Yellowstone sunset.... Jerry Mercier

I was back in Yellowstone at sunset. Waiting on Great Fountain Geyser.

Every time I'm in the park near the Lower Geyser Basin around sunset, I check on Great Fountain Geyser hoping it will erupt.

Over the years I've waited for lots of eruptions that never came. 

And eruptions that started long after dark.

But tonight, I was right on time.

As the terraced pools filled and then overran with water, the geyser started erupting.

Steam rose and blocked the sun creating a golden pinkish hue.

A visitor walked the road near Great Fountain Geyser.

As the sun moved toward the horizon.

The eruption lasted nearly an hour. With long pauses between huge bursts of water and steam.

I did my best to make some cool images and take it all in.

I was in no hurry.

And there was no place I'd rather have been.

So I stayed until the very end. 

Once the sun had set and all the color was gone, I packed up my gear and just sat there.

And waited. 

After a while the first stars became visible, then several coyotes started howling in the distance

A bat flew low overhead, and a breeze carried the scent of lodgepole pines.

 

Just another beautiful night in Yellowstone.