Fraught With DANGER!

“Fraught with danger” – yes, that pretty much describes our recent road trip to Yellowstone.  There were not only warning signs at Yellowstone, but we received cautions and rules to follow all along the way.   We were both struck (figuratively, not literally) with just how many signs there were.  Here’s a little sampling of the warnings that we received:

Some signs had more than just one warning:

Here’s yet more warning:

Even the VA medical facility in Sheridan had safety on its agenda:

This sign didn’t even have a warning, leaving us to wonder just what might be lurking ahead:

On the drive from Yellowstone to Sheridan, Wyoming (via Cody), we ended up going through the Big Horn Mountains.  I would put that drive up against all of the roller coasters in the world…I have never gripped a steering wheel so hard.  As if navigating the steep angle and switch backs were not enough, there was a sign warning us to watch for loose livestock.  Sure enough, there were cattle on the road:

Since there was a little pull-off area and we were both feeling a little queasy, my sister and I took a little break and hung out with those cows for a while.  This little honey watched us from across the road quite intently the entire time:

Later on in that mountain pass, we were surrounded by sheep (and I do mean surrounded, even though the view in the picture doesn’t fully show that).  A group of them decided to cross the road just in front of us:

My sister just fell in love with the little “black sheep” and it was fun to see it scurry to the other side:

I’m feeling pretty lucky that my sister and I were able to make it to Yellowstone and back without incident!

Yellowstone 2012 – A New View

I actually went to Yellowstone this year.  I had not really planned on it earlier  (since Alan had a car, he drove himself this time), but my sister expressed a desire to go and so our first big road trip together was born.   It was just the two of us, and we headed out on Saturday, September 15^th.  In all of the trips that I made with Alan, I always got near Yellowstone, but since the park was not yet open, I never went in the park when he was with me.  Another difference with this trip was that I didn’t blog as I went (for a variety of reasons, one of which was that internet at the locations in which we stayed was either very slow or non-existent).  Since I can’t remember where some of my pictures were even taken, the posts from this adventure will be done by subject matter instead of chronologically.

When we first arrived in the Old Faithful area, we stopped at this building and called Alan to tell him that we were there:

There was just one problem – we were at “the general store(?)” while he was actually at this building (the Old Faithful Inn):

He walked down the little trail to meet us, and after some hugging and more hugging we all decided to go see the Old Faithful Inn (he works in the gift shop that is located inside the building).  We wanted to see this historic hotel, and I got that good-looking guy to strike a little pose for me as we entered:

Looking around the lobby, it sure is a substantial building!

We had already assumed that without reservations there would be no way that we could stay there, but believe it or not we were able to secure a room for just that one night.  When we looked out our window, we could see the people gathering to wait for the Old Faithful geyser to make its appearance:

It was so fun to get to just sit and watch Old Faithful right outside our window!

Alan was working the next day, so my sister and I decided to do a little souvenir shopping in his store.  Here’s what it looks like when you first walk in (I ended up snagging some of the bear pajamas for my mother):

I couldn’t resist getting a picture of him in action…

…Although I get the feeling he really didn’t want me to….

Since we were only able to secure a room at Old Faithful for one night, my sister and I drove to the town of West Yellowstone, and I’m pretty sure we got the last room in town.  We returned to Old Faithful to meet Alan for dinner, and I finally got to see where he lives!  The dorms are tucked away, hidden from the view of Yellowstone visitors, and I’m pretty sure that I drove right by it without ever even knowing.  Alan says that he was lucky to get one of the nicest dorms this year:

When we entered, we knew that we were going to have to behave ourselves:

Here’s the view looking down the hall:

Here’s a picture of Alan’s roommate’s side of the room (Alan’s was not quite as presentable):

There are a couple of these shelving units so that they have a little storage:

Mandy had send a little care package for Alan, and although he liked the gloves and Jolly Rancher candies that she sent, his favorite thing of all was a little album filled with pictures of his number one girl, Paisley:

Alan was off work the next day, so he was able to meet us for some more shopping, eating, and walking in West Yellowstone:

It was so, so sad when the time came for me to leave him, but I must say that it was exciting and quite comforting to finally have the chance to see for myself just how happy he is, and just how much Yellowstone is home for him.  Yes, the view in Yellowstone is wonderful…

Alan at Yellowstone

“What ever happened to Alan?” some of you who know us may be wondering.  It has been awhile since I’ve focused on him, so this little entry will get everyone updated.

