Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2012November30

To me, it looks like a little mud monster, drowing and calling out for help, lol! Taken at the fascinating Fountain Paint Pot location in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, US. More info later about this hot, bubbling mud, but I must get ready to dash out, and the snow is falling (again), so I have to leave enough time to clear my car. Hopefully, it will be just snow and not a layer of almost impossible ice to scrape, too. Ha, just HAD to share this YouTube video (thanks, Dave!). It never pays to tease a frog! youtu.be/QzXM58qR1Es

This is the pair of Great Horned Owls that lives down at Sikome, in Fish Creek Park. I've been "following" them for several years now - always a joy to see. They weren't in their usual winter tree, but in another one close by. Even so, they were not easy to spot from so far away, hidden deep within the snow-covered branches of this Spruce tree. Often, you find these owls closer to the trunk, which makes it even more difficult to find them. They really do have amazing camouflage. Yesterday was an absolute winter wonderland, despite being cold (-11C, windchill -18C) and lacking the sun. Hoar frost covered every tiny twig and blade of dried grass, and it was snowing all day long. Today is an even more overcast, grey day with more snow falling, useless for photos, so maybe I can get on with all my overseas Christmas letters and cards!