Just north of Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone you’ll find a tranquil, lovely place called Nymph Lake. Frying Pan Spring’s hot waters feeds Nymph Lake.

On a lovely early spring or like now, a fall morning, the lake becomes mystical, with wafts of fog and sunlight glinting and dancing through the trees. You might feel you've stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel or short story, and at any moment, fictional creatures will walk through the forest.

Or, like me, you might let this peaceful place lull your body and mind into a blissful, calm place, listening to the breeze through the trees and the birds singing. If you are in the area, this is a wonderful place to stop and rest, whatever the time of day, but in the morning, everything comes together just right.

Photo NPS/Jacob W. Frank