a Beartooth adventure

A few weeks ago a co-worker had family visiting.  I gave her my Thursday that I usually have off, and the following week I had an extra day off myself.   I had wanted to see Beartooth highway and the surrounding mountains, now I had the opportunity.  To learn where this place is, look at a map of Yellowstone park and follow the road out to the northeast.  
    I drove north thru Yellowstone park, enjoyed Goldeneyes on the Lake (a type of duck), a Black bear on the side of the road, and many wildflowers.  I turned right at Tower junction and drove thru Lamar Valley, home to a famous wolf pack.  Exiting Yellowstone at the northeast entrance, I drove thru Cooke City and into Shoshone National Forest.  such a beautiful forest.
    Highway 212 in this area is one of the most scenic highways I have driven.  
The following day I drove to the summit again, to enjoy the early morning before the cars and motorcycles starting coming.  I spent the day driving back thru Lamar Valley, along the northern edge of Yellowstone park, and exited at West Yellowstone.  Following a tip from a helpful person, I found a free camping area on the southern edge of Henry's Lake.  
    Next day I drove south on highway 20,  very pretty area, and discovered Mesa Falls Scenic Parkway, an unexpected pleasure.  Then the more familiar highways back to my park.

Photo to the right,  a Black Rosy-finch was a wonderful surprise, and difficult to photograph.

Upper Mesa Falls with a rainbow.







Photo below was also a surprise find,  a group of Mountain Goats with a few little ones.