Grand Prismatic Pano
Open Edition
When planning my trip to Yellowstone National Park, there was one picture I wanted more than any other. I wanted the top view of the Grand Prismatic Spring. After much research I knew how to get it, there was an unmarked trail off the Fairy Falls trail that let up a steep hillside behind Grand Prismatic. When the day of the hike arrived I was already in poor condition because of the altitude, I was having trouble breathing. But I was determined to get my shot. When I arrived at the unmarked trail I was taken back by how steep it was. Undeterred I began up the hill. The hillside was covered in a fine powder that was a bit slippery and loose. Slowly I made my way to the top of the hill and the view was magnificent. It really was everything I had hoped it would be. So out comes the camera and tripod and several shots later I had what I had come for. I started back down the hill only to slip, fall, and slide down the loose dust. One time I must have fallen fifteen feet sliding down the hill. I had that powdery dust in the crevices of my camera bag and shoes for months! I arrived at the bottom of the hill unscathed but my lungs hurt for the rest of the trip from breathing so hard on the way up. But I got my shot and that is all I cared about.