We planned on a pre-dawn drive down the loop looking for wild creatures in Hayden valley. Yellowstone had other plans! It was below freezing at first light with Yellowstone shrouded in a dense fog. Our first sighting was a herd of elk just beyond a fringe of forest.

The fog deepened even as the sun rose, creating an eerily otherworldly glow as mists rose above the lake.

Ghostly herds of bison slowly materialized as the fog began to lift!

Patiently watching we spied a white pelican feeding in the shallows and saw the sun rise in the mist, the entire scene reminded me of an impressionist painting!

Now clearly visible was a baby bison with his momma!

We started our way out of the park, detouring in to see the mud flats – which were totally parked in yesterday. Today we visited Dragons Breath in peace!

We were almost out of the park when a handsome bull elk with velvety antlers ambled up to say hi!

We stopped at Sylvan lake to let the boys stretch their legs. Mesmerizing view – simply love how the mountain and trees are mirrored in the lake!

It is always sad to leave Yellowstone but it was a wonderful visit!

We were disappointed not to see moose or wolves or bears in the park. Imagine our surprise to see bighorn sheep and then a mama & baby moose as we were driving thru the Bighorn National Forest and over Black Mountain!

Life Is Good!