Life on the High Plains

 What a crazy couple weeks it has been. Let's start with the day after the November 5th election. It was a devastating loss for those of us who are "woke" and care about humanity and our country.  This is our daughter working from home on November 6th wearing her onesie.  We sympathized with her, dropped off the dog and headed to the airport for a flight to southern California. As it turns out we arrived a day earlier than the rest of the crew which meant we had a day to explore. We headed down to Dana Point because it's supposed to be a good place to see some seals. We stopped by the Ocean Institute.  Unfortunately during the week it's only open to schools and other group tours.  The public can only come in on the weekends.  While we were walking around we met a very friendly couple who told us where to go for the best chance of spotting seals. Off we went to the Sea and Surf restaurant in the Dana Point Harbor and almost immediately we spotted these cutie...

Yellowstone National Park closed for the season last night at midnight.  Last week I made a last minute trip up there to visit some friends before they headed home for the season.  I was very lucky because the weather was unseasonably warm and there wasn't any snow yet.  Here's just a few shots from my trip. Jenny Lake in Teton National Park. Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River Looking the opposite direction from the falls A majestic bison Mammoth Hot Springs Firehole River Midway Geyser Basin in the distance on a chilly morning Bacterial mats surrounding Grand Prismatic Spring.  When it's cold outside Grand Prismatic is just a blur of steam. Geyser pool at Midway Geyser Basin. Happy Skywatch Friday