Picture a Day #340 – Yellowstone Wildlife

During a July trip to Yellowstone National Park, we saw a variety of wildlife. Bison and elk are commonly seen creatures throughout the park. Occasionally a visitor may see a grizzly at a distance. If you are out and about near dawn and dusk you may catch a glimpse of a wolf in some areas of the park. Moose are sometimes seen, along with the occasional coyote or fox. Canada geese tend to congregate.

There are some less conspicuous critters that hang out as well. Those who stick to the roads may not get a view of the plentiful trout within the park.

Yellowstone trout

This white pelican posed for me at the water’s edge.

white pelican Yellowstone

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Picture a Day #339 – Coyotes and Christmas

We have been visited the past month by a steady parade of stormy weather. After the dry conditions earlier this year in California, the rain is welcome, but can lead to a cooped-up feeling.

We were surprised today by a pair of coyotes on the hill behind the cabin. They were in sight for too short a time to get a photo, but what a treat. We don’t have any livestock to be concerned with, so Sam and I were able to appreciate them for their graceful movement and beautiful coats. The telltale signs that identified them were their large ears and fluffy tails.

Coyote

This photo is courtesy of Dreampusher.

Later in the day, we drove to Nevada City to see the Victorian Christmas. The downtown area was blocked off to traffic, and craft and food booths were set up in the middle of the street. Children and adults played their instruments along the sidewalk, and a light drizzle did not prevent steady foot traffic.

Victorian Christmas

This photo is courtesy of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.

We stopped into Pete’s Pizza for a slice and some ale, warming ourselves enough to venture outside again. It was a great way to spend a cold, wet afternoon, and chased away the stale indoor air from our lungs.

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Picture a Day #338 – A Trip to Yellowstone

On a visit to Yellowstone National Park, there is so much to see and do, that you can’t bear to waste a minute of your time. After setting up camp in the northeastern section of the park, we drove the northern loop before nightfall. One of our destinations was Tower Fall on the Yellowstone River.

Tower Falls, Yellowstone RiverBy the time we reached Nymph Lake we were losing light, but it was still a lovely sight to see. We enjoyed our view of some hot pools from a wooden walkway.

hot pools YellowstoneWhen the moon sent us back to our campground, I couldn’t wait to continue our adventure the next morning.

Yellowstone moon

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Picture a Day #337 – Surviving Tragedy

On a day like today, nothing makes sense. Why anyone would turn their rage against innocent children, in a place that should be safe: a school, is only one of many questions we have. There are no answers, only more questions.

It’s human to point the finger of blame when faced with tragedy. If only someone had done something to prevent this terrible act. It’s a horrible mistake.

Each of us must look inside of ourselves and affirm our deepest-held beliefs. Then we must live them. When we take care of each other, we know that we are not alone.

inverted sunset

Today’s post is dedicated to the community of Newtown, Connecticut. You are not alone.

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Picture a Day #336 – American Bison

In mid-July 2008, my husband Sam and I arrived in Yellowstone National Park for the first time. We drove into the park by way of the Beartooth Highway, which leads to the northeastern entrance.

Although we were lucky to get a campsite, I was disturbed by a report of a bear attack just outside the park. Nevertheless, we set up our tent and took a drive before dark. No trip to Yellowstone is complete without the presence of American Bison.This group posed on a convenient hillside, oblivious to our presence.

Yellowstone bisonThe next day, this buffalo appeared unperturbed by traffic.

Yellowstone buffalo

The only Grizzly I saw on this trip was through a spotting scope. Less dramatic than a closer view, but much safer.

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Picture a Day #335 – Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Mountains WY 5On our cross-country adventure of 2008, we took Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana, dipping into Wyoming to climb Beartooth Pass and cross the Beartooth Mountains.

Beartooth Mountains WY 2

The scenery is more than spectacular, rivaling Trail Ridge Road in Northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

Beartooth Mountains WY 3Beartooth Highway leads the traveler to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. I hope you enjoy the view as you climb with me into the alpine environment.

Beartooth Mountains WY 4

 

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Picture a Day #334 – Goose Step

I stopped on my way home today to photograph the Canada geese that were feeding in a pasture near the edge of town, and saw something new.

Grass Valley goose step

I have never seen a goose step before. I think it’s very comical looking.

pair of Grass Valley geese

These geese were very serious about their mealtime. As I approached the edge of the field where they congregated, they moved away from where I stood. As I retreated, they moved back again. They are magnificent birds, and fun to watch. I would have stayed longer, but it was too cold for me. I guess I need some feathers.

Grass Valley goose

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Picture a Day #333 – Biscuits + Franks = Delicious

When our kids were small, one of our favorite suppers was Pigs in Blankets. This tasty concoction is made by wrapping biscuit dough around frankfurters and baking them. Tonight my husband and I enjoyed them without the kids, who are now grown, just because it’s cold outside. Here is my recipe.

Cheesy Herb Pigs in Blankets

Combine 2 cups of unbleached flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup grated cheese (I used sharp cheddar), and a handful of fresh parsley, minced.

pigs in blankets 1Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead about 10 times. Roll or pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Cut this into 16 pieces long enough to wrap around a frank. Prepare 8 skinless beef franks (I used extra long) by cutting each in half.

pigs in blankets 2Wrap each one with a piece of dough, gently shaping to fit. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets in 400 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown. Serve with your favorite mustard.

pigs in blankets 3

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Picture a Day #332 – Devil’s Tower

Ever since I saw the blockbuster film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, I have been curious about Devils Tower, Wyoming.

Devil's TowerOn a road trip across the country in 2008, I was able to visit this area and photograph the monolith that is celebrated in the film.

Devil's Tower NM

As you can see from these images, Devils Tower looks different from every angle. It rises abruptly from the grasslands surrounding the Black Hills, in far northeastern Wyoming. It was established as America’s first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Devil's Tower WY

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Picture a Day #331 – Pronghorns on the Plains

We encountered these Pronghorns just outside of Badlands National Park, as we headed for the Black Hills of western South Dakota. They are unique creatures that resemble antelopes, and according to Wikipedia, are considered to be the fastest land animals in North America.

pronghorn closeup

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