We spent two days along the way in Wyoming and Idaho- mostly backroads, then through Grand Teton National Park on our way to Yellowstone.  The mountain views are breathtaking. . . . even as we leave them behind:

The animals in Yellowstone sometimes interact nonchalantly - seemingly unaware of an audience.  Here, this female coyote stalked, caught, and ate a ground squirrel before wandering off into the woods. 

Along the Firehole River, waterfalls and birds caught our attention.  The traditional swimming holes were all closed in this naturally heated water source,  not sure if the reason was heavy runoff or environmental damage.  Either way, it was a small price to pay to assure we and our grandchildren will be able to return to this untamed land for years to come.

   Here we spot a blue heron riverside and she spreads her wings, flies to a nearby branch and preens.

  Sunset glow along the riverside- we set up our chairs and enjoy the moment

  Geyser basin trail at sunset- the crowds have dispersed and we are left with a small group of sunset and geyser watchers.... here we get the brilliant eruption and evening color display that I enjoyed photographing until it was too dark to see much.

  We left the park via the northeast exit- enjoying a couple of days in the Lamar Valley area.  The wildlife abounds in this immense grassland- it is hard to grasp the size and diversity of this place alone.

   Here was a curious encounter. . . we saw the coyote first and assumed he was stalking the deer- but that notion was soon corrected by this fearless doe who was charging two coyotes, we assume to protect a nearby fawn, although we never saw any other deer in the area.  She won this conflict and sent the canines on their way!

Fairy Falls - 190 ft falls emerges after a hike through the burn-recovery area.  It is amazing to see the natural recovery of an area so devastated less than 20 years ago. 

Continuing the hike across the Imperial Meadow area, we find a bison carcass blocking the trail at one point.

  And a marmot who has taken up residence in a pile of lumber.

  The blurble of mud pots are a distinctive sound (perhaps I should post a video of this for the audio...)

 Grazing elk don't bother with us as we walk by.

This first National Park remains a favorite of ours. . . we'll be back!