Postcards from Yellowstone

We've been home from our trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone for a couple of weeks and we're slowly acclimating back into life in the Denver metropolitan area which includes the usual gambit of daily shootings and politicians behaving... well, the way politicians do. Given the time of year it's also election season and the media (T.V., internet, newspapers, radio, etc.) is inundated with political ads espousing the saintly characteristics of one candidate over the demonic traits of their opponent. In other words, in the four plus weeks we were gone we didn't miss a thing.

Still, having big city life whack you between the eyes, with all its stimulus overload, reminds me of why we hit the road in the first place. To escape the constant barrage of negativity which seems to inherently be so much a part of urban living is what constantly tugs at me to get back out on the road that beckons. Fortunately I have not just memories but lots of snapshots to remind me of the world 'out there' that we visited and the video below is entitled "Postcards from Yellowstone" because each little snippet reminds me of a special moment experienced in this special place. 

Yellowstone is celebrating its 150th anniversary as America's first National Park and remains as worthy of a visit as it was when first created. I'd love to go back in time to when you had to walk or go horseback to get into the Park. Certainly it would have been far less crowded even though visitation this year is down roughly 40% due to the Spring flooding that knocked out some of the northern roads. Unlike 150 years ago it takes a more concerted effort to get away, at least for a while, from the herds of humanity that flock to the Park each summer. But if you are willing to try you can reach a place where the sound of your footstep or the dip of your paddle is the only thing you hear save for the whisper of the wind in the pines or the muffled grunt of a buffalo. 

Yellowstone, like most National Parks, is a treat when viewed through a lens. When photography still meant using real film the challenge was getting that special shot without seeing the results until you got home and sent the film in to be developed. Now everyone seems to be equipped with the newest and greatest camera equipment that allows instantly seeing your prize photo. I admit to a little equipment envy (all of my videos and photos are taken on a Samsung Galaxy Note 10) but the reality is, except for

pictures requiring a real zoom lens (and by that I mean not the poor substitute of digital zoom), I think anyone with an eye for the unique can still get that one-of-a-kind image. Of course, you can rent top-notch photo equipment (the Yellowstone Camera Store located in West Yellowstone will be happy to kit you out) ranging from camera bodies to the requisite 600mm lens to get that close-up of the bear or wolf a quarter mile away. I did spring for a new pair of binoculars to bring the distant critters up close and it set me back about the same as renting a zoom lens for a week. Still... nah, the wife is giving the ole' evil eye. 

Anyhow, if you can't make the jaunt up to Yellowstone this year or you just need a break from city life, grab a cup of cocoa, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these postcards addressed just to you!