Yellowstone, Day 4, Part 2

The Mammoth Hot Springs are unlike anything I've ever seen, anywhere.  There are so many colors, textures, and smells that I truly felt like I was on another planet at times.  Fact is, I am just not familiar with the planet I'm on!  There are microorganisms that thrive in this environment of heat and acidity, just loving it like a New Yorker loves Miami Beach in the winter! 

There are places where pine forests once stood that are now barren ground, their roots boiled by hot water until they fell over and died.  The "standing people" are just that and have no way to leave.  Their fate is the fate of the earth that nourishes them, or not.  Is that not true for us too?  If it changes, they change.  Period. 

Riding back to my site at Fishing Bridge RV park, I spotted a small herd of elk grazing near a pond.  The light was just right and here are the results.  I was there for quite a long time and just didn't want to leave.  They were moving toward the road and I was tempted to stay for a closeup, but finally I had to move on down the road.  Just as they did.  Enjoy.