Gorgeous: Octopus pond

Octopus pond in Yellowstone, originally uploaded by Vilseskogen.

Yellowstone National Park in USA is a magical place, full of contrasts. Hot water springs, like this, are mixed in with harsh winters, fluffy bisons, needly conifers and white-stemmed aspens. Geysers spout steam and water, and sulfuric fumes rise from the ground. The Octopus pond is unusual in that it has very high ph and calcium carbonate is being deposited in white layers around the edges. But don't jump in - many of these ponds are too hot or have dangerous chemicals or bacteria in them.