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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Two: Travel Incongruities > Catching a break, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, 2006
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28-SEP-2006

Catching a break, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, 2006

Only moments after an energetic mating session (click on thumbnail below ), a magnificent male elk incongruously takes a rest on the lawn of Yellowstone’s main post office in Mammoth Hot Springs. To add to the incongruity, the elk ignores the presence of the stylized statue of a bear just behind him, while the lanterns over the doors of the post office echo its rack of antlers. The tag in his ear helps rangers monitor his whereabouts.

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Phil Douglis28-Jan-2008 04:23
The elk of Yellowstone Park are, in their own way, government workers. They draw the tourists, and in return they are protected and granted free parking privileges in this crowded village.
Guest 28-Jan-2008 00:28
My first thought is of Government workers. Here in Canada, we often refer to them as "simple servants" said with the connotation they are useless and lazy. Now, since I am soon going to be a simple servant again, I can laugh at myself. So how weird is it that my first thought here is what a great place to work....RELAX.
V
Phil Douglis01-Jan-2007 20:32
Thanks, Winn -- glad to have you back in my galleries. There is a wholesome 50's look to this post office -- and the elk seems as if he has always been there!
Guest 28-Dec-2006 06:05
The age and colors of the building and the elk just settled possessively there saying we're the intruders has a wonderful 50's feel to it for me. It has been awhile since I've visited your sight, and all your new pictures take my breath away. Thanks for sharing your travels with us.
Phil Douglis29-Nov-2006 18:19
Thanks, Xin -- the juxtapositions here are twofold: the elk at post office, the elk turning away from the stone bear.
He seems to be guarding both as you say.
Sheena Xin Liu29-Nov-2006 08:17
He looks like a very attentative and responsible guard. He seems to have this pride and attitude on his face .Excellent juxtaposition of the elk and the stony statue behind.
Phil Douglis01-Nov-2006 18:27
He feels right at home. He knows through experience that nobody will bother him here. Anyone wanting to mail a letter will just have to wait until he decides his rest is over.
JSWaters01-Nov-2006 17:27
It's just so strange a comment on how the tourist influx has created an alternate universe for an animal such as this elk. We know that man and elk are both territorial, but this guy's casual attitude in the midst of civilization is mind bending.
Jenene
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