from dropping Melissa off at 4 a.m. at the airport so she can lead a trip to Yellowstone with a youth group from the museum, lucky her)…

eagle nest cliff — The Slough Creek cliffs held a special treat again this year (click photos to enlarge)

Golden eagle in nest — Golden eagle nest on cliff face

It was a great trip for birds…

Swainson's hawk with snake — Swainson’s hawk carrying a snake

Cliff swallows in rain — The cliff swallows had just returned and did not seem to appreciate the rain either

Mountain bluebird male — A male mountain bluebird looking fine

Peregrine on nest close view — Peregrine falcon on her precarious nest on the edge of a cliff

peregrine nest — Peregrine nest location from overlook near Calcite Springs

immature bald eagle — Immature bald eagle

elk carcass and birds — Bald eagles and ravens on elk carcass in Soda Butte Creek

Other wildlife made an appearance as well…

red fox on snow 1 — Red fox on snow field at Dunraven Pass

Pronghorn eyes from behind close up — Pronghorns can even survey the scene behind them due to the placement of their large eyes

bison and person — Sometimes signs are not enough

bison cown and calf — Newborn bison calf gets cleaned by mom

Black bear and cub in tree — This mom finally had to climb the tree to retrieve her baby

Black bear and cub — A discussion on tree-climbing behavior once they were back on the ground

And, as usual, the scenery was fantastic…

snow from Dunraven — Late season snow at Dunraven Pass

Daisy geyser and rainbow — Daisy geyser erupts creating a rainbow in the mist

bison and reflection — Reflections near Junction Butte

Rainbow at soda butte — Double rainbow along Soda Butte Creek

sunset along Lamar River — Sunset along the Lamar River

Full moon seting in Lamar Valleygg — Full moon setting in Lamar Valley

Yellowstone

Comments

23 responses to “Our Yellowstone”

June 14, 2018

Mary Kay Coyle

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thank you, Mary Kay.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Vivianne

Ow how I miss Yellowstone. The landscape and animals are great! Hope you had a wonderful time!!

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  It was, as always, special.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Elisha Taylor

Wowsers. Takes my breath away.

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Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Deb Hanson

Love the photo of the pronghorn’s head from behind. And, oh, that momma bear-baby bear discussion shot – heart melting! I remember hiking in the Dunraven Pass area looking for grizzlies. Beautiful place. Glad you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing the remarkable wildlife.

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks, Deb.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Maria dB

Besides having a great trip, you got great shots to share in your presentation for the CH Bird Club this upcoming season!

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  I was trying!
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Rich Beaudry

From the photos, your time in the Park was exquisite despite the rain. Nice to see how much we missed in our several visits. But we didn’t miss it all… :<)

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Always special no matter the weather.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

SoyBend

Beautiful photos! We were there earlier this month and had weather ranging from 70 degree days to snow falling. Yellowstone is always a magical kind of place.

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Agreed!
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Janna Starr

That photo of the tree swallow…so cute!!

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks. They are very photogenic.
  
  Reply
June 14, 2018

Tim Harlow

Oh my, what a beautiful collection of photographs! You caught so many great wildlife shots! And the general scenery is incredible. Thanks for the wonderful photos and descriptions.

Reply
1. June 14, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks, Tim.
  
  Reply
  1. June 14, 2018
    
    Tim Harlow
    
    You are welcome. Happy blogging.
June 17, 2018

Susan

Thanks for sharing — the quote, the photos, your love of nature.

Reply
1. June 17, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks, Susan.
  
  Reply
June 24, 2018

Betsy Bennett

Mike. Congratulations! What a wonderful honeymoon trip!! Question: is the golden eagle 🦅 nest on the cliffs to the right of the road Just before you get to the first campsite area at Slough Creek? Thanks! Betsy

Sent from my iPhone

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Reply
1. June 24, 2018
  
  roadsendnaturalist
  
  Thanks, Betsy! Yes, that is where the eagle nest is. And the peregrine nest is on the left side of the second pullout past Calcite Springs overlook headed toward Tower. It is the pullout that has a curb in it. You must be out there now…have fun!
  
  Reply