Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress as a national park on March 1, 1872, is located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. The park was the first of its kind, and is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular features in the park. It has many types of ecosystems, but the subalpine forest is dominant.
Indigenous Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years. The region was bypassed during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. Aside from visits by mountain men during the early to mid-1800s, organized exploration did not begin until the late 1860s. The U.S. Army was commissioned to oversee the park just after its establishment. In 1917, administration of the park was transferred to the National Park Service, which had been created the previous year. Hundreds of structures have been built and are protected for their architectural and historical significance, and researchers have examined more than 1,000 archaeological sites.
Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468 square miles (8,980 km2), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent. The caldera is considered an active volcano; it has erupted with tremendous force several times in the last two million years. Half of the world's geothermal features are in Yellowstone, fueled by this ongoing volcanism. Lava flows and rocks from volcanic eruptions cover most of the land area of Yellowstone. The park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly intact ecosystem in the Earth's northern temperate zone.
Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened. The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Grizzlies, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park. Forest fires occur in the park each year; in the large forest fires of 1988, nearly one third of the park burned. Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing. Paved roads provide close access to the major geothermal areas as well as some of the lakes and waterfalls. During the winter, visitors often access the park by way of guided tours that use either snow coaches or snowmobile.
Source : Wikipedia.com
Ok, I have a random confession: I used to be scared of dogs. Since we never had pets growing up, I assumed dogs on the street would walk by and just bite my hand off! But Alex adores them so much that he's taught me to love them, too. Look at these sweet photos of Camilla Engman's pup Morran. What a seriously rad life she has in Sweden!
MIT Haystack radio Image
Today's giveaway is from Steven Alan, one of my favorite New York designers. He's offering his beautiful 100% silk Simone dress, which retails for $298. (I love the belt!) Wouldn't it be pretty to wear with wool tights all winter and a ponytail all summer?
My dear readers, have you guys read any good books lately? I just finished my book, and I'm searching for a new one. Any recommendations? I'd love to hear! xoxo
Illustrator Guy Shield knew he wanted to propose to his beautiful girlfriend Liz, but he didn't know how. Then, late one night, an idea struck him: He could draw a comic strip that would look normal, but, when folded up, would cleverly spell out "Will you marry me?"
(Via Twig & Thistle)
Yellowstone National Park
Aw, isn't this wedding photo sweet? They look so blissed out, and I love her curls!