First of all…where has the summer gone? WOW! Everyday I have loved being here at Yellowstone and participating in all the region has to offer. I am entering my last two weeks of this great adventure, and as I do I find myself already missing the people, the places and the experiences unique to Yellowstone. I am so very grateful for the new friends, the people I was honored to serve, the joyful times with family and friends who were able to visit, and the indescribable beauty of God’s creation experienced across time and seasons.
Saying goodbye to a good friend is hard, and Yellowstone will be difficult to leave. I feel as though I have learned so much, and given so little, in comparison to the grandeur of the overall experience. My joy comes in the ability to have shared it with all of you who have followed along, and were able to join me in person to immerse in the full Yellowstone experience.
My past few weeks included a trip to Cody, WY where I learned all about the persona of Buffalo Bill and the person of William F. Cody. It was a scenic drive out the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody and then a spectacular drive along the Chief Joseph Highway as I returned to Yellowstone via the Northeast Entrance. Shortly after, I had another visitor, Naomi my friend and co-worker from Pittsburgh who joined me for a week. We explored Yellowstone, she had many wildlife encounters during her trip to and from the Grand Teton National Park while I worked a few days in the Mammoth Clinic. We finished up her visit with a trip up and over the Beartooth Highway and returned along the Chief Joseph Highway. It was another fun trip and opportunity to share in the beauty of the region.
Training for emergencies in Yellowstone never stops as we all strive to improve and build our skills. We recently had wilderness Search-and-Rescue (SAR) training with full simulation out in the wilderness. It was a full day of scenario based, hands on training by the experts in back-country SAR.
All seasons change, and as we move toward Autumn my time here is coming to a close. These last few weeks are special as I continue to reflect on my experience, and look forward to returning to my family. Stay tuned as future plans are being considered. So grateful for all your kind notes, messages and support during my time in Yellowstone, thank you!
