The Shoshone Lake Geyser basin is just across this small bay from my campsite. After the wind settled down later in the evening, I could hear the gurgling mud pots and steaming geysers, mixed with the near-constant bugling of two battling bull elk that were engaged in a loud dispute over a large harem of cows.

The Y-shaped tent poles that make the Big Agnes a strong lightweight shelter are visible in the upper photo. I was tempted to leave the fly off overnight so that I could enjoy the spectacular full moon, but as the temps plummeted late in the evening, I opted for the extra protection from the cold. I have a habit of always setting my tent up to face the rising sun, if possible. It's nice to emerge into the sunlight on a crisp fall morning.

In the bottom photo is a view of the cook site, located about 150 feet uphill from where I had my tent set up. The bear pole is set up nearby, with the tent sites on the hill above this area. Some folks had evidently chosen to set up their tents right by the cook circle, something I definitely dislike doing in Grizzly country. Yellowstone has the best backcountry setup that I've found in any national park. Nearly all of the campsites are located well away from the main trail, and when you reserve a site, it's your site and you don't have to worry about having 20 loud, sloppy drunks sharing the site with you. Most of the sites that I've stayed at have been extremely clean and well-maintained. Combine those qualities with the fact that Yellowstone has some of the most competent and friendly backcountry rangers in the nation, and you have the ingredients for a most-memorable wild country experience.