Yellowstone: Big and Small

[urbpan]

Before we even left the grounds of our hotel, we encountered this impressive creature. Then we began our second full day exploring Yellowstone.



The landscape continued to be awesome. The white is the travertine stone formations called terraces, formed by the action of hot springs.


More new-to-me lichen species.








In some places in the park, stone columns rise up imposingly.


Other places are flat and placid.


I photographed a number of wild flowers. This is salsify, a large dandelion lookalike.


While driving in a high part of the park, traffic stopped, and the rocky hillside was lost in dust. Apparently some bighorn sheep had scrabbled up the cliff, knocking gravel down toward the road.


We took the opportunity to watch this small herd of mostly young female sheep, at surprisingly close distances.


Surprisingly close.


Wait up for the baby!


Soon the rangers came over to get people back in their cars away from the animals, and directed traffic around the area.

Comments

[deathling.livejournal.com]

What kind of moth is that? It's awesome!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

It's an eyed sphinx Smerinthus cerisyi.