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Sunday, December 08, 2013

Yellowstone: Finishing the Upper Loop

After leaving the town of Mammoth on September 21st, we continued on over the top of the upper loop, toward Tower Junction.
 
This area is much more arid than the heavily forested southern regions of the national park.

A lone buffalo strolls down the center line of this high mountain road, making it difficult for traffic from either direction to get around him.

After several minutes, though, there was an opportunity for passing.

After getting around the buffalo and through construction delays around Tower Junction, we continued on to the Canyon area, this time to enjoy the views of Lower Yellowstone Falls and the canyon from the South Rim.

Lower Yellowstone Falls from Artist Point

Lower Falls
 
A view up the canyon in the other direction, from Artist Point

From the Canyon area, we then headed back toward the West Entrance Road, where we hoped to enjoy some elk viewing on our way back to our lodging in West Yellowstone.

On the way, we passed this Chocolate Pot hot spring along the Gibbon River.

These "ducks in a row" were at one of the elk viewing areas along West Entrance Road.

We did see lots of elk later that evening, but that will have to wait for a future post. Stay tuned!


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19 comments:

  1. Our photosDecember 8, 2013 at 1:30 AM

    Cute are the buffalo photos, Linda!

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  2. Betty ManousosDecember 8, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    incredibly beautiful views and photos, dear linda!
    i really like the last photo, great reflections!

    happy sunday!

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  3. MontanagirlDecember 8, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Nice series of photos. I took a photo of that same bubbling rock when we were there in June. Can't wait to see your Elk photos!

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  4. TexWisGirlDecember 8, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    the canyons are awesome. the ducks made me smile. the bison would certainly make me yield to wherever he wanted to go...

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  5. Elizabeth EdwardsDecember 8, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    buffaloes running are too funny. those little bits of hair on their legs. giggles. amazing falls. happy weekend. ( :

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  6. Out on the prairieDecember 8, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    A major a difference from Artists View going both directions. I like how one critter can stop the world

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  7. magnoliasnteaDecember 8, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Oh, I love the strollin' buffalo, afterall, they were here first, lol. Love the photos of Lower Falls. All of the pics are really good. Thanks for sharing! Have a great week.

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  8. GeorgeDecember 8, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Thanks for more beautiful Yellowstone pictures. I really like your photos of the Lower Falls. I think the buffalo had been deputized to make sure the speed limit was obeyed.

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  9. Gail DixonDecember 8, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    I can see why that one area is called Artist Point. Wow! Just love the view from there. It seems like an artist took his brush and painted that waterfall. Can't wait to see the elk. Hope you have a blessed Sunday!

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  10. stephen HayesDecember 8, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    I recall that when we visited Yellowstone and stood on Artist's Point I was so mesmerized by the beauty that Mrs. C. had to pull be away or we'd still be standing there. Great pictures.

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  11. LindaDecember 8, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Wow! I have never seen a buffalo on our roads here in Quebec, but there was a moose once and unfortunately the police shot it (sad, because it posed no threat to others). Your photos are wonderful, Linda, and it goes to show, as far as the buffalo on the road, patience is the key. So sweet that row of ducks! :)

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  12. MersadDecember 8, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    That shot of the Lower Falls must have been a real experience in person. I can only imagine the sounds of the water falling into the crevasses. I have been enjoying your Yellowstone shots a lot!

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  13. Ruth HiebertDecember 8, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    Seeing that Buffalo just owning the road is funny. Beautiful scenes.

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  14. HilaryDecember 8, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    Well I can't say that I've ever known anyone held up in traffic by a buffalo before. That's a cool first. Such gorgeous scenery. There's no question as to why that call that Artist's Point. And gotta love the Chocolate Pot. And you always find the best falls.

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  15. DeeDecember 9, 2013 at 8:58 PM

    I appreciate you showing the photo's...I probably will never make it to the places you visit and this is almost a good as being there myself....love the buffalo. :)

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  16. WillowDecember 10, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    This is just truly amazing . I would never tire of waiting for a Bison to cross the road !

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  17. MersadDecember 11, 2013 at 3:06 AM

    I like the hot spring, and the view of the canyon is magnificent, especially because the clouds create a patterned look for the sun that is shining through.

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  18. AnonymousDecember 11, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Awesome captures of the beauty that surrounded you Linda. My smile is a mile wide :)

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  19. MariDecember 17, 2013 at 1:57 AM

    ducks in a row, how sweet! :) ♥

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