Tag: wildlife

Veins of the Earth || Two || The Grand Prismatic Spring

The Humble Fabulist2 Comments

Feel the heat alongside it and then climb the trail to the Overlook for some spectacular views. Meanwhile, click on the last photo – it’s panoramic.

The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is reached via the Fairy Falls Trail, an easy walk except for the last part reaching the overlook platform, which is a bit steep. You will meet wildlife on the way – just remember: keep calm and steer clear. These are wild animals and you are trespassing their territory. If they feel threatened they will charge – and they are faster and more agile than you think! The bison you see below had just attacked a silly man who went one step too far to take a selfie. Fortunately, the man got away with a warning – others may not be so lucky.

Yellowstone National Park

June 2nd, 2018

Close Encounters

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There’s been wildlife. There’s been gurgling and bubbling coming from deep down the bowels of the Earth. There’s been a lot of steam. There’ve been close encounters – too close for comfort. And that was just part of the first day in Yellowstone!

Ponquogue Beach

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  • Late afternoon, that mellow hour when the light is golden before turning to blue. It was getting chilly.
  • A lone surfer paddling. Smooth, regular movements and his wetsuit would keep him warm, hopefully.
  • Thousands of tiny shorebirds on the beach. Western Sandpiper, I think they’re called. They refused to be photographed. These are their footprints – leaving their mark all over the place. 
  • The Ponquogue Bridge, built by man to bring together that which the force of nature took apart.
  • Creatures of a more benevolent nature. Deer feeding in the garden, next to the road, undisturbed and oblivious to traffic and humans with mobile cameras. Soon, it would be dark. I wondered, where do deer go to sleep in the Hamptons?

Ponquogue Beach, Shinnecock Bay
Hampton Bays

September 3rd, 2017

Molting in Año Nuevo State Park

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A bit over 30′ drive south of Half Moon Bay on the scenic coastal Cabrillo Highway, we found Año Nuevo State Park where thousands of elephant seals gather every winter to breed, transforming the beach into a crowded centre buzzing with activity.

But July is part of the molting season, when elephant seals come ashore to shed their skin and fur. This summer-long lazy process lasts between four to six weeks, during which visitors may observe the seals by obtaining a free Visitor Permit from the park’s entrance. From there, it is a 4 mile hike to the viewing area and back (or between 2,5 to 3 hours walk). It is a wonderful world out there and so exciting to observe the seals in their natural habitat.  Check the Año Nuevo State Park website for opening hours and directions.

July 9th, 2017