Dandy Lions

For about a week every summer the fields are covered with bright yellow blooms. The blooms are related to the aster family only these are considered weeds and not flowers. They are dandelions. Next week the fields will be covered in white puffballs. The cycle will continue.

Of Note

Some parting images of Yellowstone. 

Artist Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. 

Frozen Lake Yellowstone 

Travertine Terrace and Falls at Mammoth.

Following a herd of bison...they always have the right of way. 

Excelsior Geyser in the Midway Geyser Basin. When the water is this blue it's very hot (ca. 200°F)

Lake Yellowstone. 

Reflections

Reflections are so elusive. The slightest breeze, and the reflection disappears. 

As we were driving out of the Tetons the other day, the northern end of Jackson Lake was still as glass and the mountains were mirrored in the lake. 

A few minutes before, we were at The Oxbows and the scene was different. What a difference a zephyr makes. 

Moving toward Yellowstone, the parts of the lakes that were not ice covered were quiet.  This is Yellowstone Lake, partly frozen on a sunny May afternoon. 

Some of the mountain ponds were glass-like calm. 

Freedom is like these reflections: elusive. On this Memorial Day I'd like to thank the US soldiers who have protected our freedom. 

Outdoor Zoo

Yellowstone has geysers, mud pots, forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, vistas and a zoo. During our recent stay at the Park, we saw bears! Both black and brown. They are a rare treat and we saw four of these magnificent beasts in one day. 

This black bear was wandering near Tower Junction. And, less than a tenth of a mile away, was a young grizzly bear. 

We saw herds of bison and lots of youngsters. The bison herd is healthy.

But the most exciting find was a very young elk running behind his mother on spindly legs barely able to support him. Sadly, that event happened so quickly, I did not have a camera ready. 

Yellowstone

Old Faithful is the symbol of Yellowstone. Today we saw the 3:07 eruption of the icon of the park. It always takes my breath away. 

 

We are enjoying 2 days in the Park where we are seeing frozen lakes and clear blue skies. 

Tomorrow we plan to get up early to see bison, elk, and bear as they wake up. Wish us luck. 

Scrappy

Here's my latest Project Linus creation. It's a scrap blanket as it's made from odds and ends of 30 or so blankets I've made in the past. I hate to throw away useable yarn, so I save it and when I have enough I make a "scrappy blanket" from all the leftovers. The scappy blankets are always so colorful. They make me smile. I hope it makes a little one smile too. 

On the Road Again

Yes, we are on the road again. Remember last year we were baby sitting an RV? Well it's now time
to bring it to it's owner. We are hooked up and rolling. It is fun to camp but it seems strange not to be in our RV. 

The drought in California is real. Here's a shot of Lake Oroville showing lots of brown. Can you imagine what it will look like at the end of the summer if there's not any more rain? 

Feather Fiesta Days

This weekend Oroville has it's annual celebration. There is a parade, crafts, art, and about 800 old cars are expected to show up. A few drove into town today. As you know, I love the old cars. 

They all look different. No plain white "refrigerator" cars that look alike. Will a 2014 Chevy or Lexus have that much "pizzazz" in 2064? 

I liked the 1955 Buick the best. 

Matilija Poppies

The Matilija poppies are blooming. I love these great white flowers with pleated petals. 

           

The bright egg yolk yellow stamens hide in the flower until they are full bloomed,

           

almost over-ripe. 

Spring has come.