2003 - 1996

The north face of Yellowstone country, like the face of a grizzled Blackfoot elder, has high cheek bones, smooth ridges, and deep wrinkles-the by-products of time. Two of the grandest facial features are the Absoroka Range and the Paradise Valley. Both were created by, and contribute to, the mighty Yellowstone River. On its northward rush this river must find the valley to be a welcome relief from the fast hectic life in the high country. Aside from a few meadows up on the plateau, this is the first kinder, gentler friend the Yellowstone has known. In perfect harmony with Paradise Valley's theme is an especially colorful and peaceful drainage on the west slope. This is a place known to the aspens, bear, eagles, and elk as "user-friendly." We call it Bullis Creek.