Photos

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
- Shakespeare

In Yellowstone itself, there is more: from the mountains with their ancient violent history towering above to the calm peaceful meadows filling with mist at the end of the day. The whole park boils over with proof of the giant supervolcano that lies just below the surface: the strength of that caldera powers the many geysers and bubbling mud pots. In contrast, each year the passing seasons lay their hands upon that sacred land, soothe it, and then blanket it with months of peaceful blue winter snow.

For me, this photo represents that duality. Traveling south from Mammoth Hot Springs at twilight's last gleaming, we came upon this foggy scene, a testament to the falling of the cold late summer night and a betrayal of autumn's imminence. Later, as we approached Norris, we saw the vapors mix in with the steam rising from the hot spots.

Near Norris, Yellowstone, Wyoming, August 8, 2008