Packing up, heading out
Posted June 22nd, 2008 by Pat McManamon
Spent the past couple days packing up to take my daughters on vacation. The destination: Yellowstone. Now, I'm not a camper, or an outdoors type. Civilization has come too far, in my estimation, to go back to share space with bugs. That being said, we visited the Grand Canyon last year — stayed in a cabin — and had a great time. This year, it's me and two 12-year-olds heading to Yellowstone.
Didn't know much about the park except that it existed, but once I started talking to folks, the trip became more intriguing. For one, it's the home of Yogi Bear, the bear who loves pic-a-nic baskets. Also, friends who went last year said it's unlike anything they've ever seen. One said so much steam is coming out of the ground in the morning from a thermal underground that it looks the entire park is on fire. Another said we'll think we're on a different planet. An older gentleman I met at Washington said he worked in many different countries — Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America — and lived all over this country. The one trip he said he remembered most? When his grandmother took him to Yellowstone when he was 16.
So we're off to share space with geysers, buffalo, eagles, wolves, elk (did you know they have furry butts) and other different wildlife. They say the buffalo act like they own the place; this picture indicates that might be a true fact. We'll find out. We'll take pictures, and if there's a way to post any we might put a couple online here. Alas, though, no "Bean" in Yellowstone. Barring a buffalo attack or unhappy encounter with a bear — it does happen — we'll be gone until early July
Check back for wildlife photos or other interesting/goofy stuff — but the in-depth sports stuff will be put on hold for a bit. Until then, take care and … there you have it.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Several things … first, with respect to the e-mail, Pat, I'll get back to you in lengthy kind. Promise. I like to sit down and compose deep thoughts, short cursory e-mail responses aren't my style.
Second, if you knew anything about animals, nature and geography, then you'd know that Yogi Bear lives in Jellystone, not in Yellowstone. I think he had a couple of cousins who were killed by poachers in Yellowstone, but Yogi himself has never even been remotely close to the park. So get a grip and stop disseminating bad information and nonexistent facts to your kids.
Third, Yellowstone changed my life. Seriously. I even thought about selling the house, packing up and moving to Western Wyoming or to Montana after seeing it. Truly majestic, like nothing I've ever seen. For the past three years, I've daydreamed about that place almost every day. It makes all of Ohio look like the comparative toxic dump it is. I changed my mind about moving when I learned that the majority of people in Western Wyoming and Montana earn $9 to $10 an hour.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
pat, i am a montana resident living within an hour and a half of the park. i came here from cleveland in 1996 and fell in love with the place. i attended college at montana state, got married and raise my daughter in southwest montana. i worked in yellowstone for 3 years and my wife worked there for 7. you are going to love yellowstone. it is great. i do not miss ohio in the least. as alan says, most people are just getting by here. but getting by in montana makes my life better than making money in ohio ever did. feel free to e-mail me if you need any information or suggestions.