Greetings from the greater Yellowstone area where the adventure continues and new experiences abound. It’s been another busy month, as the peak season kicked off with Memorial Day. Visitors from around the globe have been arriving en mass to visit the region. Our work here in the clinics has been busy with typical illnesses and injuries. When there are large gatherings of people from across the world, respiratory viruses are shared quickly and we have seen a share of these. Fortunately we are able to reassure and provide symptomatic relief to many. Likewise the slips, trips and falls keep us busy with taking x-rays, cleaning wounds, and putting on splints. Saving lives, and saving vacations…that’s what we do.
Weather has been amazing and quite variable. Lows in the 30s and highs in the 70s with even an occasional snow day has characterized the past month. We celebrated the summer solstice, and then 2 days later had a winter storm. All part of the experience living at 7400 feet elevation. Variable weather never stops us as we are prepared for all seasons each day, backpacks and vehicles carry our gear ready for a quick wardrobe change on a moments notice. I even had the occasion to help a stranded tourist family on a remote trail who got their rental car stuck in a snow bank. After 2-3 hours of digging and rigging we got them out, turned around, and on their way. Needless to say, they were quite grateful!
Heather had an enjoyable and successful trek back from Pittsburgh piloting the motorhome with ease. She planned a few sightseeing stops along the way and ticked them all off…Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower. While expertly navigating the Bighorn Mountain Range she enjoyed spectacular views heading west and making her way through the town of Cody where she resupplied our monthly provisions before making way back into Yellowstone Park.
We made quick use of the motorhome and visited with our friends from last season in Gardiner, MT and Mammoth Hot Springs, YNP over Father’s Day weekend. We arrived on Friday evening and Heather watched part of the rodeo as I ran a trauma call with the Gateway Hose ambulance crew. We were invited by the Fire Chief to camp right at the fire hall, and then helped out at the fire department fundraiser breakfast the next morning. Nothing like waking up to bacon cooking next to the RV at 5am! Heather joined in the parade as I flew a cardiac patient out by helicopter and then we made our way up to Ranger Joe and Juanita’s homestead to spend the weekend sharing tales around the campfire with good people and delicious food. After church and brunch on Sunday, Heather and I made our way around the east side of the park. We saw many animals and enjoyed the perfect weather. A roadside bear posed (smiling?) for Heather to get perfect photos.
As June draws to a close we continue to plan our adventures, take our hikes, and await arrival of friends and family while sharing our time with our Old Faithful community. Yellowstone may have 2.2 million acres to enjoy, but the people are what make it so very special. We’ll see what the days of summer have in store for us as we head into July. Thanks for joining us and following along. We encourage everyone to take the trip and travel well!
