Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, March 22, 2013

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This is my absolute favorite area of the Yellowstone National Park.   Granted,  I loved all of the other areas,  but since I love waterfalls and canyons,  this was my favorite.  We spent an entire day in this area (September 20, 2012) ---and I'm sure I have a zillion photos... I don't know how many posts it will take for me to get through this 2nd day at Yellowstone --but today's post only includes a small portion.

We started at Lookout Point (on the NORTH RIM) ---and then hiked down to my favorite view point,  RED ROCK POINT.   From both lookouts, you can get a terrific view of LOWER FALLS.   I included a great picture of the canyon on my new PHOTO BLOG (click HERE to visit or re-visit that photo).

If you have never been to Yellowstone,  you need to know that there is a North Rim and a South Rim.  We did them both --starting at the North Rim...  There are three waterfalls in that area, and we saw all three of them.  For more information about the Canyon Area at Yellowstone,  click HERE.  If you want to see a small map of where we were, click HERE.

The picture above shows a picture of the sun early in the morning as we drove from our motel in West Yellowstone  to the canyon area.   I love seeing the steam rising from the water.





The picture above shows George and me at Lookout Point --with a view of Lower Falls in the distance.  It was fairly cool that morning --but warmed up as the day went on.  Be sure to click on the photos to see them larger.




Beautiful Lower Falls of Yellowstone;    This marvelous waterfall is 308 feet high.  We had hoped to see a rainbow at the bottom of the falls --but the lighting wasn't quite right.  We did however,  see a rainbow along the rocks when we were on the Uncle Tom's trail on the south rim (which I will share with you in another blog post).  This picture was taken from the RED ROCK POINT area.




Here is a collage showing the STEEP trail down to RED ROCK POINT.  This is a hard trail (although not as hard as Uncle Tom's) ---but it is definitely worth the hike down in order to get a better view of the canyon and Lower Falls.




While we were hiking back UP the steep trail of Red Rock Point,  I spotted a pretty little bird along the trail.  This is a Clark's Nutcracker.... Thanks to friend, CHRIS, for helping me identify this little bird...




Here's George as we hiked the RED ROCK POINT trail.




And here I am ---along the same trail... Going down was a piece of cake --but climbing back up wasn't!!!!! ha




Here's a collage of the canyon taken along our way that day.  In the bottom picture on the right,  you can see up the hill toward the next area we visited, GRANDVIEW.   The canyon photos from Grandview and from Inspiration Point are AWESOME--but that will be another post.




Here is another picture of George and me.  This one was taken at the RED ROCK POINT Overlook.  You can compare it with the picture of us above taken at Lookout Point.  See how far down we hiked?????  Gorgeous view here though!!!




Finally,  I'll close with a collage of Lower Falls.  The top photo on the right shows another overlook (Brink of Lower Falls).  We opted not to take that hike since it is hard to get good photos of a waterfall when looking from the top down...   I love the bottom left photo since it shows the distance and also shows more of the canyon in that area.

Hope you are enjoying my Yellowstone photos.  They are a little detailed --but if you ever go there,  you'll have to take this info as your 'travel guide'....

Have a wonderful weekend, and stay WARM wherever you are.  Spring has come 'officially' --but Ole Man Winter is hanging on BIGTIME in our area... It's been so COLD here... Geesshhhhhh!!!!

Hugs,




70 comments:

Annie Jeffries said...

Magnificent. I've never been. I've visited Yosemite many times (it's just 2 hours away) but Yellowstone is still waiting.

SquirrelQueen said...

You got some beautiful shots Betsy. I love the first one of the sunset. Hopefully we will get over to Yellowstone in the not too distance future, it's not that far from us.

Small Kucing said...

I have never been there before

North Rim and a South Rim sounds like very far . That is a lot of hiking. Love the waterfall shots

Ms. A said...

Fantastic photos!

I'd be curious to the amount of miles you and George have hiked. Perhaps you should start keeping track! I'll bet those numbers are quite large.

Anonymous said...

What a great assortment of photos and I love the little bird! Enjoy the weekend.

Karen said...

Fantastic photos Betsy, we always think about the getting back, before we hike to far ahead.It's always the worst bit.

Anonymous said...

Awesome and gorgeous!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, wonderful post on Yellowstone. The waterfalls is beautiful and is one I will never forget from our visit there. Great shot of the Nutcracker.

Fun60 said...

Those hikes looked really strenuous but the rewards were there when you see those magnificent shots of the waterfalls.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Beautiful photos Betsy ~ You and George amaze me with all of your hiking to these fantastic areas. Thanks for sharing these wonderful places.

FlowerLady

Eat To Live said...

