High Plains Drifter

Interesting day today.  The day started off with some elk wildlife shots at Mammoth.  The herd led by "Number 6" was right along the highway across the street from the hot spring terraces.  I shot many images of the bull that had a beautiful rack.  Anyway, after that I decided to head to Gibbon Falls and try to photograph these falls from the base.  This required a hike along the banks of the shallow Gibbon River.  The hike ended up being more adventursome than I had hoped.  I slipped and fell as I forded the stream, soaking myself, including my backpack.  The pack I have for all my photography gear is waterproof, and everything inside was dry, thank goodness.  After that slip-up, I continued the rather trecherous hike over some large rocks and fallen timber from the ’88 wildfire to reach my destination.  It was well worth it.  The 85 foot falls were amazing from the base.  As an added bonus, I had a couple of fly fishermen fishing right at the base of the falls providing an interesting composition.  I headed back to Mammoth after that to get into drier clothes and meet up with Jay.  We headed towards the Madison River for more wildlife photography.. elk, elk, and more elk!  And bison   We were trying to spot some eagles as well, but none were to be found.  Then for near sunset, we headed back towards Canyon and the Hayden Valley area again to see if we could strike gold like last evening with bear sightings.  No bears today, but the day was rewarding nonetheless.  Tomorrow’s plan is a sunrise mountainscape opportunity if the weather cooperates, then a hike with Jay near Lake Yellowstone.  Oh yeah, and speaking of elk… topped off the day with a fabulous elk burger at the Helen’s Corral drive-in "home of the hateful burger!".  More tomorrow.