On the morning of June 11 we woke up bright and early, but quite warm in our down sleeping bags. We actually zipped them together and put them inside two zipped together regular (50º bags). Even with snow falling it wasn't really cold inside those sleeping bags. The plan for the day was to go both west and east. It wasn't the easiest plan based on mileage, but we only had so many days available and it seemed to be the best plan. In the morning we would head west towards West Yellowstone, catch the IMAX film and then come back towards Fishing Bridge and perhaps go north for a bit. Our first stop along the road was at Artists Paintpots, a small thermal area just south of our campground at Norris.
Artists Paintpots is a small but lovely thermal area just south of Norris Junction. A one-mile round trip trail takes visitors to colorful hot springs, two large mudpots, and through a section of forest burned in 1988. Adjacent to this area are three other off-trail, backcountry thermal areas: Sylvan Springs, Gibbon Hill Geyser Basin, and Geyser Creek Thermal area. These areas are fragile, dangerous, and difficult to get to; travel without knowledgeable personnel is discouraged.
--from NPS Yellowstone site, Madison area section
It was a foggy morning, which only made everything all the more beautiful.
The path alternated between boardwalk, dirt path, and eventually steps.
We also crossed over a small stream.
Gazed through wood fences.
Walked past obviously hot pools.
And looked at luxurious green growth.
The dew or condensation from the fog/thermal feature steam was still on the grass in spots.
Lichen was beautiful.
And I find strangely shaped wood quite fascinating.
Pine needles are also a big favourite of mine.
This bubbling water was just before we started climbing up some stairs.
At the top we spotted a bird perched on a rock.
The walk continues in the next post.
~Matt
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