Yellowstone and the Washington Coast 2005

To look at an impossible creation like Yellowstone and wonder: what is the chemical makeup of the steam spewing from myriad cracks in the earth's crust? To wonder if its the same all over this geothermal anomaly? to wonder if there's a map of this part of the earth's layers?
Just to wonder about the physical attributes instead of just being in wonder. I suppose that is looking at a vista and only seeing the man-made additions and not the glow the sun maes on the horizon. Like dogs seeing only other dogs and babies eyeing only other baties.

But...I did see. Steam vents, colorful mud spots, boiling lakes, yellow and red bacteria impossibly thriving in a hot chemical sludge.

In 1988 a terrible fire roared 70 miles an hour through the park, burning off much of the pines, firs, and other vegetation. The naturally seeded trees are now about 5-6 feet tall. This seemingly destructive fire created new meadows for more grazing and also allowed easier viewing of the rugged mountains that form the framing backdrop.

Two days are not enough to see everything, but unless the geothermal activity becomes total and the park takes on a more lunar landscape, we may be able to visit again.

Washington State has a beautiful coast and if you're lucky to visit on a sunny day, the rewards are immeasurable.