Story behind the image: Roosevelt Arch at sunset

Just outside the north end of Yellowstone National Park is a little town called Gardiner, Montana. South of the river that divides the town are hills leading into the park, while north of the river is the town and the vast openness of Montana beyond it.

At the north entrance to one of the most famous National Parks in the United States, the official wooden sign welcoming visitors. And just a short distance down the road is Roosevelt Arch. The monument honors former President Theodore Roosevelt after his visiting of the arch during its construction. The top of the arch also commemorates legislation that preserved lands like Yellowstone with a large inscription reading "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." In 1903, it became the grand gesture welcoming guests to the park and in 2020, more that 100 years later, it still stands strong to welcome me.

What is interesting about the arch is that it is a welcoming symbol no matter which way you approach it. The first time I approached it, I had just left Yellowstone National Park. In this direction, the arch welcomes you to Montana and to really that exists outside the borders that contain the beauty and serenity of a national park. However, the next day, I approached the arch again for the other direction to go back into Yellowstone. Going this direction, the arch is a teaser created by humans of the natural awe and wonder lie ahead.

This photo was captured later on on that first day after I came out of the park. It had been hot and sunny all day, but the afternoon and evening summer thunderstorms were rolling in as I wandered the town in search of dinner. I was distracted in my pursuit when I spotted the arch, mesmerized by in grandeur that made it feel out of place. With the ominous light from the clouds in the background, it made the Roosevelt Arch stand out, but also dilute its presence.

Camera: Nikon D3200

F stop: 3.5

Aperture: 1/60

Focal length: 18mm

ISO 1800