Yellowstone National Park

Before my last race, the Bighorn 100, my family spent a week in Yellowstone National Park. I didn't run very much since I was tapering and resting before the race, but we walked the boardwalk trails and watched wildlife. The geologic features are absolutely amazing in this place, our nation's first national park. The weather was cold with some rain and even snow while we were there, but we didn't let that put a damper on our fun. As always, whether I'm running or not, I take a lot of pictures so I wanted to share some of my favorite photos of God's Country.

Wildlife: 

(Click photos to enlarge)

Bison

Brown-headed cowbirds follow bison because they stir up bug when they graze.

They even hitch a ride sometimes!

A lady was gored in this same area this summer. Common sense goes a 
long way, I always say. Keep your distance (25 yds) and use your zoom!

Elk

Uinta ground squirrel

Moose. We actually saw this one in the Bighorn Mts.

Western tanager bathing in a hot spring.

Flowers:

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Blue flax

Lupine

Sticky geranium

Purple fringe

Hot springs, mud pots and geysers:

Travertine Terraces

Dragon's Mouth Spring
(A dragon lives in there!)

Grand Prismatic Spring near the Firehole River. A park employee was scalded 
near here when he fell into a hot spring. Use common sense when you visit! 

Bacterial mat

Waterfalls and scenery:

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Look closely to see bison out there.

Maddie says, "See you on the trail!"