Michigan Lakeside Color
Michigan Lakeside Color Northern Michigan has just begun to show fall colors. The reds are becoming more vivid and will likely at peak in another week.
Grapes of Fall
The Grapes of Fall are almost ready for Michigan’s wineries to harvest. These grapes grow on the peninsula between Grand Traverse east and west bay. Just up the road stands the Old Mission Lighthouse. October is a nice time to visit.
Yellowstone’s Gibbon Falls
Yellowstone’s Gibbon Falls Yes, I’m back on my Yellowstone kick today. Gibbon Falls lies along on the Gibbon River about halfway between Norris Geyser Basin and Madison Junction. The falls tumble about 80 feet in a gradual descent. Although parking area near the top of the falls which provides a great viewpoint, a hike to the base of the falls for a nicer image from the viewing area is virtually impossible.
Yellowstone Tree
Yellowstone Tree The acidic or alkaline water and steam runoff from nearby geysers killed these trees. Several geysers are steaming in the background. The water steam flow periodically floods the area, killing the lodgepole pine trees. Then silica precipitated upon the dead tree trunks creating the white “bobby sock” trees. This silica slowly impregnates the wood and over time, could eventually petrify the wood.
Yellowstone Hot Spring
Yellowstone Hot Spring Well yes, another Yellowstone image; just can’t help myself. it’s one of my favorite places to visit. Hot springs are the most common hydrothermal feature in Yellowstone. The bright colors found in Yellowstone’s hydrothermal basins come from thermophiles; microorganisms that thrive in hot temperatures. Trillions of microorganisms grouped together appear as masses of color. Different types of thermophiles live at different temperatures within a hot spring providing distinct gradations of living, vibrant colors.
Bison @ Yellowstone
Bison @ Yellowstone Fall happens to be my favorite time of year to visit Yellowstone; until winter and spring, of course. The summer crowds are gone. The wildlife have their winter coats and are in their best physical shape; prepared for winter. The elk bugle throughout many areas of the park in golden colors even without the setting sun. Since I will not be going to Yellowstone this fall, this image, captured two years ago, reminds me that I must go again soon.
Raven @ Yellowstone
Raven @ Yellowstone Ravens seem to hang around the parking areas at Yellowstone so it’s not to difficult to capture a few images of them. This image was captured some years ago; notice the camera is a D200. But, I like to post a Raven in October; seems fitting and proper. Halloween’s just around the corner.
Hank Conrad © 2023