Look how cute you two are standing in front of those falls.... and you look so happy to be there. That is how you tell it is a fun vacay!

Sharon said...

As always, your posts about where I've never been just make me want to go there NOW! Yellowstone will probably be Summer Adventure 2014!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

you & George always look so cute together. aww!! what a beautiful couple. ( :

can't wait to see Yellowstone again soon. those views are amazing. the falls are breathtaking. i remember all these places when we were there with my parents in the 90s.

Shug said...

One of our favorite vacations was to the Grand Canyon...next time we will have to check out the North rim.
Great picture of you and George with the falls in the background. This is one of those places where we could have taken thousands of pictures...all of it was so breathtaking...So glad you all are sharing these photos...
have a great day

RoeH said...

So pretty. I guess I have to say that Yellowstone is my favorite National Park since I grew up just outside of it. But every park is so beautiful, it's hard to put a finger on which is the most.

Helen said...

Fabulous photos! I hope one day to go there too.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, that first shot! I just absolutely love it. So very, very beautiful.

Dorothy said...

Great pictures of a wonderful place! I already want to go back there!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Gorgeous scenes.I can't pick a favourite.I do have to wonder,how come you are not working for a travel agency.With pictures and description like this everyone would want to go and see theses places.

linda m said...

Gorgeous scenery. Hope to get there some day. Trying to stay warm, very cold here. Old Man winter is still hanging around.

Neal said...

Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to visit. I've been there 3 or 4 times and wouldn't hesitate to go back again. As usual, you got some great pictures.

Miss Debbie said...

I want to go, I want to go, I want to go!!!

From the Kitchen said...

Both you and Ginny have beautiful "skyscapes" today. The photos of you and George are wonderful--but, they make me dizzy!! = )

Have a great weekend.

Best,
Bonnie

Janice K said...

Beautiful pictures! I have been to Yellowstone a couple of times, but that is a part I do not remember.

LV said...

Thanks for another very enjoyable trip to this park. The calendar may say it is spring, but nature has different ideas.

Out on the prairie said...

I hear you about the difference in going up and down. It happens here often.A lovely park, they have webcams you can visit also.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

What a wonderful trip that must have been. Such gorgeous views. I admire you both for your vigor! I'm sure it would take me a long time to walk back up because I'd have to take lots of breaks.

DeniseinVA said...

Your photos brought back some great memories. Thanks Betsy. We intend to get back to Yellowstone one of these days.

Donna said...

Your photos are gorgeous. Such amazing landscape vistas! I will have to be content with the perspectives you show here because I would never be able to attempt such trails without medical personnel standing by to rescue me, LOL. God bless you two that you can do those hikes!

HolleyGarden said...

Yellowstone is on my 'bucket list'! The photo of you and George with the Lower Falls in the background is wonderful! The trail to Red Rock point looks so very long and with so many stairs! But what incredible views!

Hootin Anni said...

Y'know this already...but I'm gonna say it again: You two, and your wonderful adventures and beauty of a yard/home...well, it just rocks our world Betsy

I'm back, catching up on my bloggin' buddies today!!

Beautiful waterfalls, and fantastic smiles show us the love of life, in so many ways.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Love seeing those falls. It is so beautiful there!

MTWaggin said...

It is indeed a beautiful place!

imac said...

Wonderful scenes here Betsy,

Sylvia K said...

Ah, one of my favorite places!! When we lived in Montana, we went almost every summer and I have photos of my family at the Lower Falls!!! Beautiful captures and thanks for the memories, Betsy! Have a lovely weekend!

Linda P said...

I think that your first photo must be one of my favourites from all the photos of your trip so far, although I'm sure we shall be treated to more wonderful sights in due course. I think it's the time of day, the quality of the light and the
glimpse of the steam rising that makes the photo so beautiful, as well as the colours.

Sally Wessely said...

I never tire of seeing photos of this magnificent place. I'd love to go there again myself. As for your arrangements of your wonderful photos, they are awesome!

MadSnapper said...

I love those steep trails and was afraid George might fall off that trail he is on, but since you are home, i assume he is safe now. beautiful spots, all of these

Terry and Linda said...

They are all excellent but the first one is outstanding!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Ann said...

Stunning views and beautiful shots that you've captured. I would love to go there some day and that Red Rock Trail just looks amazing.
That's a new bird that I've never heard of before.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Beautiful shots, just beautiful! I was a little scared with I saw that narrow path George was on, but he probably isn't scared of heights like I am!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

This is one of our favorite areas, too; and your pictures are just spectacular.

Kay said...

Fantastic photos.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The first picture is divine...you know me and the sun! And the big falls picture, I love the way the light is on the bottom, stupendous!!! Then in the collage you show us from far back and that picture is just majestic is the one work I think of....so different from the close up to the far away.

