As with all good things, our wonderful summer at Yellowstone has finally come to an end. We knew it was coming when we saw the aspen trees turning yellow against the backdrop of the green pines. So like the myriad squirrels storing nuts around the store and the dorm over the past few weeks, we…
Author: Nancy
The Wild West, Part 2
It would be hard to overestimate the impact that just one person, William Frederick Cody, has had on the American West. Born in 1846, just outside what is now LeClaire, Iowa (home of American Pickers), Buffalo Bill grew up playing with Indian kids in Kansas. As an adult, he worked as an Army scout, Pony…
The Wild West
Growing up in a small city in New England in the 1970’s, there were two things I just couldn’t stand: history and nature. Probably because they were being crammed down my throat all the time, but maybe also just as part of my contrarian nature. You see, first of all, there was all the hoopla…
Point Sublime
Well, I can’t say the six weeks just flew by, but the time has come when I can start walking and even hiking again! Within reason, of course. Nothing too strenuous, steep, or long. And most certainly only with support–my soft brace and a new pair of over-the-ankle hiking boots. And the hike we chose…
Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Dear Diary, Yesterday was Christmas at Yellowstone, a tradition that has roots nearly 100 years old here, but most definitely a holiday with mysterious origins. Nevertheless, we celebrated in our inimitably grand style, with food, work family, music, and gifts. This two-day event actually started on “Christmas Eve”–August 24– when we were serenaded by Burl…
Open House
Earlier this week, all the folks in our trailer campground got together and decided to hold an Open House! Or in this case, Open Trailer. Just for fun, and to give the non-trailer people an idea of what it might be like to live in a camper. If appearance is any indication, we all spent…
Don’t Waste Time
In Zen temples and monasteries, there are many musical instruments that are used to let people know what is happening without having to look or speak. There are bells to tell the time, or to let people know to expect an upcoming event, like sitting or walking meditation. There are drums to signal important ceremonies…
Roosevelt Arch
I think it’s time I talked about the Roosevelt Arch, the stone gateway near the North entrance that for over a century has welcomed visitors to the park. And that for the past six months has welcomed visitors to this blog! There’s something about this structure that always makes my heart leap up with joy…
Ice Cream Confidential
Welcome to the fountain, where we measure our days in empty ice cream buckets! We typically go through about 12 to 15 3-gallon buckets a day, although on a scorcher we might use up 20 or more. And now that I’ve been here almost three whole months, I can let you in on some of…
Da Boot!
Well you could bowl me over with a feather right now, but it turns out that my ankle is not sprained, it’s actually broken! I took yesterday and today off from work and a friend drove me to the health clinic 20 miles away because Rob does still have to work. And the x-ray revealed…