Skywatch Friday: Exploring outside the park

Sometimes when Yellowstone is too crowded we venture into other areas of this ecosystem that are equally as beautiful.

One of my favorite places is Idaho's Harriman State Park.  It's only a short drive down the road and it's never crowded.  I'm thinking of hauling my painting gear to Harriman to capture one of the many spectacular scenes.

There are many birds on the water in Harriman including Trumpeter swans and pelicans.  The swans were too far away to get a good shot.  I googled what a group of pelicans is called and they are called a pod.  Although other names can include pouch, scoop, or squadron and if they're fishing together they are called a fleet.

Lots of anglers enjoying the serenity of the river.

Fields of wildflowers.  These are some of my favorite.  I believe they are Arrowleaf Balsomroot.

There's even a view of the Tetons from the Idaho side.  My mother always said the Idaho side is more beautiful than the Wyoming side (probably because she grew up in their shadow).

I love the cat tails.

Also included with your day pass to Harriman State Park is a visit to Mesa Falls, a short drive away.

Irv and I at the brink of the upper falls.

We found more interesting wildflowers at Mesa Falls.  I think this is a Western Valerian.  It has a really tall stem.  If anyone knows better please let me know.  I need to get that app that identifies plants and flowers.  What's it called?

Above is an orange-red Columbine.  Hey, the Columbine is Colorado's state flower--what is it doing in Idaho?

No excursions this week.  I had to work a day of overtime right in the middle of my three days off.  I'll get my hiking boots back on next week.

Linking with Skywatch Friday