Note - the haziness in the photos is due to the fires around the area.
For
our first full day in Cody, we decided to drive up the Shoshone River Valley
and into Yellowstone thru the East gate.
Shortly out of Cody, we passed the Buffalo Bill Dam which was completed
in 1910 with the primary purpose of providing irrigation water to the areas
east of the lake. The dam is in a narrow
canyon and is only 70’ wide at the bottom and 200’ at the top and after a 25’
extension in 1993, it is now 350’ tall. When completed at 325’ in 1910, it was the tallest dam in the world. The dam sits just around the corner to the left and seems like a perfect location in the narrow canyon.
This first shot is the dam's exit canyon and the next two are the river upstream from the lake.
It
was very interesting to watch the landscape change as we went from the typical
Wyoming look to rocks that reminded me of Utah and into the forested park –
although there was lots of damage from fire and maybe beetles. Shortly after entering the park, we crossed
Sylvan Pass and its large monolithic rock followed by Sylvan Lake.
Then
we dropped down to Yellowstone Lake, drove along it’s shore for a ways and saw
our only park wildlife – this fellow was standing near the lake and near a big
group of people. He was laying down on the way back and I can only assume the herd had assigned him this spot for the day to entertain us tourists.
When
we started back, the temperature was 66F at Yellowstone Lake, 73F at the park
exit, and 86F at the campground, so it’s easy to see why the locals head for the
park for a Sunday drive, much like we do in the cooler Smoky’s at home.
We
were told that if we drove out the South Fork Rd. in the evening we would see
wildlife so about 7:15pm we headed out and we did see a Pronghorn and several
mule deer – mostly in small herds with a buck – notice the felt covered antlers and nearness to humans. The first shot was less than a mile from the
campground.
Photos
can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Have
a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
8/2/15
event date
I am amazed and saddened by the effects of the fires and beetles. We were in Yellowstone while visiting friends in Island Park, Idaho probably seven years ago and it was much greener and the buffalo and wildlife were abundant. Very sad to see, but so glad you are having a nice trip.
ReplyDeleteSam
Some great photos, looks like you had a great day too, tks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot of damage from fires & beetles when we were there a few years ago. We still saw a ton of wildlife but it was hard to see so much damage to the landscape. Safe travels - see you in a month!
ReplyDeleteThose beetles made a mess of the entire state and it really is sad. In another hundred years hopefully nature can revive itself. I don't care what the wildlife is - I love seeing the animals.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you were greeted by that bison. Even gladder to see you weren't stupid enough to stand right next to him for a selfie and....
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, Larry!
Larry, I'm sure that you will see a lot more wildlife before you depart the area. Beetles have done a lot of damage and the dead trees provide perfect tinder for wildfires. Nice photos! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteGorgeous... We cannot wait to get there ---and I hope we have cool weather also... Wow!!!! We have not been to the East Gate --nor seen that area you have pictured... It is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
We were in the Colorado mountains a few years ago for a wedding and the forests in that area have been heavily damaged by a pine beetle. What a shame as the vistas are so gorgeous otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful, Larry. I've never been across this part of the country and am awed by how beautiful it is. Thanks for sharing your great pix. Looking forward to seeing you when you get to the west coast.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Larry. We loved visiting Yellowstone. I'm sure you are looking forward to seeing Cathy.
ReplyDeletefantastic photos thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! great photos Larry. Beautiful country that wild west. ;) And I know you're enjoying it. Weather here has cooled a bit, more to eveyones liking_ 100's to mid 80's. And we're trying to keep the garden intact, just for you. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou have all the fun! The deer are beautiful and all the scenery makes me miss the west :) Great shots!
ReplyDeleteI love Yellowstone and have wanted to go back for years. We camped at Yellowstone Lake. Great photos Larry and thanks for sharing your trip.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the buffalo!
ReplyDelete