Simply Amazing

Well I have come to the conclusion that this area of the country has the best weather, at least for this time of year. It is in the 30-40 degree range at night and then up 70-80 during the day. Blue skies, puffy white clouds and amazing colors in the sky at sunset. We have had no rain,which we do need desperately. The other evening it was threatening to rain but never really did. Instead there was the most amazing rainbow. I have never seen anything like it. It was a double rainbow, bright and lasted about 15 minutes.

I went on a wonderful 12 miles hike this week with my new friends. I rate it in the top 5 hikes I have ever taken. The views were stunning and the wildflowers were incredible. We expected to see a bear any minute since there was bear scat everywhere. We entertained the bears instead by singing. My new friend, Karen, is a retired kindergarten teacher of 39 years so she taught us all new songs. I am sure the bears figured there was no way they were going near that crazy gang.

Until next time,

Denise

Hiking 101

I finally got out to do some hiking in this beautiful area.  On Tuesday I met up with the group of women I had been in touch with to do a 5 mile hike on the Continental Divide in Montana. The name of the group is the WOW's which stands for Wild Outdoor Woman. The group has a total of 130 women and 38 went on this hike. The wildflowers were in bloom and those in the know were teaching me about them. I met a woman through this hike who invited me to join her and a few friends on a more strenuous hike on Friday.  We went hiking in the Gallitan National Forest which is just outside the west area of Yellowstone.

Hiking here is a little different than I am use to and the altitudes do make it more difficult to breath . We went to a trail called Avalanche Lake. It was a 11 mile hike starting at 7300 feet and an increase of 2300 feet change in elevation. When we got into the hike we encountered a good amount of snow still at the higher elevations which made it interesting to find the trail, or should I say not find the trail. Due to the snow there was alot of runoff in the streams we had to cross which also made things interesting. As you can see from the pictures though it was a beautiful day and great hike and I could not have asked for better company.

I am glad that I went out of my way to find a group to hike with and it is going to make my summer here mush more adventurous.

Happy Trails,
Denise

Finding Friends

Well it has been another week and it has actually flown by. It is getting very busy at the entrance station so that makes the day go fast. It is alot of fun and everybody is so happy to be here. I am able to joke around with the people so it makes it more interesting. The big question always seems to be, "Where are the bears". I think people forget this is a National Park and they are wild animals. We don't have them in a certain area. They have 2.2 million acres to wander around on. It gets kind of funny hearing it, but like I said I can joke back about it. Sadly a young bear cub was hit and killed on the road. People do not abey the 45 MPH speed limit. In this incident a car had stopped to let the bear cross, another car coming up behind passed the stopped car and hit and killed the bear cub.

My one focus this week has been to find new hiking partners. This is such a beautiful place and so many wonderful hikes to go on, however I cannot go alone because of the bears. You would think there would be a ton of hiking groups around here like there is in Charlotte but not so. I did need to get a little creative to find them but I have now hooked up with a group who also had people in it that are working here at YNP so now I am in touch with them. Going on a my first hike with the group Tuesday and looking forward to it. The wildflowers are in full bloom here so it will be even more beautiful.

Until Next Time!

Getting Settled

I am just finishing my 2^nd week of work at YNP and thus far I am enjoying every minute of it. I am at the South Entrance, which is more remote from the rest of the park, yet I am closest to Grand Tetons NP which is just amazing. On my first day off went on a great hike with my roommate. I only had to hike 11 miles up to the top of the mountain, but boy did I have great cell service there!

This week I was sent on an all day tour of the park and handed a 200 page inside guide of information about the park. I felt like I was back at school, lots to learn. Today we were given bear protection training so now that I am informed they better watch out. I have actually seen 3 Grizzlies and 2 Black Bears but not up close and personal in the back country yet. We now have the horses here for the back country rangers and will be getting trained in regards to them this afternoon.

I am very busy in the fee collection area. I am told I will process 110,000 cars before the season is done, and that is just me. The mosquito’s are killer out here but supposedly will only be really bad for the next 6 weeks. I am holding someone accountable to that statement.

Until Next Time!

Well I have arrived! The park is beautiful. We spent a few days touring before we started so I can further assist the visitors. I am on my 3rd day of officially working and enjoy meeting so many wonderful people. They are so excited to be here and let you know so as they come through the gate. Of course everybody wants to know where they can see the bears at. The park is over 2 Million acres not sure how they expect me to pinpoint that one!
Today it is snowing,the temperatures seem to change very quickly. It is sunny and the snow capped mountains are beautiful.
Hopefully I will have more internet access soon and get to post pictures and keep everybody updated.
Catch you next time

So Close

Well I am only 17 miles from my new summer home. It has been an amazing trip so far. I have seen so many wonderful sights along the way. This country of ours is beautiful with each area hazing its own uniqueness. We have slept in the tent the entire way, some nights a little chillier than others but it has truly been an experience. The last two days we have spent in Grand Teton National Park. I swear this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I will be living at the south entrance to Yellowstone, which is only 10 miles from the Tetons, so it will be right in my backyard. Have more sights to see today and then moving in later this afternoon. Just wanted to say Hi and will post pictures soon.

Yellowstone or Bust

Well tomorrow is the day we start heading West. There has been alot of preparation and my little car is filled to the max! I probably have more than I need, but when the nearest town is 50 miles away I can't just hop in my car and run to the store.
I look forward to what this summer holds for me and the adventure that awaits. Good or bad it will be an adventure.
See you in Yellowstone!