General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBye bye, DU.
I'm headed out west, first to Spearfish Canyon, then Devil's Tower, then four days camping in Yellowstone National Park! The park opens Friday and we'll be there! Then two days in the Grand Tetons. Woo Hoo!!!!
I'll post pics when I return.
Love you all (yes, even Hillary supporters!).
marmar
(77,199 posts)OwlinAZ
(410 posts)laserhaas
(7,805 posts)One of my true, Blue, friends saying bye...
My heart sunk and I barked a big HELL NO - Say it Ain't so - totally out loud.
And now I must forgive
I'm too old a fart, to have such a nerve wreck, first thing in the morn.
Enjoy yourself, whilst I plans me's revenge.
2naSalit
(87,547 posts)I hope you have reservations for Yellowstone! It's already crazy here.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)Fully half of all Yellowstone visitors go in July and August. Most of the remainder in June and September.
Yeah, I've had reservations for months already.
2naSalit
(87,547 posts)It's not like it has ever been before. All expectation from years past have flown out the window just like any expectation that the drumpf would never get as far as he has in the election cycle. In 2014 the vsitor count was 3.6million visitors, 2015 4.2million... this year probably gonna hit 5 million. The infrastructure can barely handle what happened last year and even the Superintendent admitted that "We are in crisis mode with the numbers we are seeing." And changing any policy that would be effective will take at least two years to implement due to the need for public comment periods and all the due process involved in changing a public policy.
I've been here for over a decade and been a ranger up till this year... it's a madhouse from day one, the park has been open since 4/15 the campgrounds and lodgings open Friday and most were already booked for this by August last year unless there are cancellations. I refuse to work there ever again until there is a cap on how many people can enter/day. We're anticipating 5 million visitors this year, I'm even bailing out of the area and shopping for new digs away from here... and this has been my life for a long time. Most of the local businesses are selling to three entities, half of them sold in the past 6 months. The entities are Delaware North (a huge corporation); Panama Papers-rich Chinese (all transactions cash in fist-a tell-tale sign); and Mitt Romney and friends/extended family. I know all these sellers so I am not just blowing steam.
I do hope you have a wonderful trip, just anticipate lots of traffic delays throughout the park and things you never ever want to see going on inside a national treasure like this.
And have a safe journey... and I sincerely do hope you beat most of the crowds but they have learned to show up on day one and keep coming until closing in November.
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)We wrapped a bottle of wine in a wet cloth and set it in a tree near the campground, it was really good that night under the stars.
I'm glad I got to see that.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,080 posts)Our family came out by train to Glacier and then south to Yellowstone. An old friend, John Kerr was one of the 'wolf rangers' then and took us out one magical morning to see the critters roaming wild.
We remember so vividly him advising us to go further then most. The popular sites were so crowded like you said, but he counseled us to go 100 yards beyond the parking lots and the big attractions and you'll be nearly alone. He was right. Once we got out and away the quiet beauty of the land suffused our senses and renewed our gratitude for all the wise people that worked originally to reserved these wonders as public land. And we certainly were thankful for you folks working there in the present days.
Trip of a lifetime!
Cheers to you, 2naSalt, and all your compatriots!
2naSalit
(87,547 posts)and a fantastic ranger. I had a different "wildlife patrol" ranger for a mentor, it takes a special kind to handle the folks who don't care that they aren't supposed to try and pet the animals with tact and diplomacy when they curse at you and all that. Seems there's different type of visitor and they come in droves.
I am glad you have great memories of that trip and I do hope this year will be pleasant, I just want to warn you that it could be disappointing as it was for many who go regularly.
And thank you, there are many visitors who are truly wonderful people and I enjoyed many whom I met on the job.
Are you going to the northern part of the park for wolf watching?
FailureToCommunicate
(14,080 posts)a friend from his years at WGBH public television in Boston. Say hello from us if you see him. Tell him Sharon (with the wild earrings) says hello.
Again, thanks, and good luck in your next adventure.
