To the Lower Geyser Basin

After our first rest stop we proceeded to the lower geyser basin.  The cold air had ice crystals in it that looked like diamond dust in the air…stunningly beautiful.  Mist rose from the above freezing river making many pictures somewhat foggy.  By this time the sapphire sky had made its welcome appearance.  Here was saw the mist rise from the river and cling to plants on the riverside…it was nature’s perfect flocking.  I don’t think fake flocking could ever do such a great job!  Stepping off the road was  a risk…very thick powder would engulf you quickly as Lovely here demonstrates.  Note the sun making the flocking glow.  Bald Eagles are resident here in fact one came to eye the raven’s disgusting feast.  Disturbingly on closer inspection the ‘feast’ was another dead raven.  The swans didn’t seem to care one way or another.  Bison made their presence known once again on the other side of the river.  The cold is nothing to them.  Impressive to note that until it’s twenty below zero they don’t have to burn body fat to stay warm.  Only moose beat Bison in their ability to endure cold.   Nearing the lower basin it begins to look like arctic tundra.  Note the huge steam bank as we approach the volcanic activity.  At first it appears to be low clouds but it’s not, it’s all steam.  Flocked trees returned as we proceeded.  Closer evidence of hot water from geysers was now apparent.  Small wonder the river is not frozen.  Soon we will see some actual geysers…are you ready for it?