Well let's see, it's been about a year since an update; shame, shame. After a brief rumination, I remember we ended the previous post taking the road less traveled, i.e. the longer, Northern route through the Southeastern part of Yellowstone down into Jackson. If I hadn't emphasized enough, the Mountain West, beginning around central Wyoming, has what I consider a preternatural beauty unmatched in any other section of the nation. While I have had the good fortune of visiting nearly every region of the country, the Mountain West can only be described by its grand scale, endless skies, and the feeling one gets of being utterly alone and minuscule, enveloped by nature. Before hitting the Tetons in Western Wyoming, Yellowstone provides all of the necessary catalysts for feeling tiny, inconsequential, and most importantly, humbled by what feels like the last vestiges of a wild, ancient land. It was a no brainer purchasing the the annual National Park Pass--for Yellowstone alone--as we had about ten National Parks to explore in the near future with Yellowstone being the unanimous winner in terms of topographical and ecological diversity. Despite the unprecedented volume of tourism in Yellowstone during the summer months, our short drive through the park on this particular day was magically devoid of human contact, perhaps due to the fact that we entered and left during the extended twilight hours when many daytrippers have already exited for the night.
Before even entering the park, one can ascertain the massive scale of Yellowstone by simply soaking up the the skeletal remains of the various forest fires of yore which, in many ways, actually contribute to the long-term vitality of the mountainous ecosystem. Despite the obvious destruction in the picture below, the fires and the ensuing charred debris actually reinvigorate the land and the (un)natural cycle of tree death/fecund rebirth which would be nearly impossible without the immolation of wood which has outlasted its use. Incredulous? I'd be too were it not for the sagacious wisdom of the park rangers.
Within minutes of driving past the vast terrain of downed trees and entering the Eastern side of the park, the topography rapidly transitions from rolling mountains to the lush meadows and fertile hills which surround the pristine Yellowstone Lake. The pictures--despite being prettay, prettay good--really can't do the park justice. It's remarkable more people don't inadvertently drive right into the drink while snapping pictures because Yellowstone Lake is unparalleled in color, serenity, and its ability to be photographed against an otherworldly, craggedy-peaked backdrop. Whether it's the lake from behind the gnarled tentacles of the marsh trees, the rocky outcroppings of the Maine-like coastline or the sharp precipices of the Tetons, Yellowstone Lake is a visual, visceral showstopper.
Necessary, token view-ruining selfie.
Continue with ethereal imagery and extended metaphor of potent reaction to leaving park.
25MPG in the hemi coming down this sexy piece of tar.
The lady that got away but always tickles my fancy, Ms. Teton.