2naSalit
(87,547 posts)I was thinking I was still conversing with SCUBA, my mistake.
Russian River was awesome last time I was there, used to have a big hippy-raggae party on the river every summer. been a while since I was there but it was so memorable I have never forgotten.
If I do see John I'll do that but the chances are slim, I have jumped to a different agency that will have me out away from the park, not willing to go there until things change, I don't even want to go in just for a short time. But I think he's in the Mammoth District so I might cross paths with him in my new job anyway since we're both the the public safety/education business. I won't be too far from the park at times, I'm just glad I won't have to go in the park to work. Last year it took over an hour to get from the west gate to the loop system every day. I had to use the LEO entrance many times to get around the gate just to get to my post... and break up at least one traffic jam on the way.
Anyway, have a great time in northern California!!
If I do see John, I'll surely pass the greeting along.
And to all who are traveling this season, have a safe and pleasant journey!!
FailureToCommunicate
(14,080 posts)2naSalit
(87,547 posts)I anticipate some traffic but I have no need to go into the park this year and that's why I am happy! All the roads I will be taking this summer lead away from the park. Addressing the needs of over 2000 individuals, most in pairs and singular people at a time, each week is just not my cup of tea. I'll be out communing with the animals and taking wild flower inventories in study areas instead, what I really enjoy even more... solitude at work!! And when I am doing public ed, It will be an entirely different setting. I may start a lecture service after this, I have one lecture at my alma mater next semester, if it goes well, I will be looking for any opportunities that may come in that line of work... one of my former professors invited me to do this one.
I plan on a great summer, hope everyone else gets to have one too!
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)can't wait to see the pics!
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(150,157 posts)I've been to Wyoming but not the other places, and Wyoming is incredible. I LOVED the Grand Tetons (be sure to find out what that means!).
Skittles
(153,720 posts)for making me think even for a brief moment you were on of those sorry people who just have to announce why they cannot take the online heat
ProfessorGAC
(65,951 posts)Then, you can schedule the asskicking.
TheCowsCameHome
(40,169 posts)Enjoy every second of your journey.
rurallib
(62,569 posts)have a good time
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)angrychair
(8,849 posts)Have fun and stay safe!
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)You are really getting away from "it all"!!! Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to the photos!
spanone
(136,165 posts)bettyellen
(47,209 posts)Have fun!
Squinch
(51,203 posts)Liberal_Dog
(11,075 posts)Have a great time!!
mountain grammy
(26,746 posts)Lead, the Black Hills, wonderful places.. Try to see the Crazy Horse Memorial. It's outstanding. I think Devil's Tower is mystical, and I don't even believe in that stuff, just something about that place. Been there twice and it's an experience. Have a great time!
DesertRat
(27,995 posts)I spent a week hiking in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons last September. It's so amazing!!
barbtries
(28,863 posts)i would really miss you but as it stands have a great trip!
GeorgeGist
(25,329 posts)FSogol
(45,678 posts)Equinox Moon
(6,344 posts)Take a deep breath of fresh air for us all!
Peregrine Took
(7,422 posts)Stay safe.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)That sounds incredible. Have fun!
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)Renew Deal
(81,948 posts)Jack Rabbit
(45,984 posts)We will be looking forward to the pictures when you return.
livetohike
(22,209 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)And stay safe!
Liberal Jesus Freak
(1,452 posts)Just got you back. Scared me to death
Agnosticsherbet
(11,619 posts)Love you to. (From a Hillary supporter.)
gelatinous cube
(50 posts)marble falls
(58,533 posts)Peacetrain
(22,952 posts)elmac
(4,642 posts)take your time, enjoy every minute.
Martin Eden
(12,919 posts)to stop and smell the roses, or bison flop (whichever you prefer).
Duppers
(28,148 posts)It's been over three decades since I was there and I really want to see it again. So, envy, envy.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)The Black Hills are so beautiful. What a wonderful time of year to visit.
And Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Wow. You are seeing it all. Have a blast!
Enjoy!
