Sovereign’s Manor

Wandering through the hot springs and moraines of Yellowstone National Park, I came across the area known as Mammoth Hot Springs. Bright white, yellow, and gold mineral deposits streak down the cliffsides, carried up from deep underground water pockets that have been heated by molten rock.

Elk gather from near and far to warm themselves on the heated earth, this buck in particular decided to rest among the cliffs providing the perfect moment for this image! I counted my lucky stars when he lined himself up with such a stunning wall.

Even throughout my travels, moments like this one are rare to say the slightest. They occur once in a blue moon but are all the more worth while when travelers like me get to observe them. While I live in my van year-round, it is still awe inspiring when moments like this come together.

Without heating or air conditioning, I am at the whim of the elements, so as the seasons change, I’m inclined to change locations! Because of that, these elk’s interest in staying near the warmth of the hot springs is entirely relatable. How jealous I was of them to be able to sit so close to the warm earth! I stood rather chilly on the boardwalk, grateful for the opportunity however cold.