Rain and Quiet at West Thumb in Yellowstone

On a summer day, as the skies opened up in a gentle, soothing rain, I had the privilege of experiencing the beauty and serenity of the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. Here, where nature relentlessly puts on its geothermal show, rain is not a hindrance, but a blessing that adds a layer of calm and depth to the already impressive landscape.

At West Thumb, even on a rainy day, nature continues its dance unabated. Geysers and hot springs smoked to their own rhythm, and their colours, from cyan blue to emerald green, seemed even more saturated under grey skies. The contrast between the warmth of the sulphurous springs and the coolness of the summer rain added a layer of magic to this enchanting landscape.

Of all the springs, I was most drawn to Black Pool, so named for the clarity and depth that once made its waters appear pitch black, and which has transformed over the years. As I approached, the contrast was striking – the dark center of the pool suggested an incomprehensible depth, drawing the imagination to the depths of the Earth. The rain, falling at a steady, gentle pace, kissed the surface of the Black Pool, creating delicate lacy waves that danced across the steaming surface. The steam rose in rippling tendrils, swirling skyward, joining with the cold raindrops in a fascinating spectacle of natural alchemy. What really caught my eye were the ornamental edges of the basin, where mineral deposits had over time formed delicate lacy contours. These rain-kissed mineral rims seemed to sparkle with a life of their own, encircling the dark waters like a natural embroidery that spoke of the active geothermal forces deep within.

As the rain stopped and the last of the steam dissipated into the air, I walked the trails that carried me through the springs, carrying with me the memory of the deep stillness that only a place like West Thumb can offer. For lovers of art and nature, this place is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, a living painting that changes and renews itself with every drop of rain.

West Thumb, the inspiration for the painting “Geothermal Reflections”