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)We all will look forward to the pics...my best.
a la izquierda
(11,808 posts)I don't post much, but I love your posts!
Have a great, safe trip!
Kingofalldems
(38,596 posts)Kip Humphrey
(4,753 posts)glinda
(14,807 posts)Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)Sounds like you're having a fun summer.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)orleans
(34,176 posts)Codeine
(25,586 posts)Awful place to live, but damned nice to visit.
hay rick
(7,755 posts)Good Bye "Civilized" World. Have fun.
Zorra
(27,670 posts)Just after the park opens and just before it closes are the best times to go there. It gets cold at night but there aren't many tourists there at these times.
We like to backpack the Winds and the Absarokas too. Wyoming is stunningly awesome.
Have fun, Scuba!
Dr Hobbitstein
(6,568 posts)hopemountain
(3,919 posts)to my 21st year - backpacking the tetons and all around yellowstone.... sigh..
have a wonderful awesome beautiful time!
passiveporcupine
(8,175 posts)Happy Trails!
Have fun.
zeemike
(18,998 posts)I have been to those places and they are wonderful.
Had an interesting experience at Devils Tower. I walked up to the overlook and as I got there a strong wind came up and everyone there headed for their cars. As soon as they were all gone the wind died down and left me all alone there...kind of spooky.
rbrnmw
(7,160 posts)be safe
AnotherDreamWeaver
(2,856 posts)appalachiablue
(41,399 posts)OnyxCollie
(9,958 posts)chknltl
(10,558 posts).... nor any other negativeness. Have fun, bring back happy tails and great photos.
Initech
(100,318 posts)Grown2Hate
(2,016 posts)sister_rosa_refried
(447 posts)Bring Sister back some fish!
FailureToCommunicate
(14,080 posts)-advice from a ranger when we visited Yellowstone a few years back.
Have a blast, post some photos when you come home.
(We'll keep up the witty repartee with Hillary supporters while you're away)
nilram
(2,899 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)senz
(11,945 posts)We'll see you when you get back. Have a safe trip!
DashOneBravo
(2,679 posts)Safe travels .
northernsouthern
(1,511 posts)...not reason to set off the caldera.
mahina
(17,902 posts)Glad to know you will return!
malokvale77
(4,879 posts)Cheese Sandwich
(9,086 posts)Have fun!
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)pretty heavenly to me...enjoy yourself to the hilt. Promise to stay in touch?
K&R
democrank
(11,121 posts)~PEACE~
Marty McGraw
(1,024 posts)and forgot to tell us.....
Can't say I blame ya!
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)What a spectacular part of the country.
Betty Karlson
(7,231 posts)Love you right back.
Silver_Witch
(1,820 posts)drray23
(7,659 posts)When I was a grad student at stanford university I would drive to yosemite with friends nearly every weekend during the season wheb it was open. We would camp and hike and climb. Some of the best days of my life.
Rex
(65,616 posts)until they read your post!
Have fun on your fishing trip!
Lunabell
(6,184 posts)Have a blast.
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)GreenEyedLefty
(2,073 posts)Devils Tower is one of the most spiritual places I have ever been. Amazing.
I loved Yellowstone too and the Tetons too. Enjoy!
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)and aim that camera a few times that way for us...
Have a wonderful and safe trip!
a kennedy
(30,047 posts)berni_mccoy
(23,018 posts)Thespian2
(2,741 posts)We are in Maryland today, and will be headed to Vermont tomorrow...plan to spend a few days crossing New England on the secondary roads...I don't know how to post pics...
Looking forward to seeing pics from your trip...
N_E_1 for Tennis
(9,921 posts)raccoon
(31,167 posts)CrispyQ
(36,727 posts)One of my best vacas was the Grand Tetons.
gademocrat7
(10,727 posts)Javaman
(62,595 posts)Have fun!
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)Nay
(12,051 posts)Tower is an absolutely spiritual experience.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)I know we frequently disagree; but, I would hate for you to bail.
Amimnoch
(4,558 posts)Hope to get some great tales when you return!