national parks

Yellowstone National Park

Published on November 1, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

First, it’s been a while since I’ve last posted. I’ve been working on a huge project which I’ll show you when it’s done. In the meantime I wanted to take you Yellowstone National Park and a visit to Old Faithful. I did an impromptu trip to Jackson Hole about a month ago which is a place I have always wanted to visit. After making the drive to Jackson Hole, I stayed a few days during which time I toured the Grand Teton National Park. (Check out my Wyoming link over to the right for those posts) With one day to go before I flew home, I decided to hoof it up to Yellowstone National park.

It was FREEZING that day and raining but I have to admit – there is nothing better than photographing in the rain or fog. Always my favorite. I remembered going to Yellowstone as a child and my fondest memory was of Old Faithful, so that was my ultimate designation that day. After I stopped at the park sign (a must have photo) I drove along a two way row behind a lot of other cars…all of us stopping and photographing along the way.

(In the photo above you can see a lot of the damage done by the fires.)

I arrived at Old Faithful and tried to find a parking spot. There were a lot of people there, I mean A LOT. And even though it was cold and rainy, everyone stood like soldiers, at attention, never moving their gaze, in the hopes that Old Faithful would FINALLY erupt. I didn’t realize this but they have a pretty good idea as to when this will happen. But even though you have the “time”, everyone still stands and watches to ensure they don’t miss it. So here are a few fun facts about Old Faithful that are “borrowed” from the Yellowstone National Park site:

Eruptions can shoot 3,700 to 8,400 US gallons of boiling water.
Shoots water at a height of 106 to 185 feet.
Erupts every 60 minutes to 2 hours.
Eruptions last 1.5 to 5 minutes.
The lowest recorded sighting was 72 feet deep into the geyser. Temperature measurements of the water at 72ft depth was 244 °F.
Old Faithful is not the tallest or largest geyser, but it is the most popular.
Most popular because of its high frequency of eruptions.
Tallest height of an eruption has been recorded at 185 feet.
Nearly 140,000 eruptions have been officially recorded.

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Jackson Hole – Mormon Row and the Moulton Barn

Published on September 22, 2013February 25, 2014 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

If you look up the Teton National Park you’ll mostly like find photos of a barn. I actually had no idea where it was located, and didn’t realize it was a very popular place to photograph. (And I call myself “Photo Girl” shame on me!) Anyway, when I got up on my second day in Jackson Hole, I decided to hoof it up to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful. My plan was to drive north on 89 and over into the park. As I was studying the map I remember seeing a loop that ran off highway 89 and then back around to it, So I took it. I put a map below so you can find it if you get a chance to go. The road curved around with beautiful views on both sides. About 1/4 of the way around the loop I saw a dirt road that actually cut over to the other side of the loop. I LOVE dirt roads so I turned left.

As my car shook as I wove back and forth to avoid the pot holes, I realized I was the only one around. It is an amazing feeling to stand on a road that is completely silent, except for the birds and crickets. The only other time I have felt this is when I was in Death Valley. While standing by my car, a family of deer sprinted through the tall grass on my left and across the road in front of me. It was pretty amazing.

Here is a map that will show you where you need to drive to see this barn:

Here is a link to a very good map of the Teton National Park: http://www.nps.gov/grte/historyculture/mormon.htm

Oxbow Bend Turnout: Road Trip to Jackson Hole

Published on September 13, 2013September 13, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Located in the Grand Teton National Park, this is the most amazing site you could ever have the opportunity to see. It is amazing!!!!

Glad I Turned Around: Road Trip to Jackson Hole

Published on September 13, 2013September 13, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Have you ever been driving and you see something interesting…you think about turning around to explore and you don’t? I have to admit I’ve done that before and ultimately I regret it. As I was heading to Jackson Lake I saw some horses off in the meadow but kept driving. About a mile down the road a hung a U and I’m so glad I did. As if they knew I was coming back they were over by the fence when I parked. The lesson learned… Slow down, and stop when you see something interesting, you might meet or see something amazing!