Monday, September 27, 2010

Antelope Fire in Yellowstone

A week ago when we went into Yellowstone, we stopped for a couple of hours at a lookout over this wildfire. It was the largest of the 11 fires in Yellowstone this year. Shortly after we went through the Tower area, they closed the road as the fire was moving in that direction. They quite often let the fires burn, unless they are threatening life or buildings. In this case they were managing the fire and we watched as the helicopters dumped water on the fire and the planes spread fire retardant ahead of the fire. It was amazing how fast the flames torched trees and moved across the meadows.







If you look really close, you can see a couple of fire fighters at the top of the hill.




This tanker is being led by a small twin engine plane at the bottom left of picture.








This picture shows how large the smoke cloud is in comparison to the RV at left.




September In and Around Yellowstone

Last weekend we visited Yellowstone and also took a ride to check out the National Forest campgrounds near Island Park, Idaho. Any time of year is wonderful here, but fall is the best.

This Bald Eagle was enjoying the day also.


We don't get the bright red and orange fall colors of the northeast, but the golden leaves are like sunshine.


We spent some time admiring this Blue Heron. It reminds us of the ones we used to see in Fall Creek, behind our house.


Sawtell Peak in the background, the subject of previous posts.


A bull elk keeping an eye on his harem.