Yesterday, Malia and I set out looking for Fairy Falls in Yellowstone but were sidetracked when we saw an interesting road which took us through Firehole Canyon.  Incredible views especially of the Madison River and it's falls.

 

 

In this area, swimming was allowed in this very cold mountain stream!

 

 

We then proceeded to Fairy Falls.  This is one of the many springs in this area.  This one is particularly colorful.  If you put your hand next to it, you can feel the heat.  They really are hot springs.

 

 

There is water in this hole, all the way to the top,  but it is so transparent, it looks empty. 

 

It was hard to believe this bubbling inferno was not roped off to prevent anyone from slipping into it.  It sure was pretty, nevertheless.

 We stopped to observe this lone elk.  It is so satisfying to see a wild animal in a nature setting instead of caged.  This is how it is meant to be.

And, of course, the day would not be complete without seeing a buffalo lumbering along on the highway.  This one was a little close maybe.

 

Today, we are heading to Virginia City....a ghost town.