As you know, Alan returned to work his second season at Yellowstone National Park.  While last year was “okay”, it really was just “okay”.  This year, I have been informed by Alan that he is having the time of his life.  A large part of this is due to the fact that he really has the hang of everything now, plus there is a certain status that is afforded the Yellowstone “sophomores” that just isn’t held by their “freshmen”.  On top of everything else, he got a promotion from being a sales clerk at the Old Faithful Inn Gift Shop to someone who does more with inventory, etc., and I am very proud of him!  The only down side of all of this good news is that the first year he was gone I received a LOT of phone calls, but this year I only hear from him now and then.  However, he’s busy working and having fun, and I can’t be too sad about that.  Therefore, I am left with downloading pictures from his Facebook page and telling as much as I know about them.  I had wanted Alan to write a blog (“Alan at Yellowstone”); however, the internet there apparently is mind-numbingly slow, and uploading a picture here and there is all that Alan feels like messing with.  I guess I will do my best to include him on our family blog.  So here goes:

There are quite a few activities for the workers, both company sponsored and non-company sponsored.  I’m not really sure what this picture is about:

I am amazed at how many pictures there are on his FB page with Alan and all kinds of girls!  For a guy who used to be a wallflower, he sure has a lot of girls around him!  Here is one of the few pictures that his mother feels comfortable showing (I think this may be “Toni” – she’s the girl who introduced Alan to camping and she actually chops wood for the Inn at times – what a woman!  Too bad she already has a boyfriend!  I was also intrigued by how much they seem to resemble one another):

Alan has been artistic ever since he was old enough to hold a pencil.  His bosses at the gift shop have called on him regularly to decorate the store windows.  Here is one of the windows from the 4^th of July weekend:

It appears the theme for that week had something to do with the 1970’s because he had several pictures of workers dressed in 70’s garb:

The gift shop itself seems quite cozy and quaint.  (I sure wish I worked there!):

Alan has applied to stay during the winter season, but since the number of available spots is much more limited during the winter, he has not yet heard if he will be staying.  He and a couple of friends have actually discussed getting an apartment together and getting jobs in Bozeman and just staying there.  His mother is waiting anxiously to hear!

Yellowstone Bound!

My son is about to begin the adventure of a lifetime. He recently landed a job at Yellowstone National Park for the upcoming tourist season, and we are all so excited! I must confess that while I am thrilled for him, I'm just a little bit jealous, too. I originally found the job when I was dreaming of mountains and places with seasons, and wanting to be there myself.

I had looked to see if there were seasonal jobs at Yellowstone, and sure enough, there they were! Working in the gift shop appealed to me, and I practiced saying, "Welcome to Yellowstone! May I help you?" as I walked around the house doing chores. But alas, with 3 dogs and a squirrel, the chances of me greeting you at Yellowstone any time soon are slim to none. But Alan is single and free, and when he heard me talking about my "dream" job one day he announced, "I'd like to do that."

"You're kidding," I replied.

"No," he said. "It sounds like fun, and it would give me the chance to go somewhere and do something different."

So he applied and guess which job he landed? That's right! He'll be working in the gift shop at Old Faithful! It's really neat for someone his age because he will be able to live in a dorm setting and there is a cafeteria for the employees with 3(?) squares a day. His room and board fees (about $12 a day) will be deducted from his pay check ,so no one has to worry about running out of money for rent. There are organized activities for the employees during their off-duty time, but I think just living at Yellowstone is enough!

The time is nearing for him to leave, and I will be taking him up there. Road trip! Even though the park may not be open for me, just being in that part of the country is exciting. So if you are tired of the same boring entries for our family blog, just hold tight! There are beautiful pictures and fun stories coming.!

Alan will be documenting his personal adventures on his new blog, Alan at Yellowstone. I can't wait to see what happens!