Yellowstone: Artist Paint Pots & Full Moons

   After our trip to Lamar Valley, we stopped off at the Artist Paint Pots (located between Norris and Madison campground). It was one of those stops we had been meaning to make because we had absolutely no idea what a "paint pot" was. A short hike into the area showed us a small collection of hot springs, mudpots and geysers. The hike itself is about 1 mile along a boardwalk (with no incline!). It was a really enjoyable walk all in all. Here are some photos:

Trailhead at Artist Paint Pots

About 10 minutes later

Small Geyser at Artist Paint Pots

                                  

      The mudpots were pretty cool because it looked like a giant puddle of milk. The smell wasn't quite as bad as Old Faithful Geyser, but there was still some stink. Despite that, I was glad that we had decided to stop at the last minute and see this area.

End of hike at Artist Paint Pots

Driving back to Madison Campground

     Later that evening, my friend Patience and I walked down to the Madison River and watched our first full moon in Yellowstone. I set up my tripod and took a good number of photos before I hit the right shutter speed and got this one.

Full Moon at Madison River

   

       Wednesday was definitely a beautiful day and evening! Although we didn't get to see any wolves in Lamar Valley, we saw plenty of buffalo to make up for it. The coyote was icing on the cake and we finally got to see the Artist Paint Pots and settled the much-argued bet that it wasn't just a bunch of artists painting pots...although that would have been fun too :)

      Thursday is Grand Canyon day so don't go too far!