As we headed to Beartooth Parkway (our next destination point), we passed through the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. As mentioned previously, this is our favorite location in Yellowstone.
We entered Yellowstone through Mammoth Springs Entrance, the northernmost entrance. This was our first time to enter this way. We got an early start from our campsite in order to miss most of the traffic. We were surprised by several occurrences. First, the road in is very curvy and somewhat steep…certainly more than any of the other entrances. Secondly, as you will see below, we were greeted by a special new friend. But first, let us show you another remarkable occurrence.
Meriam’s sharp eyes spotted a group of animals grazing along the highway. At first, we thought they were domestic cows or horses. However, as we got closer, we realized they were elk! We counted over 100 elk in the group!Perhaps they were domesticated. Wrong! Some of the elk were behind fences, but a lot of others are along the roadside, some even walking the road.
Please note: While I usually take most of the photographs, Meriam has a wonderful “eye” for composition. Not only does she frequently suggest a specific shot, but she is well adept at also using the camera. All the elk photographs were taken by Meriam, out of the truck window!
This was the largest herd we have seen (certainly this close). Note the babies underneath the sign.Talk about a picturesque scene!The road ahead! One of the premises in our photography is reminding us of places we’ve been and brings you beautiful scenery.“Hey, guys! Notice me”! Just before us, this lone deer stood to greet us. He posed there until we took our obligatory photographs.“Does this pose meet with your approval”? (Only two other photographs, one of a barn owl and the other of two elk bucks locking horns in combat have I had an opportunity for those “once in a lifetime” photographs).“I know, everyone comes to Yellowstone to see the bears, wolves, and bison”. “But no one strikes a pose like me”. “Well…psssstt to you if you don’t think I’m pretty remarkable (his tongue says it all)”!Talk about beautiful scenery!While virtually the same as the previous photograph, we had to include Meriam’s flowers in the foreground!And how it looks driving along the road!One of at least 6 herds of bison we encountered in the Lamar Valley. We learned on previous trips to Yellowstone the majority of the bison spend the summer months in the Valley. They then return to the western side of Yellowstone in the winter to be near the warming springs and geysers.
LisaAbsolutely gorgeous photography and superb storytelling! Would love to see Yellowstone someday. Thank you for always sharing your journeys! And stay safe with your travel home.
P.S. That pose definitely meets with approval! ReplyCancel
HaroldThanks, Lisa. We try hard to take interesting photographs and commentary. Pleased you like them. Yes, you MUST get to Yellowstone. Next time you are at the house, we’ll show you several of our coffee table books on Yellowstone. See you in a few days.ReplyCancel
KimWe will be in Yellowstone next month.
Thank you for your amazing pictures. ReplyCancel
HaroldKim, most PLEASED you will be visiting Yellowstone next month. As I mentioned to Lisa, drop by and we’ll be please to show you some of our Yellowstone coffee table books.ReplyCancel
Peggy and Cled PainterWe have been to Yellowstone a couple of times. It is truly an amazing place….so many beautiful parts to see. Your pictures are awesome. Love traveling with you every time. ReplyCancel
HaroldPeggy and Cled, when was the last time you visited? What was your favorite place there? As we mentioned, ours is the Lamar Valley (but of course the geysers are a must-see).ReplyCancel
mao Do you think I can afford to buy those 43 acres that are for sale? I guess that includes the elk.ReplyCancel
PeterAt the right place at the right time! Or was it a remote control elk to make you look! :>)ReplyCancel
HaroldNeither, I had Meriam dress up as the buck and strike the poses 🙂ReplyCancel
The BurksWow – that deer with impressive antlers, just the perfect silhouette shots!!!! Great wildlife shots, you are both great photographers ReplyCancel
HaroldActually if you read Peter’s comments, you will note the deer was Meriam in disguise!ReplyCancel
LisaAbsolutely gorgeous photography and superb storytelling! Would love to see Yellowstone someday. Thank you for always sharing your journeys! And stay safe with your travel home.
P.S. That pose definitely meets with approval!
HaroldThanks, Lisa. We try hard to take interesting photographs and commentary. Pleased you like them. Yes, you MUST get to Yellowstone. Next time you are at the house, we’ll show you several of our coffee table books on Yellowstone. See you in a few days.
KimWe will be in Yellowstone next month.
Thank you for your amazing pictures.
HaroldKim, most PLEASED you will be visiting Yellowstone next month. As I mentioned to Lisa, drop by and we’ll be please to show you some of our Yellowstone coffee table books.
Peggy and Cled PainterWe have been to Yellowstone a couple of times. It is truly an amazing place….so many beautiful parts to see. Your pictures are awesome. Love traveling with you every time.
HaroldPeggy and Cled, when was the last time you visited? What was your favorite place there? As we mentioned, ours is the Lamar Valley (but of course the geysers are a must-see).
mao Do you think I can afford to buy those 43 acres that are for sale? I guess that includes the elk.
PeterAt the right place at the right time! Or was it a remote control elk to make you look! :>)
HaroldNeither, I had Meriam dress up as the buck and strike the poses 🙂
The BurksWow – that deer with impressive antlers, just the perfect silhouette shots!!!! Great wildlife shots, you are both great photographers
HaroldActually if you read Peter’s comments, you will note the deer was Meriam in disguise!
MaryWOW The deer was magnificent.
HaroldThanks, Mary. In fact, he made great bbq sandwiches…NOT!
JohnIt looked like the elk antlers were still in velvet.
HaroldPossibly, I was so intent on photographing him I didn’t look 🙁