24 Hours in North Yellowstone
Pinch me, because at times I think I'm dreaming! Back in New Jersey where I'm originally from, we have reservoirs, beaches, and state parks to waste away our days at, but out here in Montana I'm blessed to be just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park. Through-out the summer and early fall, I was able to explore the southern and western regions of the park. Having been back in Montana since the beginning of November, I thought it was time to explore the northern entrance of the park. It would be the only section open for the remainder of the winter to vehicle traffic, as most of Yellowstone goes to sleep from early November thru mid April/early May. I booked one night lodging at Yellowstone Riverside Cottage as a treat to myself, because the prior week was spent working nearly 50 hours as snow continuously fell over the resort community of Big Sky (my current home.) I left my plans pretty much open ended other than a quick snow shoeing excursion to Undine Falls, a known easy Yellowstone hike located near the north entrance.
A herd of Elk greeted me as I drove to the trailhead, but I was lucky enough to spot this bull by itself. Since it was winter, the roads were empty, so I pulled to the side (which would be a no-no in the busy season) grabbed my camera and asked him to say jerky. After a quick jaunt to see the frozen over Undine Falls, I decided to drive over to Lamar Valley notoriously known for being the home to a variety of animal species. Most notably the Junction Butte Wolfpack. I wasn't out looking for them, but left a chance sighting up to fate. Certain sections of the road were slightly peppered with hoomans more than likely trying to catch glimpses of them. I leisurely made my way through the north region of the park eventually turning around at the end of the valley. No wolves in sight, but a lone Bison taking a siesta from an extremely grueling day of grazing.
As the day rapidly came to a close, I decided to take a drive up to Mammoth Hot Springs. Having been there in late July with my father, the scene was a complete 180 of what I had witnessed on that mid summer day. The masses were no where to be seen, except for a few rogue individuals who wanted to see the steaming springs. Since I was staying such a short distance away from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, I decided to catch the sunrise the following day.
I awoke early in the morning and was greeted to the smells of rotten eggs, as sulfur from mother earths ass permeated through the air. Daylight was just beginning to show, so I made my way back into the park and headed to the top of the hot springs. I waited patiently munching on a cliff bar as the sky begin to ignite into a flurry of colors. Red, pink, lavender, orange purple and blue all made their vibrancy be seen during the free 20 minute peep show that I received.
There are certain moments in time when you become one with your surroundings. All fears, worries, angst and sadness disappear into nothingness. Right there and then is all that mattered, and those are the moments I live for. Those are the small moments we all take for granted. Those are the moments in the blink of an eye, that can swiftly pass us by. Till next time ...
Ryan
For more inspirational tales, thoughts and photography visit me on instagram: @ryan.j.drewes
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