Linda G. said...

Great photos and details! By the way your entire blog would make a great travel guide!

Connie said...

Wonderful photos as always, Betsy. It looks like a lovely place to visit, although I'm not sure I'd like the steep trail!

Diane AZ said...

What a beautiful place, Betsy, I certainly enjoyed seeing it through your beautiful images and collages!

Susannah said...

Hello Betsey, I love the photo of you and George at Lookout Point! You both look wonderful as well as the scenery. Each photo is marvelous. What a trip!!!!!

Susannah

Are We There Yet! said...

What beautiful memories you have in all these lovely pictures. Isn't it great you have a blog to keep them on.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Just like being there again. Love you photos!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I adore the photo of you and George overlooking the lower falls. Yellowstone is a gorgeous area.....I'm so glad that we (as a family) were able to visit there. I loved it and hope to get back there soon.
XO

A Colorful World said...

I have always wanted to go to Yellowstone. Well, I went as a child, but remember nothing! I would love to go back. Your photos are incredible! So beautiful! I just had no idea of all the different views!

Looks like they plan to bring Longmire back this summer. Yay!

Betty Manousos said...

dear betsy,

these are seriously beautiful landscape shots!!

i really love the picture of you and george at lookout point!
simply marvelous!!
thanks for sharing yet another post with such beautiful scenery that makes me feel as if i'm there!

happy weekend!

big hugs~

Anonymous said...

You and George are so precious together Betsy- what a wonderful blessing it is to share amazing journeys with the one you love.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I see why you like these...gorgeous...George looked a little close to the edge of the rock trail:)

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Thank you for sharing. My husband really like the pictures. One day hopefully as his stamina gets better we may try to go there too.

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, were you and George with friends who snapped the photographs of the two of you? Or did fellow sightseers take the photographs?

I've never been to Yellowstone and I can see that I must add it to my "bucket list." So much to see, but I feel that through you and your blog I am getting to go to so many places and enjoy the natural wonder of our land.

Peace.

Jeevan said...

The place looks awesome and photogenic! It sounds hard trail but no more avoiding. The sight and surroundings are sure to entice and enjoyable. I liked the last collage a lot! Fantastic Betsy

Happy Sunday :)

Jeevan said...

The place looks awesome and photogenic! It sounds hard trail but no more avoiding. The sight and surroundings are sure to entice and enjoyable. I liked the last collage a lot! Fantastic Betsy

Happy Sunday :)

Nancy said...

I loved seeing all the falls; the shots are beautiful. My favorite out of all are the shots of you and George. Both of you just radiate happiness and love.....

Chatty Crone said...

I enjoyed your tour of Yellowstone. I have never been there, but thanks to you I want to go!!! The sunset. The waterfalls. Beautiful.

Can I ask you a question - what program do you use to make those beautiful postcard?

Love, sandie

Lynn said...

Stunning view, waterfalls and those two people who keep popping up together in the shots! Truly was a trip of a lifetime opportunity to hike to these glorious waterfalls.

Catherine said...

I hope you two love birds had a terrific weekend! And wishing you a wonderful week!
xo Catherine

Karen said...

Thanks for the comment you left on my last post Betsy, that really put a smile on my face. Hope you and George have a fantastic week. K.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I just love Yellowstone, Betsy, and I'd never tire of seeing photos of it! Your photos are wonderful as always.

I can't believe you and George walked down and up Uncle Tom's Trail during your visit! I didn't even attempt it. That is pretty steep and not an easy trail to climb.

It seems winter wants to hold on this year --I hope it won't mean that we will end up with a brutally hot summer.

Rohrerbot said...

Hi Betsy!! Finally got a chance to stop by:) That Nutcracker is one I need for the list. Nice shot of this beauty and congrats!!! Definitely a park on my list of places to explore. Hopefully soon:)

Grandma Bonnie said...

Your photos of Yellowstone are so beautiful. I almost felt like I had a little visit to see the falls myself. My parents took us on a vacation to Yellowstone when I was about 7yrs old. I remember some but I might just be remembering from the photo album of our trip. I hope you have a great week.

Janie said...

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the absolute perfect location for waterfall lovers like you and George! Great photos of our beautiful national park. My fav area is the NE corner, because of the wide open scenery and great hiking. But every section is special in its own right.

Cheqna said...

Wow..majestic waterfall..and you sure are fit to walk all that way..dont think I could do that...haha..

take care..may your coming weekend be great.

:-)

Twilight Man said...

The waterfalls are really awesome and looks exciting. Hey, I have not visited your blog a while and you looked thinner. Betsy, please eat more and snack for supper! LOL.

All the best to you and George!