Plans change...but it's SPRING in Yellowstone!

Well we were supposed to be heading to Oklahoma City for the Prix de West annual art events - it's the 40th Anniversary. A great art exhibition.

And our friend Clyde Aspevig has two paintings in the Show this year. For the pixelated versions, click here. I've seen them both in person, and they are absolutely gorgeous. Look closely at Lightning Dance....WOW, he's good!

BUT if you've been following the news, you know Oklahoma City doesn't sound like the best place to head with the family right now. So we're staying put.

After all, this time is so wonderful here in Yellowstone - it's hard to drag ourselves away. New life is everywhere... Spring in Yellowstone is a fabulous time!

With the long days, I love plein air painting at sunrise in the Park. This morning I was up on Swan Lake Flats before the sun came up. Glorious - the sandhill cranes were calling as I painted. What a way to start the day!

Lately on Swan Lake Flats, there's been a lot of grizzly sightings. (We had a National Geographic film crew staying here that got great night footage of grizzlies up there last week....to be released in September.) On my way out, I came across one. I had packed up my easel and was in my car, so the experience wasn't TOO up close and personal.

This morning's grizzly - interesting colors in the early morning light.
 

And right here at home wildlife abounds too....

Our Yellowstone Zoo

- today's photos from our property -

We've had pronghorn twins 'stashed' for the day right out our windows....

'Mom' visits periodically - but not NEAR as often as you'd think.

When 'Mom's' around they get up, stretch those long legs and play.

Most of the day they stay curled up, not moving, hidden in one spot...
waiting for 'Mom" to return. They really are hard to see among the sage and grasses.

AND -

A kestrel was hanging around today....

Beautiful coloring on this male kestrel, perched outside our window.
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We're often asked, "What's the best time to visit Yellowstone?"

Right now, it feels like the answer is SPRING - but then the summer wildflowers will come and then the gorgeous fall landscape with the wildlife in 'peak photographic condition' but then of course there's winter when you can have it all to yourself and cross country ski in solitude through such pristine country you can only imagine....ahhhhh.........

But right now, it's SPRING - glorious Spring....